Lost in the Woods

There was a moment during yesterday's trail race when I found myself completely alone, in the middle of the snowy woods, short of breath and ankles screaming. It was a little over halfway through the 10 miles and a distinct low-point of panic at not seeing a soul around me, wondering if I was still on the right trail, and second guessing the decision to even run this race only days after getting over the flu.

And then, Lost in the World came over my one, covert earbud. It was like Kanye and Justin themselves had literally breathed the life back into me. That one song, a most recent addition to the playlist, summoned the strength and energy that my negative thoughts had all but obscured. This was exactly the reason I had ignored the headphone ban.

I know it sounds trite, but I am a strong believer in soundtracking one's life. The right playlist can be not only life-changing, but life-making. I listen to music in my car, in my office, while I do housework, during dinner..... Music is not just background for me, it defines my mood and is absolutely critical when I am running.

Now, I do understand the safety implications of headphones - especially for a single-file trail race. You do need to be able to hear those around you who may be attempting to pass, or as in yesterday's case, slipping and falling on the ice and snow. My answer: turn the volume down a bit and wear only one earbud (hiding it discretely in your shirt whenever approaching a water station). I responded to every "on the left" and was able to react considerately when I heard the runner behind me fall.

I know I've opined about headphone bans before, but never before have I had a moment as crystalline as the one described above, upon which to pin my convictions.

As to the rest of the race - looking back on it, it's hard to believe they even held it. Even without winter precipitation, trail races are considered fairly dangerous. But with packed and refrozen snow covering about 70% of the trail, this year's run was downright hazardous. I really don't know how I avoided busting my ass. I saw several others do so, and it had to have been the slowest running of this particular race because everyone was forced to walk the scarier portions.

I did pretty well for my expectations - exactly 2 hrs. Slipping, tripping, 30 degree temp. and lingering flu symptoms aside, I had a pretty good time. But it will likely have to serve as my one and only distance trail running experience; I think I'll stick to road races from now on. I know my ankles will thank me.