On Saturday June 4th I ran my first race ever! The XWarrior Challenge 50km Ultra Race in Drumheller.

{Because why start with a half marathon or something sane? They are all on pavement in the city anyway, and I don't run on pavement if I can help it.}

According to the official results, I placed 45/104 overall (44th probably), and 10th female (9th probably since one persons 4th lap time is obviously wrong, and based on their other times I would have beat them).

{This is mainly because all the all star runners I know didn't attend this race, but who cares I'll take it.}

This race was mainly a flagged route on deer trails and off trail on private land. Along beside the highway and up coulees and onto the rim. The route was really interesting and unique. Though I could have done without running the one section back and forth twice. I was similar to some of my runs two years ago in the area (in Midlands, Horsethief, and Horseshoe) so I was prepared for the terrain. Any serious obstacles like cactus or sink holes were clearly marked by a cluster of red flags.

I know I've mentioned this before, but I'll I'm going to say it one last time: Only a year and a half ago I started running. After years of thinking it was a silly sport which was hard on your knees (I was so wrong, its hard on your shins). So I'm pretty proud of how far I've come. Though since I had an excellent fitness base to begin with, it honestly hasn't been that hard. The hardest part was just to start - get out there and decide one day: yes I'm going to be a runner. Heath was right, trail running is the progression of the mountain disease.