Flirt with Dirt 10K

I was back in Michigan last week and figured I would play in the dirt for a bit before Father's Day. The Flirt with Dirt 10K is a nice trail run on primarily single track mountain bike trails in Novi, a suburb roughly halfway between Ann Arbor and Detroit. Figuring 10K would be a relaxing little run during a slow week, I was game.

The weather for the two days leading up to the run was overcast and filled with rain. On race morning, it looked as though rain was still the order of the day. Figuring the turnout would be low, I drove to the trail late and thought we would have a small group on an early start. Was I wrong! The locals came out in droves for both the 5 & 10K and it seems that the weather had us all fooled. Start for the 10k was delayed over 30 mins. while course adjustments were made. By the time the gun went off, the sun was out, humidity was rising, and we were all itching to get moving.

As for the course, over 3/4 of it was muddy and slick. Limbs were hanging low across the trail due to the rain and generally everyone was a mess of arms blocking and legs sliding. It was a blast!! At 6'5", I think I ran the entire race hunched over with my eyes on my feet to ensure I didn't get whacked in the nose or take a not-so-graceful tumble into oblivion (or Bolivia...if you're Mike Tyson). Runners were bunched tightly by pace and passing was really tough as everyone kept jumping sideways trying to keep balance. The course has some really tight switchbacks and inclines that proved to be a nice challenge. As usual, the runners were polite, friendly, and for the most part primarily out to have fun.

Director evaluation: Overall, the event was well run. Hydration and food were sufficient. Race photography was quality and inexpensive. On the down side: Chip timing was attempted due to a larger than expected registration, but that was an utter disaster. Too few chips and no prior notice to runners left it in disarray. Reported times were gun-based and many are suspect. This short coming was immediately acknowledged by the race director and pledged not to occur next year. My only other criticism would be concerning starter's announcements -- a single megaphone at the front of a narrow & deep crowd didn't work. Possible placement of speakers on the registration tent might alleviate this issue and allow everyone to hear.

Post-race, I discovered that poison ivy resides directly off trail. Purely my fault though, as I forget to apply Ivy Block. A few spots on my ankles, nothing major. Also, for some reason, I strangely blistered on the edge of the ball of my right foot.

Seeing no crease/fold on my sock, I can only assume the hot sport was created by too much movement in my shoe due to loose laces or excessive lateral movement which I normally don't experience. No big deal, but it was just weird.

No PR was set, but it was really a fun time. My parents were able to make it out for the finish which was a great added bonus, especially while my dad battles cancer. (Thanks Mom & Dad!) Nice to be home for the weekend, see friends & family, and still get on a trail. Thanks to the folks at Running Fit for another fun event.