D.N.S.

What’s worse than DNFing? How about DNSing? Did Not Finish (DNF) a race is one thing; at least you tried. Did Not Start (DNS) is worse; you didn’t even make it to the starting line. Well that is what happened to me recently when I decided not to run the R.O.X. 50K in Vado, NM. If you read my last post, you will remember that I was whining about some lower ab/groin pain. Apparently I strained some abdominal muscles causing pain to flare up when I run long. 

Nevertheless, I still ran 36 miles with the condition and then 20 miles several weeks later. I’ve since scaled back my mileage though and decided that it would be better if I didn’t race last weekend. I suppose DNS could also stand for Did Nothing Stupid. At least the R.O.X (Rusk Overlook Cross Country) run was an inexpensive close to home race unlike the Bandera 100K I’m registered for in January. 

I’m trying to get better quickly so I can salvage this race in the Cowboy Capital of the World (that’s right; THE WORLD), Bandera, TX near San Antonio. They also have a 50K and 25K option and the cutoff time is 24 hours for the 100K so I still hope to eke out some mileage even in my condition. At any rate, I’m looking forward to returning to the Texas Hill Country where I spent five years of my life.

Earlier this month I was graced by the presence of my big brother Tom who came all the way from Virginia to pay me and my family a visit.  Of course we had to show him the crown jewel of El Paso so we went on a hike in the Franklin Mountains State Park. Since we were limited on time, we showed him the Aztec Caves which are a short, but steep climb from the trailhead. Maddie enjoyed riding on Cara’s back and commented that she was, “snug as a bug in a rug” which made the rest of jealous because the wind was chilling us to the bone. 

Speaking of cold, we had our first snow (if you can call it that) the other day. Wind and cold have been the theme this week, but I made it out for a few five mile runs with my dogs. The gusts almost knocked me over a few times, but I managed to stay upright. 

Look at that cold front approaching!

Scanning the area for something to eat.

Fortunately for us South Westerners, the nasty weather has moved east and we are experiencing a warming trend. With that, I’ll be heading to the BR Ranch for a little Turkey Trot and R&R with the family. Happy Thanksgiving! 

See you on the trail.