Silver Falls Marathon

A trail marathon in one of the most beautiful state parks in the country (and the largest state park in Oregon), filled with waterfalls-- who could resist? Not us. Ann was at her computer at the moment registration opened, and got us both entry into the Silver Falls Marathon.


Ann running over one of many bridges
It was cold. It rained lightly it rained harder, it hailed, it hailed bigger, and we had a few odd sunny moments. I was a bit disappointed in the beginning with the road sections, and some of the course crossed meadows and strange areas to connect trails. But overall it was very well organized-- the part with the waterfalls was at the very end, when you need the inspiration/distraction most.

Stairs?! At least these are down...
The mud was unbelievable. I landed in one mud puddle up to my knee. And for the first time ever after a race, I was compelled to rinse off my shoes (in the laundry sink at home). My feet were so muddy that washing them in the shower didn't seem to help. I used a nail brush on my feet (another first), and there was still dirt in my toenail beds for the next three days. And the craziest evidence of mud? I had a blister from a few days before, and after this race, it was filled with DIRT. The mud somehow got through my skin. Now how does that happen?!

Running behind a waterfall
This race was a bit slower for us than we thought it would be, but the conditions were pretty bad, and I rolled my ankle on a chunky rock bit, which slowed us down a bit. Overall I enjoyed the race and I would do it again, but not next year.

Ann running behind another waterfall
Big props to my husband, who supported me to run this race even though it was on our wedding anniversary. Thank you, Erik-- I couldn't do it without you!

We're behind another waterfall!

Yet another waterfall

Ann and the fourth waterfall we ran behind

I have no idea why that Swoosh is on my eyebrow


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