A Lunar Eclipse to start the day |
The MARA Chili run is a road race held on the eight mile
paved loop at Wyco. It’s been held there for years. A decade ago, Trail Nerd
founder Ben Holmes and a couple running buddies held an unofficial chili run at
the same time on the 10.35 mile Psycho Wyco trail (absolutely OFF-pavement) and
a tradition was born. Ten years later the Alternate Chili runners nearly
outnumber the “roadies”. It’s not a race but a run with multiple pace groups.
It’s kind of become a preview or “a taste” of the Psycho for anyone
contemplating entering February’s Psycho Wyco 50k. There’s also usually a bunch
of first time trail runners ready to be converted. Overall, it’s a great time on the trails with
great company and no pressure to push a very fast pace (I was going to say a “relaxed”
run, but there is no relaxing on this course…ever).
Now…it’s time to pick it up!
So far my plans for 2012 start with Coleen’s Frozen Ass run
in January. I ran this last year as my first 50-mile run and am planning on
getting 50-miles again this year. The Psycho Wyco Run Toto Run 50k is in February
(toughest 50k in the mid-west!). I’ll be
shooting for my 6th consecutive finish there. Then there’s the
Pi-river rotation ½-marathon in March followed by the Free State 100k in April.
I’d also like to do the Hawk 50-miler this year depending on how fast I recover
from Free State. And I can’t forget about the Psycho Psummer 50k, either.
See you out on the Trails!
Kickin it pre-race. Somebody told Dick I looked like Geoff Roes.... Clearly they hadnt seen me run... I actually look more like Danny DeVito |