Mile 0 – Mile 7.2: Yahoo Falls Aid Station
The loose mass of runners narrowed and poured onto the slightly-descending Lick Creek trail.
I felt good, fast, and strong as I bounded along at a brisk eight minutes-per-mile-pace. Everything was so new; the types of foliage, the exposed roots and rocks on the path, even the clean and earthy scent of the forest filling my lungs was novel.
I soon reached a rocky precipice with a steep metal stairway that led down into a deep and lush holler. Massive ferns spread their fronds, tightening the trail down to singletrack. Walled in on either side by 40 foot, moss-covered bluffs, the place had a Forest-Moon-of-Endor vibe.
The previous day’s rainfall left the trail tacky, the rocks slick, and Lick Creek boisterous and chilly as the course entered its third water crossing. There was zero hope of keeping my feet clean and dry, so I embraced the cool, clear water for what it was, knowing there would be many more crossings ahead.
All Prayers Get Answered
After three miles of thoroughly enjoying the ups-and-downs of the trail, my fellow runners, the beautiful scenery, and, candidly, mentally trying to avoid thinking about my right knee, that unmistakable pain began burning on the outside of my knee again.
‘DEAR GOD. NOT THIS. PLEASE DON’T LET THIS INJURY COME BACK.’
It was a silent prayer that would be answered with a decisive, yet implied “No.”
I’ve gutted through some pretty tough things in life. The loss of close family members. Difficult training runs building up to Yamacraw. One time I paid money to see a musical. All of them challenging, and surviving them so dependent on the mental attitude I chose. For this doozy, I opted for the a devil-may-care outlook and quipped to myself:
‘Only 30 more miles to go.’
Running On Misplaced Optimism
Maybe the pain would go away. The most I could do was monitor it and focus on the other factors I needed to remain on the course: nutrition, hydration, pace, and avoiding further injury. My pace slowed for the remainder of this section, but quickened when I heard the cheering at Aid Station One at the transition from Negro Creek Trail to the Yahoo Arch Trail.
It was such a moral boost to see Andy and Jake at the first station. The optimist in me decided not to tell them about my knee. I didn’t want them to worry about my ability to finish, and I was still holding out hope that the pain might subside. I grabbed a cup of peanut M&Ms and a PB&J sandwich from the aid station and pressed on trying to run without favoring my right leg.
Ready to find out what happens on the next section of the Yamacraw 50K and my quest to become an ultra runner? Hop over to Part V: A Real Kentucky Waterfall!
Need to catch up on the previous chapter? Head back and read Part III: Ultra Ready or Not!
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