I've been interested in doing this run since 2011 but it's called the Hagg Lake mud run for a reason. Portland in February makes for some sloppy trails. No thanks. This year has been dry so I figured if I was ever going to do it, this was my chance. Registration closed Wednesday at midnight and I waited until just a couple hours prior to register, after checking the weather forecast throughout the week. The weather was perfect and the trail was decent. Two laps around the lake and the first wasn't too bad except for miles 14-16, known as the 'pig pen' because of the sloppy, muddy, mess that you ran through. I felt good one lap in and out in my ear buds after mile 19 or so. 2nd lap was noticeably muddier and just tore up single track from the other 200 runners. Still felt decent until 22, then just okay until about. Ike 28-29. Pretty tired, lightheaded and just wanted to be done. My lack of training caught up to me big time. I think I've only ran one 20 mile run since July of last year so needless to say, 31 miles was probably a bit much. Anyway, the final 2 miles were a struggle to say the least. Lots of walking in the mud and.....I didn't enjoy it. Finished the race and immediately ate the finish line food (2 cookies, a hot dog, 4 cups of Coke, and 2 more cookies. Immediately wanted to vomit. Fun times. Walked myself directly into the lake for an impromptu ice bath. Felt good on my legs and hopefully prevents soreness. Home by 2:00 for a much needed shower. Never say never, but i think I'm done with ultras. And marathons don't excite me at the moment. So what's a guy to do? Still want to run, but not sure what to do with it these days. By the way, aid stations in ultra ate the best. Just a selection of M&Ms, gummy bears, Fritos, pb&j, gu, water, Gatorade, coke, trail mix, etc. And the volunteers are so awesome. Love the trail running environment. | 