When the starting gun sounded last weekend, I was only a few weeks healed from a badly twisted ankle. In last year's race I had turned the same ankle twice while running the Appalacian Trail portion of the course. Naturally, I was very concerned about falling on the leaf-covered rocks in the early morning hours and having to limp out to a painful DNF.

As cautious as I was, I ran the trail perfectly. I came out uninjured, in good spirits, and still about 10 minutes ahead of my target pace. I was smiling and talking to everyone that I saw on the course. Less than 5 miles into the toe path - no doubt the easiest section of the course where terrain is smooth and legs are still relatively fresh - I came across a group of young women walking in the other direction. As soon as I turned to wave and say hello, I kicked a root, did a complete somersault and almost would up back on my feet. I was more embarassed than injured, but did get to finish the rest of the race with dried blood from knee to shoe. Someone took a picture of me right before the finish. I was feeling the "thrill of victory," but probably looked more like the "agony of defeat."

What a great day. Thanks Reston Runners!