Trail Nerds

If you're into twisted ankles and feeling like you're in hot pursuit, then trail running is probably for you.  When I signed up to try the trail run, I didn't know what to expect, but I was up for trying something new.  It was the Trail Nerds intro to trail running, only 2.8 miles.  I thought that it couldn't be too bad, for that short of a distance.  I had been running regularly anyway and thought I was up for the challenge.  Plus, it was at Wyandotte County Lake Park, which I had been meaning to check out anyway.

When I showed up for the event, I was really scared that I would be the last runner.  There were around 200 people and they looked like serious runners - tall, thin, lean and wearing very little clothing.  I started towards the very back of the starting line, and waited to take off, I was glad I started at the back as it was a quick start.  Soon we were walking though, as we headed into the trail and had to filter down to a single file line.  It was fun at the start, racing through the woods, a nice slow pace because of all the people jamming together. 

When it opened up into a clearing, we were able to spread out a bit more and pass people that were slowing the group down.  There had been lots of uphill challenges on the way to the clearing midpoint, so I was looking forward to a downward route on the way back.  Unfortunately, we went back a different route with more hillers at steeper inclines.  It was difficult to continue at a few points and I'm surprised that more people didn't twist ankles or fall in a few places.  I was glad to finish and check out the rest of the park once the race was over.  Wyco lake park was surprisingly nice.

If you ever get a chance I recommend checking it out!  Not very crowded and worth the drive.

I haven't posted in a while because I've been busy with travel, work, life, etc., but my resolution for the summer is to update all of my travel and adventures.  There are many!  China, Armenia, Republic of Georgia, NYC, amongst others.  I want to do them justice and write about upcoming travel as well.  There are many places planned.  But for a short post, I'll just show a quick picture or two from a recent adventure.

A friend and I went to the X-Factor live auditions.  I've never seen the show, and never thought I would like something like this, but when a friend couldn't make it and offered the tickets I didn't pass it up.  The auditions were at the Sprint Center in Kansas City and with the tickets we only had to wait about 15 minutes for some great seats.

Frank Nicotero was the host and started the night by going through the rules for what we were supposed to do - applaud if something was good, boo if we didn't like a show, disagree with the judges, and he made us practice again and again so the cameras could pick up our actions.  Of course the main draw for the evening was the new judge...Brittney Spears.

I wanted to like her, I really did, but she made it hard.  She didn't have anything intelligent or witty to say and she never acknowledged the fans.  Demi Lovato though was very likable and kind to the fans that had showed up just to see her.  It was fun and I'm looking forward to watching the KC auditions in the fall and see a few of my favorite auditions, like the white teenage preppy rapper and outgoing country group with the funny leading lady.  It was worth checking out one time, especially since it was free. 

Remember, adventure is easy to find - trying out a tag line :)