Race Recap. This year, I posted a DNF (Did Not Finish) and while a DNF hurts, this one is still hurting weeks later as I write this. Somewhere around mile 6(?), I planted my foot, the rock shifted, and I took a hard fall on my chest and face.

As I kept moving along the course toward the aid station, I noticed I was bleeding from my chin. A little further along and I noticed I couldn’t breathe deeply either - meaning, I wasn’t able to run.

I figured it was a cracked rib and basically had two options: (1) call it quits, catch a ride back, and wait several hours for my friend, Handsome Klatzke to finish, or (2) take a shorter route at a slower pace while making sure I hit the third aid station at Yamacraw Bridge to resupply.

I pulled up the area map in my mind (I’ve hiked here plenty) and remembered a shorter route going back Sheltowee and then over to Kentucky Trail. I figured I’d save at least 8 miles and finish at about my planned time.

So, I officially dropped at the aid station, declined a ride, picked up some antibiotic ointment, and texted Gary and my family with the alternate route plan.

Then I opted to document the Markers Arch Out and Back for the website since the trailhead was just across the street.

After taking a good rest at the arch, I retraced my steps back down Negro Creek Trail (can we get a new name, please?), onto Sheltowee Trace, and then to the Yamacraw Bridge Aid Station where I resupplied with fluids and some snacks just ahead of the course sweepers.

I continued across the bridge on Sheltowee Trace and eventually came to the split with Kentucky Trail. Thing is that Kentucky Trail is now closed and Sheltowee Trace was rerouted as well.

I didn’t have a good picture of the difference in miles in my mind, and info online wasn’t great with some differing accounts. I walked a little ways on Sheltowee before deciding to head back to the route that I know and have traveled.

Though the Kentucky Trail was closed, following the trail was pretty easy since it was a relatively wide trail and well traveled for years. The dirt was still firmly packed and though leaf litter covered its entirety, the trail still sticks out like a sore thumb.

I reached the finish line at about the same time I expected with Handsome Klatzke there, beer in hand. We walked down to the shelter and enjoyed some sweet nectar from Jarfly Brewing and a little conversation.

After that, we grabbed a bus ride to the truck, and I drove us back to camp - last one to cross the finish has to drive…that’s the rule.

After a visit to urgent care and x-rays, I had a puncture wound on my chin and got some antibiotics after an aggressive cleaning. And, bruised ribs, heart, and possibly lungs. I’m three weeks out as I write this and still not 100%, but definitely better week by week.

Should I have gotten that CT scan the doc recommended? Maybe.

Oh, and while finishers got a nice medal, I have a blood stained hand towel hanging with my other race medals:-)

Modified Route Data
Route Type | Point to Point
Total Distance | 22+ miles
Elevation Gain | 2,311 feet
Overall Difficulty | Easy

Trails Traversed In Order
Lick Creek Trail
Sheltowee Trace
Negro Creek Trail
Yahoo Arch Trail
Markers Arch Trail
Yahoo Arch Trail
Negro Creek Trail
Sheltowee Trace
Kentucky Trail
Sheltowee Trace
Blue Heron Bridge