This was my first attempt at running 10 miles. I was sure I could run 10K then might have to walk the rest. At the start, my running partner, Goldilocks,  pulled me so hard I stayed in the exalted company of the real runners for about the first mile. After that, it was a good jog with occasional pit stops and 25-foot lizard chases (the length of our tether).

At the 6-mile rest stop, Goldilocks dropped down and drank and drank and drank. I figured we'd walk the rest of the way. Goldilocks wouldn't have it. She was dancing down the road -a slow dance, but still, "Come on, Mom, if you want to get somewhere, you have to keep picking them up and putting them down!" I managed a slow jog to match hers.

When we came into Inyokern, a Rhodesian Ridgeback got out of his yard and, looking more intent than friendly, came up. I yelled at him, he broke off, and we picked up the pace as much as we could. Then we hit the turn, and you want to look strong heading for the finish line. Mitch did an excellent job of praising Goldilocks for her running. I was too tired to move. Thank you, Mitch. I put the T-shirt on Goldilocks, and she wore it proudly as she made friends with as many of the other runners as possible.

The race starts at the Millpond Recreation Area (4,425') just west of Bishop.  It goes around the Tungsten Hills and by Mt. Tom and Mt. Humphreys.  The 50-mile course does a 6-mile loop and the Edison Loop up to 9,500', goes by Bishop Creek Lodge, and then returns to Millpond.  The race has over 7,800' of elevation gain; more than half the course is above 7,000'.