Was a great day out, though the heavens opened with thunder and a bit of lightning just as I got there and did not stop until we were done (of course). I was just happy to be there after having dealt with some health issues earlier in the week. But they were gone today. I already knew this would be tough from the Orientation 20k loop we did a few weeks back. The rain today turned the trails to squelchy soup, and I realized my trail shoes were great for up and down hills, but had no traction left to right for banked hills. And so I face planted, not once but twice. That’s why my pants are more muddy than average trail use. 
I also now know what the mud there tastes like
With so many hills and mud in the rain, I just kind of said ‘whatever’, let’s roll with it and it was a lot of fun. I wound up walking many of the big hills again, and the scenery was just beautiful. The foliage was green and full of life. There was also a raging river in the middle somewhere. At the end I was so wiped I just collapsed next to a tent and did not get my medal until I realized 20 min later in the banana lineup! 😁. Met a couple of the Ninja runners there too which was great. They are seasoned trail runners and much faster than me. My avg pace was 7:03 and finish time was 2:56 for 25k; two minutes shorter than my Around the Bay 30k race. Those hills were challenging!
Mud glorious mud! Widnes Chris Lam 5 mile trail race. 
