I almost stepped on Mothra

I received the race manual for the Indian/Celina Challenge that I am running on the 12th.  I love these smaller races.  This is a race that prides itself "on being nearly sponsor-free."  [All quotes herein lifted from the manual.]  I can expect a shirt and one or two other doo-dads, but not a bag full of crap most of which I'll end up throwing away.  There will be no bibs or chips.  Our numbers will be written on our hands or arms at the starting line, and volunteers will keep track of us at aid stations to make sure everyone stays honest.  Awesome.

The Challenge has a full marathon, a half mary, and an eight miler.  I'm doing the eight miler.  Given my limited experience with trail running, that's as much as I feel comfortable doing. 

The starting time for all three races is 6:30 AM.  We eight-milers will follow the marathoners for the first four miles before splitting off.  I should expect the course to be up and down, up and down, with creek crossings and big rocks on the trail.  We are warned, "DO NOT EXPECT TO SET A PERSONAL BEST!!  The course is difficult and your overall time will reflect this." 

After the race, they will be grilling burgers and hot dogs for us.  Honestly, I think this sounds as fun as a bucket of puppies.  I cannot wait to see what this race is going to be like.  It sounds wild.

Today, I ran 2.5 easy miles around my neighborhood in Vibrams.  I took it slow and enjoyed the fog, the half moon, and the cool temperature.  I saw 1,000 rabbits and one butterfly as big as my hand.  I'm not joking.  It was 4-5 inches across, brown, with big spots like eyes on the bottom wings.  I'd try to identify it but that sounds boring.  I'll just call it Mothra.  I saw Mothra on my run.  No Mothra fairies, though.