Am I an ultra runner at heart?

I think trail running has ruined my career as a road racer. When I first hit the trails in 2008, I felt like I was at home. I stopped worrying as much about pace or even distance. As long as I got some rocks and mud under my feet, I was happy. And when I volunteered at my first ultra event in 2009, I LOVED how awesome and respectful the organizers and competitors were. I was hooked on ultra running. Except for the pesky fact that to be a real ultra runner I news to get over the 42.2 KM hump. I've only squeaked out 23K. But I wear knee high wool socks in the middle of summer, mismatched gear and I leave my legs unshaven before a trail run to protect against scratches - that must count for something, right?

On the trails is where my heart is happiest. In our new home, there are miles of ATV and snowmobile trails begging to be explored. My training calendar for the Cayman Islands half marathon ordered a 19K long run. Instead of mapping out a route, I grabbed my dog, bear bells, hydration pack, a handful of gels and my phone and just started running. 2.5 hours later we came home covered in mud and burrs. I tried my best to map our meandering route on Daily Mile and came up with nearly 20K. And I would have run longer, but my boys were going fishing and I needed to get home for Gilly's nap time.

One day I'd love to take on a true ultra distance race, but in the meantime, I'm hopping that the ultra community doesn't mind me hiding in the wings, stalking race reports - hairy legs and wooly socks and all.