I started at the Culp Creek Trailhead at 7:57 am. I chose this as a one-way because of the net downhill, although the trail mostly feels flat the whole time. I didn't have any race nutrition with me, but I had a chocolate chip cookie and a bagel, so the cookie was breakfast and the bagel was my nutrition for the run (cookie in hand in the photo of me at Culp Creek). I had also forgotten to bring the hose for my water bladder, but I had a 16oz bottle, so I made that work. The forecast called for rain but there was none, just fog that burned away to clear blue skies. The day went relatively smoothly; I snacked on bites of the bagel and slowly sipped my water as I ran over bridges, through mossy woods, and by Dorena Lake. The lake is quite empty right now but green and yellow grasses are growing densely on what would normally be the lake bottom. I learned from one of the informational signs along the trail that the town of Dorena was moved in order to build the dam and fill the lake. Part of me wished that I could backtrack and go looking for the remains of the town. I ran easy and stopped a lot to take photos. The trail is paved and is quite enjoyable, allowing you to truly enjoy the views.