A Neophyte Tests the Dirty Waters

By Rachel Gattuso

Nervous is an understatement. I eye the huge mud pool in front of me, which marks the end of Boise’s third annual Dirty Dash, high above the city at Bogus Basin. But it’s not the mud that worries me.

This will be my first-ever organized run, and the five miles of alpine terrain that come before the victory dip are a terrifying prospect. Initially, the Dirty Dash sounded like a great way to get off the couch and into shape, prompting me to sign up with two friends. I’ve trained a little (a mile a day counts, right?), but the steep inclines and wooded territory here are intimidating.