After seven months of not leaving my county, I headed several counties away to Pace Bend Park last weekend to help with the Mellow Trail Race, sponsored by Tejas Trails. It was pretty much how things have been in the past, with a few exceptions: face masks were required, no food at aid stations and runners had to take off their own ankle timing chip and pick up their finisher's medal from a table.

But in many ways, it was just like old times: meeting up with longtime friends, making new friends and watching runners accomplish their goals -- some against some odds.

In the end, it was a great experience. I get to do it again the weekend after next at another race.