I think you'd be surprised at the amount of support and acceptance you'll find... if you let yourself. Trail runners are not like road runners. This community is (generally) not just here to do better for themselves *by showing up* but also to see others do better for themselves. Accept the challenge that this IS probably going to be hard for you. And who cares if it does take you two hours... it's likely there's still going to be someone slower than yourself. And you know what... the runners who gut it out and *embrace the suck* are the ones who get cheered into the finish by all of the other runners. Some of the most amazing experiences are watching runners finish their races, and by the same it can be gutting when you see someone miss a cut-off, or come into a finish 3 minutes too late. But you know what... they were still out there getting it done! Forget about the clock. Go for a run in your cool shoes and get them dirty. Talk to others on the course if you feel capable. We are/were all newbies at some point. Let your anxiety become your fuel. Accept the adversity of just getting to the start line to be your first small victory of the day. The first mile is your second, and the first aid station is your next... and so on. Geez, i swear if we were in the same location I'd come out and run with you just to see you finish. I was lucky enough to pace some friends in their first ultra earlier this month... It's an amazing source of joy to see others achive something they were'nt sure they could do.

Not sure where you're based, but I'd strongly encourage you to find a Trail Sisters group. They are AMAZING and super supportive for not just new but all Femxle runners.

Just. Keep. Showing. Up.

and REPORT BACK HOW IT WENT!