This was an age-graded race, so they take some national average time for people in each age group and start them accordingly so every one essentially has an equal chance of winning. For example, the 70+ women went first, and my age group started 21 minutes after them. The last group to go is M 20-25, which start 30 minutes after the first group. In a nutshell, the nationally averaged 'slowest' people start first and it trickles down until the 'fastest' group. Very interesting concept. So the first place graded winner was a 44 y/o female, 2nd a 45 y/o male, 3rd a 64 y/o male, then a 65 y/o female. Cool stuff!

Loved the course! I liked that the course wasn't super technical overall and had just a nice amount of technical areas. Such a beautiful area. I especially liked the areas where there were many pines. There was one trail called Middle Road where we ran between huge, tall pines lining the trail on either side. Very cool!

I started out OK and even climbed the first hill without needing to walk. On either the second or third hill, I talked to another racer (who had lost 50 lbs and was running to stay in shape and keep the weight off) and ended up staying with her the rest of the race. This was both good and bad. At first I thought she was about my speed/ability, but as time went on, I realized I had the edge on her. But by that time, she had already said to me how much I was helping her run more than she would've if she were alone, how she doesn't really like being in the woods alone, etc., etc. So, I know I could've run more/run faster/had a better clock time if I hadn't stuck with her, but on the other hand, I think I did her a lot of good. And she was good company.

This was the longest run I had done in a looooong time mainly because of my Achilles issues, but thankfully I think my biking really helped my leg endurance and strength in spite of not having much run training in. And my ankle didn't really hurt while I was running, but boy it wasn't happy after I finished and started cooling down. Ice and anti-inflammatories are my friends!

1:59:57 total race time/graded time (184/187 finishers)
0:21:00 minutes added to my actual time to make the 'grade'
1:38:57 actual time (182/187 finishers)
Yeah, I know, those are very pathetic times.

Don't talk to people?!?!

Did some stretching. Grabbed one of the best post-race treats I've ever had: ICE POPS!! I had a blue one and then went back for a purple one. Heaven! The only thing that could've been better was ice cream.


Limited run training due to my Achilles and my choice to stay with the woman I was talking to.


The race rating would've been a 5 but I learned from one of my friends I was at the race with that a few volunteers packed up early and left, assuming the course was clear and it wasn't. Unfortunately, they left a crucial point in the trail that wasn't overly well-marked. My friend came back down the trail to look for me and ended up directing a few racers to make the turn where the volunteers left. I can't understand why they would leave before the sweeps come through, unless they were new and didn't understand. If my friend hadn't been there, I may very well have missed the turn as well.

I will definitely do this race again, but hopefully have more run training under my belt and I will not make friends, LOL!! :)