Ashland Railroad Run - Run

The packet pick up area was pretty shaded so I was cold enough to want my arm warmers. The first few miles were along Center St which is pretty open, full sun. I was managing to maintain about a 9:40 pace for them. Railroad track runs parallel to the road so it's a little disconcerting to be about 20 feet from a train as it passes by. Big median there, but a new experience for me.
I did pretty good picking people off and passing some, maintaining a steady effort for this section. I felt myself slow down as we zig zagged through the side street section for the 2 loops. Not a lot, but clearly not a negative split. Enjoyed the beautiful Victorian homes along the course--and a road aptly named Race Course Rd on the course made me giggle. Water stations were set up is two spots but with the out & back and then the 2 loop section there was plenty of opportunity to grab water. Ran through each of them and drank on the run.
The last little section was back on Center St which was again right out in the sun up a gentle grade.

Not much, never ran the course before. Signed up just 2 or 3 days ago so this was not an A race at all--more like a C race.

Walked around, found a couple of the other Megsmile Supporters to meet up.


Legs decided what pace they were going to give me and I had to accept it for what it was.
It was pretty warm in that first section and the final stretch. Well shaded in the lops through the neighborhood.


Good race, I would run it again.