Wow. I have never run that hard in my life. Paced hubby for a bit - but we got separated, and then I couldn't keep up. Caught him just before the first bridge to find out the pace. 8:06. No wonder I was having trouble. I didn't catch him again, but did follow him about 50 feet back for quite a while.

Last year, my race pace had my HR in the 150s to 160s. I learned during this race that I can run 6 miles at very nearly max (for me max is 182 I think.) I would have never thought it.

This year, we started at the front and got passed the whole time. We did pass some people, but mostly, we were passed. Last year, we started pretty much at the total back, and passed everyone. It is a whole different feeling. Not sure what is better. I was definitely pushed to run faster than ever, but ego-wise, listening to people chat as they pass me is totally annoying. LOL!!

Last year, I ran this race on my own in 54:48,an 8:49 pace, so I'm pretty happy to be able to cut 3:17 off my time. How cool is that?!?

Wear less. My tights were a bit too warm. (Sure were nice while waiting though.) Check some warm clothes for at the end. We got food inside the brewery, but it was COLD and it's hard to drink beer when you're shivering.

Walk around the post race area. It was still about 37 or so - NOT warm.Wewaited in line for food, listened to the kettle and guitar band out front play the cantina song from Star Wars. Went in the brewery, wolfed a bratwurst, made a guy's day by giving him my beer ticket, and headed home for a HOT shower. Couldn't get hubby to run uphill to the car. He just wouldn't do it.

And no, I didn't stretch or anything.


A side stitch at one point. Tripping on god knows what and nearly face-planting somewhere else, and those dratted hills. Actually, I was all out. There was no 'faster'. Ten pounds from now we'll talk again.;)


This was a fun race. As usual, I wasn't hugely impressed with the food. They were very quick on getting it to us though - very well organized.