I had a very even run. I ran with a big sloppy grin on my face the entire time. It just felt good to be alive. The only downside was that my stupid iPod crashed three times. I need something to stabalize the poor thing a little better. I finally just carried it the last mile and a half and it was happy as a clam. It usually is a little better than that.

Started out slow and didn't try to push myself at all. I just got into a nice rhythm and took time to enjoy the beauty around me and listen to my body.

Take a stopwatch so I could improve my speed a little better. I usually run a 8.5 to 9 minute mile, but I was so concerned with going too fast I went a little too slow. I'm not disappointed with my time, though. Running on the treadmill and running outside are very different.

Grabbed water and stretched. Cheered on other runners as they came in. Walked around. I was not winded or overly tired when I finished. In fact, I felt like I could go a couple more miles. I definitely hit a "runner's high" today.


Not knowing my pace.


I will definitely do this race again, but next time I'll come out and run the course a few times first. I was a little concerned with running on a trail so that probably impacted my time too. Race was very well organized and a lot of fun. People were HUGELY supportive of each other. Food was healthy and plentiful with a lot less "junk" than I've seen at other races (Great Harvest Bread was a contributer). The free tulips were a wonderful touch. Racers felt celebrated, regardless of their time.