This was a really tough race and I wasn't much feeling it today. Some days you have runs where everything goes smoothly and you feel great. Some days you have runs where you struggle the whole time to get through. Today was much more of a struggle for me. What's important is that I finished and got in my training for Wednesday and Saturday at the same time. :)

This was a tough run, but it was a pretty course. Through the University of Richmond course and surrounding streets. I really enjoyed running through the course and the trail section. The leaves were on the ground and it was sunny. So, even though it was a struggle, I tried to enjoy it as much as I could.

Miles 1 and 2 were ok. I walked a chunk of the trail up and down because I didn't want to twist my ankle. Walked almost all of mile 3. I was really struggling there. I was amused by the family that was tailgating the race at the end of their driveway with a fire pit and cheering. They were fantastic. I actually felt a bit better when I got to mile 4 and headed back into the University. There was a huge hill going in to the out and back near the end of mile 4. Walked up most of it, but then ran most of the rest of the run (a little before mile 5). There was one giant uphill at the end of the course. There was a family cheering with cowbells. It was great! Almost like the people camping on the TdF hills. I ran part of the way up that, but couldn't keep up my momentum with all the cars on the road trying to leave the race. Got out-kicked a bit at the end by a girl I had just passed. So happy to see the finish!

More hill workouts!!

Walked to food table, had an orange and glass of water. The orange was cold, so it was especially delicious. Then, walked back to car and chatted with a few other runners. Drove over to Starbucks where there were several runners getting coffee. We deserved it!!


Hills, hills, and more hills!