For whatever reason I decided to not 'race' this race but just enjoy being out there and able to be running and having fun with friends. I intended to run the whole way, just not hard. I just recently started feeling better on runs after a period of not doing much running, so today was just celebrate being able and being alive.

The snow was falling very steadily but not accumulating on the roads, just making them wet. I kept a steady, albeit slowish pace all the first uphill mile, weaving in and out of walkers, sometimes in groups 4-5 wide. This is always a frustration, but with self-seeding it's what happens. Anyway, I (shockingly) turned down both alternative beverage stops in the first mile, the mimosa stand and the beer stand, both put on by residents getting in fun and festiveness of the day.

Throughout there seemed to be more neighborhood support than usual, which was fun. I saw a man and his 2 dogs up on a balcony, the dogs peering over the railing with their paws up. There were groups of people just standing around drinking, watching the crazies running in the snow and cold.

On the first steep uphill my right knee began protesting my running-like motion, so I ended up walking just a bit until I got to the top when I resumed running. This section was into the wind and the snow was really whipping into our faces. Cruised the next section until the next steep uphill, which I was able to 'run' (read: not walk). From there it is truly downhill, gradual at first, so I let myself go but stayed comfortable, pushing more than I had previously. I passed a lot of people here and also turned down yet another alternative beverage stop (more beer).

Once I got to the steep downhill, I slowed 'er down; I didn't want to go azz over tin cups on the wet road, especially in front of all the spectators! After successfully descending, I made the turn onto the street that is again a gradual downhill to the finish (same hill we went up at the start). Passed some more folks here, but didn't turn it up the whole way, just kept moving steadily fast.

Here comes the finish mats, don't trip, don't slip! OK, whew! Success! Found LT talking to someone she knew, then we both headed back up the hill to watch for Cuda, then ran her in to the finish.

Edited to add: I forgot to mention the interesting cast of characters I spotted this year. Every year there are many people in costume, and this year the weather didn't keep folks from dressing up. The creepiest was a guy who made a vest and cowboy hat from Yuengling beer cases, but that wasn't the creepy part. The creepy part was he found 'jeggings' (jean leggings), I think they are referred as, to use as pants. It was minorly disturbing.

Of course there were a few folks dressed up as beer bottles, a guy in ski goggles, a woman running with a sled-type object strapped to her back and she had ski clothing on. There were a few Vikings and also a guy dressed in a stars and stripes tank top and short shorts and a headband, which was a bit crazy considering the low temps!

Push myself is the obvious answer, but as I stated that wasn't what I chose to do today.

Grabbed some snacks and water from the finish area, then headed to the car to change as we were rapidly getting chilled. It felt ridiculous to be putting heavy winter jackets on and heavy sweats, but they sure felt good and kept us from getting wet in the snow as we stood around drinking our beer. Hey, the best part about the weather is we didn't need to worry about warm beer! Plus the lines were shorter so we didn't have to wait long, either.

I think the cap for this race is 3500, and there were only about 2500 finishers, kept away by the weather, I'd imagine. Of course the bad weather meant less people wanted to stick around and partake of the street party, too, which is bad for the vendors. The food trucks/stands seemed to be doing an OK business, but not as good as usual.

Checked out the gift shop, newly moved into the renovated creamery building across the street and used our 20% off coupons that were in our virtual goodie bag. Attempted to cash in two more beer tix some ladies had given us, but they wrapped up the beer gardens early since less folks were around to enjoy them.

Headed back to Vito's for some warm, yummy meals! Bonus: we met Vito and Cuda made a new friend, a guy who is attempting to run a marathon in every state east of the Mississippi.


I can't really say anything limited my ability except for my own decision not to 'race' the race. I know my abilities were below what I was at last year, so I chose to just enjoy the day. I was a touch over 4 minutes slower than last year, and that's OK. Next year is another year, and we'll be back, I hope!


This is always a very fun race and Yuengling makes a strong effort to draw in more vendors and entertainment for the post-race street party which is usually hopping, but this year dulled and cut short by the weather.