I ran Moo a month ago so had NO expectations with this run. I've done very little between IM and this event, but most runs felt really good. I didn't plan to do this race at all and signed up at 6pm the night before the race. Plan B: Finish, Plan A: Sub 4:00, nothing in between.

I started out running with my IM buddy David K. He's a MUCH better runner so I knew there was a bit of risk in hanging with him. I nudged ahead of him early on and he'd catch me at the water stops. I used him as a gauge as I figured if I could stay in his vicinity he'd pull me to a sub 4.

About mi 8 I left David and took a bit of a risk. As I left him he said, "see you at mile 18!". I figured I'd do my typical MO and run a decent 18-20 miles, crash and burn and stumble to a 3 fifty something. Today I'd be happy with that so I figured what the heck! I chatted with a few folks, including a gal that said that due to her AG requirements she could qualify for Boston if she walked. I also ran with a 50 stater who was loggin his 150th and a nice couple from Mpls who were doing their first. It was odd the number of folks that had run Twin Cities marathon the Sunday prior. What animals they are.

The trail run was very pretty. Waterstops were well manned. I stuck with part of my IM stategy and downed electrolytes and gel at every 2nd stop and Gatorade/water at each stop.

My plan was to keep my splits sub 9 for as long as possible and hold on to the end. Every water stop after mi 18 I looked back for my buddy David, but he was nowhere to be seen. Didn't see Sal either, so I figured he ran out in front of me somewhere. I managed to stick to the plan till mi 20 where pace went over 9:00 and to 23 where I was really slowing down. I followed a few people that had a kick to the finish.

Not alot. Perhaps hydrate more and do more electrolytes. I really had no expectations and accomplished my A goal.

Everything from the waist down was hurting. My feet, knees, hips and all the muscles between. Got a bit naseous and sat in the shade.


Running IM a month prior and not having much of a run base. Longest run of the year was 16 miles.


This is a pretty laid back event. Small number of participants. Nearly flat course and the weather always seems to cooperate. Looks like a good BQ venue and a good alternative to Twin Cities Marathon.