I planned to use this race as a fun training run, since I'm running my first full marathon in 5 weeks. My goals were to have fun, not get injured, and hopefully beat last year's time. I thought I could beat last year's time without pushing much, because I have quite a bit more experience now and have gotten faster since then.

The first couple miles were great, then the hills started and my calves started getting really tight. Last year when this happened I had to walk a couple times, this year I was able to continue running through it... happy about that.

At mile 5 when I turned onto Boyscout road which runs along the back of the lake, I was happy the road wasn't as icey as I thought it might be. It had a thick slick snowpack, but not sheer ice atleast. I thought about putting my "get-a-grips" on, but didn't really want to stop so just went ahead without them. I probably should have taken the time to put them on. I felt pretty good, but was suprised how slow my splits were. I felt like I was working harder than that, but I haven't had much chance to run in snow this year. I've spent 99% of the Winter in Tri-cities Washington, on the flats with no snow. That made the snowy hills quite a challenge!

At mile 10, I thought I still had a chance to beat last year's time. Only 5k left and I thought I had it in me to run a 30 minute 5k. So, I picked up the pace... for about 200yds ;) I did pass a few people in those last few miles, but I just couldn't seem to pick up the pace on the snowpack. My calves and achilles had started killing me again, and all I could do is pray for pavement again. I knew I would get some when the course turned back down the highway and figured I could do a sprint to the finish.

Then, mile 13 happened. After the 12 mile marker there is a long gradual hill still on the snow pack and my calves/achilles were screaming. This hill just kept going until reaching a short steep section right before the highway. I was so happy to see the highway, but my legs didn't want to go anymore. It took everything I had just to get forward motion. Managed to continue running, well more of a shuffle, up the steep hill and then, finally, pavement! I thought now I can GO! My legs didn't agree.

Slow shuffle downhill on pavement, how pathetic is that. At the bottom of the hill as I crossed the road to go to the finish line I was finally able to open my stride a little, just in time to finish about 2 minutes after last year's time. Oh well, there's always next year. :)

Put on the "get-a-grips" and train in the snow and on hills more.

Walked around trying to get my calves to loosen up, but they still haven't 3 days later.


Lack of training on hills and snow. No taper before the race.


This is a bare bones local race, so there isn't much in the way of activities. There are only 2 aid staions on the course, but for only $10 registration fee you really can't complain. The Cheetah Herders, who organize this race, are a fun bunch of people and do a great job of putting this event together each year.