The first mile was TORTURE! I was cold, it was cold and my body wasn't too happy to be running. But even at that, I completed the first mile in 10:28, which isn't bad for me. After that, the blood was flowing and I felt pretty good. I found a big, tall blond in a bright green shirt to pace off of and kept on her feet until the first water station where she stopped to walk. I was BUMMED becase she was setting a great pace and was making it easy for me. After, I paced off a girl in a pink Nike top.

I took a couple super-short walking breaks, but only on the flats. I ran up all of the hills. I checked my watch at mile 4 and it said 42 minutes. My goal was to finish in under an hour...and it was then that I knew I was going to easily hit my goal. It was a good feeling.

When I came around the last corner, my BT/Greyhound friends were waiting at the finish line and cheering me on. Super nice of them. It was very cool.

I felt like I needed the short walking breaks, but I didn't. I need to get tougher mentally. And I really should start warming up before races. Starting cold (especially when it's FREEZING out) isn't smart.

Stretched the legs, had some water and a few snacks and then watched my BT friends collect their awards!


I need to properly warm up before races.


Fun race, great venue and lots of volunteers. And tons of great snacks after.