I aked Brendon if I could run with him. He was doing it as a training run. I figured his training pace would be my racing pace and I would hang on as long as I could. When I looked at the map online I didn't think the course was going to be too bad...cuz my memory of the area was oh so crystal clear, HA. I also thought we were going to be running along the bike path on Lake Mendota, but nope, we had to climb Observatory. Whew, that was tough, but we didn't stop. Next big climb was Gorham. That was just a long gradual climb, but a climb none the less. Once that was done it was relatively flat....and HOT. The run along Lake Monona was a scorcher. At the time, I thought that was worse than the hills. Once we got off the path and crossed to the Bay side we were treated with shade and lots of nice people with hoses and sprinklers. Ahhhhhh. Took advantage of each and every one. I felt like I just came off the swim portion of a tri once we hit W. Washington. And there it was, the capitol. Just run to the capitol and you are done. Oh, but wait, we have to climb another hill to get there. This loooonnnnnggggg gradual hill seemed to take forever. I kept looking at my watch and was determined to break two hours. I could reach the top by then. Oh, but wait again, you have to hang a right when you get to the top, run up another incline and take a left to finally find the finish. I am typing this a week later and I am still tired just thinking about it. Finished just under the two hour mark and was thrilled to be done. My pre race plan was a 1:55 with 1:50 being a golden plus. With the heat and humidity that wasn't going to happen. Thanks to Brendon for keeping me going though. It was a tough day.

Not much else I could do. Heat and humidity changed everyone's plans. I am happy with my effort.

Walked and drank lots of water...and chocolate milk...yum. Went to the last inlcine of the race to cheer on fellow runners and wait for friends.


HEAT.


I understand that it was hotter than blazes out there, but I had to wait at a couple of water stations for fluid. Other than that, well run. I liked the new course EXCEPT the finish up hill...for about a mile. That sucked.