First half of the run was decent, but not spectacular. First 2.5 miles were uphill and into a strong headwind, but it was the same for everyone. Got to mile 4 and was feeling craptastical!! Legs felt heavy, wouldn't release, and just didn't know how I was going to keep pace - just wasn't comfortable. By the time I made the turn around 6 miles for the second loop, I was feeling a little better. Hit the aid station for some water, high fived Ethan and off I went for the second loop. Around mile 6.5, I small pothole about 4-5 inches in dia. filled with pea gravel decided to jump up and grab my left toe. It also just so happened to be a downhill stretch of road so................left toe clipped, was late coming back through my stride and clipped my right heal. Forward momemtum, downhill, and gravity took over...........enter BARREL ROLL! Dinged up the hand, shoulder and both legs, but a quick check revealed nothing broken or dislocated..........get up and run Ironman!!! About 2 minutes after the fall, I catch Bob and Lynn coming up beside me ringing cowbells. LOL I smiled and showed them my hand and just shrugged my shoulders. Onward and upward. They drove ahead and had a quick medical station set-up for me when I arrived. A quick stop for Bob to get a band-aid on and off I went. Met up with them again at the turn to backside of loop - Bob was waiting with cold water and a rag for my hand. Quick rinse and grab the towel and around the corner into the stiff headwind again! Thanks Bob and Lynn............you guys never cease to AMAZE me!! It was about now that I realized I had had a PR going at halfway and the tumble may have cost me that. I felt the pain, but was blocking it the best I could but saw that my splits were dropping. UGH! About Mile 10 I realized..........damn, legs feel great. I prolly look like hell..........but I got a mad bounce going on right now!! Let's see what you got left forrest!! 5k to go........I was through the rollers/hills. Started to pick the pace up and set my sites on a gal that had passed me very early on in the race. I picked off 2 or 3 runners and kept my eye on the pink clad gal. I see the Maroon clad crew up ahead at the turn back in Delavan. Pick up the pace slightly more.........wow, still gas in the tank - I likey. Turn the corner and Bob points out my pink clad friend - within reach. A quick fist pump and I go after her. Got that spot in the next .25 miles and set my sights on the next one. Didn't quite get to her before the finish, but was on her heals. Cross the mat.............immediately, the pain sets in - hand is throbbing...........but man I feel good. 2:01:58 - no PR, but I knew I had one going and only a couple minutes off with a fall, rollers, and a fierce headwind. I'll be back to Delavan next year - but I know I got a half mary PR in me........we'll see how 2011 goes. Maybe, jus maybe!

NOT CRASH RUNNING!

Chatted with Bob, Lynn, nick and Ethan for a few minutes, then headed home.


THE CRASH!!


Well run for a small town event and small field of participants. Course was spot on with regards to mileage. Well marked also.