The path felt tight for a mile or two, but I knew things would open up later. By mile 2 I could feel my toes again! Runners around me were commenting about the same thing. Around mile 4 or 5 I started to get a bit over heated. I took my mitten shells off and stuffed them in my pocket. My regular gloves were more than enough for today. For the first time I actually checked to see where the fluid would be on the course. I took a gel just before mile 5, which is earlier than I usually do, and I think this was a good idea. At mile 8 I was running right behind a Yeti and cycling by me going the other way was the Hi Guy (http://higuy.com/). Very weird moment. I passed the Yeti, hit the turnaround and was thankful for the layers I had on. It wasn't too windy, but the headwind was enough to make me feel chilled. Took another gel just before mile 10. Around mile 11 marker I caught on to a group of women and hung on their pack the next mile. When they pulled to the side I knew I'd have to go the last mile alone and felt myself slowing down. I looked at my splits in the early parts of the race, but my the last few miles I wasn't looking. I peeked at my watch once the finish line was in sight and was bummed to see I wouldn't come in under 2:10. But I was happy to see Liz just before the finish.

Try to hang onto the pace I had in mile 12.

Grabbed my medal, cup of Gatorade, coconut water, mini Clif bar and Muscle Mile. Walked back to the finish area and chatted with Liz, who was spectating and waiting for a friend to finish.


Never really got into a groove.


Great race. I've been involved since the beginning. I've either volunteered or run it the 4 years it has been around.