Well, this race began like an obstacle race. THere was a huge Nor'easter on Friday that brought about 12-16 inches in northeast Mass., so I wasn't sure how the roads would be. The snow, however, was not the problem. Hight tide hit around 9:30am (the face was at 9am) and the waves were crashing up over the beach and onto the road. The storm had washed piles of sand up just past the start. They were supposed to move the start, but I don't think they were able to get approval. THere was about two feet of passage to round the corner after the start, otherwise you had to run through the ocean, basically. It was like a tri!

Once we got about a quarter mile away from the ocean, it was fine. We ran an out and back into the state reservation park, nice and flat. Felt good on the way out, but as soon as we hit the turn around, BAM! A hearty slap in the face from a northeast wind! (remember, nor'easter heading out to sea). That pushed against us most of the way home. As we approached the finish, we picked it up, hopping over puddles and mini sand dunes, for a good strong finish. Had to leave something in the tank though, because we were going to do another 4 miles or so as our HM training.

Not race at the beach in the winter? Not use a 5K race as part of a long run? Nah, I'd do both again, and probably will. This was all for fun (and a windbreaker, for finishing a series of 5 races)

was going to grab a water and banana before starting the second part of our run, but the line was crazy long, so we walked back to the car, got some water, picked up Becky's dog and headed out for another 4 miles or so.

THere was a karaoke contest after, which was still going on after we finished the 4 mile run. Pretty terrible singing. We were going to get our post race beer, too, since we obvsiously didn't get that after the 5K, but they ran out :( BUt, this was 40 minutes after we finished.


KNowing I had to run four miles after I crossed the finish line! And that dang wind!