This was a lot of fun. We're not used to running up and down hills, so the elevation was the greatest challenge. Despite that, I think we both ran really well. We did a great job of following the course markers and keeping our footing on the rocks, logs and roots. I have very little experience trail running, but I'm a fan already.

If I could have convinced myself not to walk toward the end when I reached the final hilly area, that would have been ideal, but I didn't know it was the last bit. If I had that kind of familiarity with the course it might have been different, but we've only hiked Mountain Lakes Preserve once before with the dog, so I knew the end was getting close, but I wasn't aware just how close it was.

Walked/stood around and enjoyed the lovely (if cold) morning. Jogged back to the car after the awards. (I got an award, too, for the first time ever!)


Hills. I had to walk even very late in the race when I was well warmed up when hills appeared. Our normal runs are pretty flat, so that was a challenge.


This was a very nice small race. Well-organized and low key.