Started out OK, was able to run or at least 'run' the first series of hills. I didn't walk until the hill just after mile 3 that takes us up away from the canal path to the Blue Marsh trails.

I lost a bit of time and what seemed like about 30 places when I pulled over to stretch out my calves/shins around 1.5 or 2 miles. People just seemed to keep streaming by so I cut the stretching short.

Had to deal with a rather annoying guy who was running with his sig other, running with her at times, then dashing ahead only to run back to her. That part, while annoying, was tolerable compared to when he decided he needed to stay with her side by side on the narrow trail on the canal path. I ended up having to ask him to move so I could pass them. Naturally a few minutes later he went shooting ahead of her again. Sigh.

I enjoyed the views and the course, it is scenic most of the way with the remnants of the canal and one of the old locks (gates, etc. are still in place although rotting), the creek, and later the sweeping views while running in the Blue Marsh area. My pace really dropped in the rolling, sandy trails of this area but improved once we got back out onto paved roads.

It drizzled most of the run, starting light at the beginning but getting a bit heavier as time went on. Some areas were pretty muddy.

Although my training leading up to this was better than most years, it still wasn't anywhere near what it should've been, so run more. The typical lose weight (I am at pretty high number right now).

Walked through the finish area, found EFP, then we headed to the truck for dry, warm clothes. Changed in the truck, then headed in to see what the food/drink options were and also found Kaye and her crew. Had some sub-par soup and some sugar cookies, waited for the airline ticket drawing (we didn't win), checked the door prize sheet (we didn't win), then left after chatting with Kaye and friends since she didn't place (some of her friends did but I didn't really feel like hanging out). Her one friend with whom I am acquainted is bad azz - 81 years old and putting down very decent times. Of course she is the size of a 10 year old, very short and very thin which certainly helps but she also has heaps of talent and stick-to-it-tiveness.

I whined to EFP a little, asking him (mostly rhetorically) why I keep doing races when sometimes I feel like it's such a struggle and I'm so mediocre. I suppose it's better than just sitting around doing nothing.


See lack of training and weight.


I enjoy this race and the fun sweatshirt designs year after year. Nice course, good RD.