We started out in "downtown" Helen and ran 3 miles to the base of the mountain. You could see it as you turned the corner and I knew this was the beginning of a very long uphill road. I had a pretty good pace for the first 3 miles as they were up hill but not up a mountain. After the first water stop we started the first of 2 two mile completely uphill (literally) climbs. Not doing this race before I had no idea what to expect or when a little break would come, either in the way of a flat section or downhill. I started thinking this was it...there were no downhills from here to the finish. Well I was wrong, but not by much. The second 2 mile climb was steeper than the first and by this time your legs were definitely feeling the burn. I have to admit I did stop and walk on this section of the race. It's a weird feeling to walk during a race and not feel bad about it. Looking back now, I wish I would have held on for a little while longer but I'll be back next year with new goals and new expectations. Around mile 9 the hills (on the mountain) got a little smaller and there were a couple flat sections and I could see the end. Literally through the trees you could look up and see the finish, well the cars that were parked at the finish. One last push up the final hill and I was done.

Not give in to my mind telling me to walk.

10.2 mile drive back down the mountain. Thanks Jeannie for taking us back to the car. And then a walk to get some food and beer.


Did I mention the mountain we ran up? The course and my head were the only 2 things that keept me from running faster.