I went into this race with a goal of 1:35. My previous PR for a half-mary was 1:38, so I really wanted to beat that time, but I had no idea what the course elevation was like, just that it was 'rolling hills.'

There was no timing chip for this race, so I got right up to the start line with all the rest of the fast looking runners. When the gun went off, it was all downhill for the first mile, or so, and I ran a 6:35 mile and it felt super easy. The downhills slowed us all down, and at around mile 5, I realized I was averaging almost a 7min/mile. Since I felt great, I decided I'd stick with this pace and see what happened!

The rolling hills were a bit tougher than I expected, but it was a fun challenge. The downhills weren't quad shredders and the uphills were just long enough to leave you gasping for air at the top.

At about mile 8, there was a 2 mile out and back right next to each other, and as I was running out, all the speed demons were coming back. I got to see Heather Fuhr and Katya Meyers both kicking some ass, so that got me pumped. I picked up my speed a lot, trying to be like them, and I ended up passing a few guys ad 2 girls for good. I was feeling awesome, and my legs were just on the edge of fatigue, but I knew they had it in them to beat my goal. I started calculating my time and was thrilled to know that if everything held up, I could beat 1:35 with some room to spare!

The rest of the race just flew by. There was a light, misty rain that kept us all cool, and the course was gorgeous. Tons of huge houses, a lake and some horses to watch as we ran by. There was this HOT, shirtless guy about 20 yards ahead of me, and at one point, this woman with a megaphone thanked him for taking his shirt off for the rest of us. As I ran by her, I told her I was trying to catch him, and I got the whole crowd to laugh at that one ;). Like Bridget has said before, trying to catch a hottie in the race really keeps you motivated!

As we were approaching the last 2 miles, some woman shouted to me that I was top 10 female, and that was the coolest thing I'd heard so far! The last mile was a really rough uphill, so I glanced behind me a few times to make sure I wasn't about to get passed by some chic, and just let my legs do what they could. As I went through the finish line, the announcer said, "and another top 10 lady- and look at that smile- she looks so happy!" And I was- top 10 female with at least 2 pro triathletes- sweet!

What a great race! The course was a bit more challenging than I expected, but I really enjoyed it. I got some warm stew and waited around for the results. When they were finally posted, I saw I got first place for my age group and 9th overall for all of the women! Woo-hoo! Heather Fuhr won the whole thing- she is smokin'!

I stuck around and got some free beer and talked to a bunch of super nice people. This one woman wants me to race on a local women's running team, so I gave her my e-mail address and we'll see if anything comes of that. Overall, I had one of the best races of my young racing career and a great day, despite the rain. Next up- Boston!!

Nothing, so far. I hope someday I can win! :)

The rain really picked up after I finished, so I froze my butt off waiting for my award. Since the race was sponsored by the hash house harriers, there was a lot of free beer- and good stuff at that! I had some arrogant bastard ale to try and warm up, but that didn't work. Luckily, the top 3 in each age group won a sweatshirt, and the announcer instructed me to put mine on right away 'cause I looked so cold!


I guess I need to train even faster!


Very well run race with a lot of really awesome people helping out. The course it beautiful, and pretty hilly, but not a hard course. I highly recommend it, especially since it only costs $30!!