I started out strong on the run and felt good until about two minutes in when I turned right and saw a HUGE hill that we had to run up. I decided I could make up a lot of time if I sprinted up the hill and took it easy going down the hill the second time. I passed about 25 people heading up the hill and left my running partner in the dust (not totally).

We weaved through a neighborhood and back onto a path through the woods. I followed a pretty quick girl for most of the first mile. I timed myself at 7:15, which I was a little disappointed at because I wanted to go out in 7:00. I picked up the tempo the second mile as we weaved through the forested path. I kept passing kids from my school who had obviously burned themselves out on the first 1.5 miles. They cheered me on as I passed by.

At mile 2 I timed myself at about 15:30 so I was very happy with my second mile and figured if I kept from cramping I would be able to finish under my goal time of 24:00. The only aid station was at the second mile. The cups of water were small and I decided to run through the station even though I usually don’t. The cup slipped out of my hand and I didn’t feel like getting any water so I pushed on without the water.

We left the neighborhood about 2.3 miles in and headed down that huge hill I sprinted up earlier. I felt good so I figured I would sprint down the hill. About halfway down my running partner caught up to me after almost 2 miles. He ended up finishing 5 seconds ahead of me. With less than a half mile left my mom and dog were there to cheer me on and that was a good boost that took me to the finish.

I always sprint to the finish regardless of the amount of energy I have left and this time I passed two people on the sprint to move up to 44th overall. I was very happy with my end time of approx. 23:13. I felt like I was going to puke initially, but I shoved a pretzel and a banana down my throat and I ended up feeling fine.


Better nutrition - but it didn't haunt me whatsoever.

Talked to a couple teahcers that ran the race and headed home at about 10:00.


The weather most likely.


The race is for a great cause after the tragic death of one of our student-athletes. Really great community event and a nice race a week after a triathlon to keep active. The results have not been posted yet, but there's the link to the site. http://brandonsrun.com/