We totally lucked out: a near tropic but breezy 33 degrees as I headed to the race yesterday.
There was a 10k and a 4-miler, both inaugural events.
Despite having to proclaim my status ie: taken, single and looking, jilted etc. There was no indication on the bibs or anywhere–yes i was looking.
Heart filled boxers and sparkly tutus abound. I’ve never run in costume. I’m not saying I never will, but today was no exception. I wore my pink top and hearty skirt though so I was a little bit festive.
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| Excuse the grumpy face. It was the sun glare, I swear. |
Mile 1: Felt like I was going out nice and easy.
Mile 2: Ugh hills! Hills into the wind. Sheesh where’s the mile marker already? My Garmin read 1.8 so I guess there are none. Garmin is jacked up and stats are rotating around so the screen looks different every time I glance at it. Two can play that game–So I don’t look anymore.
My legs feel like concrete. A chick in a sparkly ‘fit and fabulous’ tee inches past. I curse under my breath. Oh and look! The course is open to traffic–and here comes a bunch. We all hug the snow-packed curb.
Mile 3: Water station consists of 4 people huddled around an orange Gatorade jug and a measley Tupperware candy bowl. I don’t stop.
Mile 4: The 4-mile runners intersect here and we’re running toward each other for a bit.
I finally start feeling stronger and fall into a rhythm.
Mile 5: Still feeling good and picking off boa clad Cupids left and right. Fit and Fabulous girl finally eats my dust. So does a dude in a fabulous tutu with matching knee-highs and light-up hair, among others.
Mile 6: Before I know it, we’re directed into the school parking lot for the finish. There are virtually no spectators and no music/sound system so it came as a surprise.
Finish Time: 49:17
Overall pace: 7:57
I am happy with that, given the hills and the wind. Hell at this point, I’d be happy with that on a flat course!
Pros
Nice swag: we got a sweatshirt and fleece hat.
Races went off on time.
Yummy coconut water at the end.
Cons
No mile markers or clocks
Poor signage–Directions were spray-painted in the snow
Not enough course marshalls–I think I need to volunteer next year rather than run
No spectators
Crappy water station
Nasty velcro, around-the-ankle chips
