I got a bib for the 2018 TCS New York Marathon via lottery back in February. This is the world's biggest marathon in terms of participant numbers, so the logistics of putting this thing on must be insane. I had a good time at the Expo on Friday. Getting to the start on Staten Island was a breeze for this runner. Finally, it was time to run!

Training & Goals
Pre-race nerves are normal. "Trust your training" is the typical mantra. What if your training didn't go so well? What if you're injured? I had considered deferring until next year. I followed my doctor's advice on my Achilles tendonitis and felt I could complete the race. I modified my goals. #A time goal was sub-6 hours, with a #B goal of sub-6:30 and a #C goal of making a PR (beating my previous marathon time of 6:59:33). I carried a couple of customized pace bands with adjustments to accomodate the route and aggressive positive splits since I expected to lose speed as the race went on. My overall main goal was to have fun, take in the sights, and incur no further injury.

Race Day: November 4, 2018
It was finally time for the New York Marathon, which would be my 100th race! We could not have asked for better weather. It rained on Saturday. It rained on Monday. Sunday was a perfect day. Here's the last forecast I saw before going to bed the night before, along with a map of the course.

Time to run! The following breakdown is based on official timing mats -- my GPS was all wonky.

5K: 39:23 cumulative time (12:41 minute/mile 5K pace)
The first part of the race takes runners to the highest point of elevation: crossing the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge out of Staten Island (borough #1) into Brooklyn (borough #2). I was in the Green Wave, which started on the lower level of the bridge. Around mile three we were running alongside the Blue and Orange waves, both of which started on the top of the bridge. I was happy to have the less steep incline.

10K: 1:18:40 (12:31)
We ran along Fourth Avenue in Brooklyn. Crowd support was amazing for the entire race. I collected many high fives here and lots of cheers. I didn't take any photos until mile 5 or so. Around here I also saw my favorite sign of the race.

I warmed up a bit so I took off my hat and stuffed it in my pocket.

15K: 1:59:37 (13:21)
There were huge crowds around the bend when we turned from Fourth onto Lafayette Avenue in Brooklyn around mile eight. Arthur met me here for the first time. I got a quick hug and handed him my Dunkin Donuts hat.

20K: 2:46:32 (13:39)
More running in Brooklyn with amazing crowd support. I decided to make a quick toilet stop around mile 11.5 since the line wasn't long and I was going to have to go at some point.

While spectating, Arthur took some photos of a water stop. There were 24 on the course and they were all very long, with Gatorade and water available from countless volunteers. Piles of cups everywhere.

25K: 3:34:46 (17:51)
These last miles in Brooklyn brought us over the Pulaski Bridge into Queens (borough #3). Around here I started feeling tightness in my calves (likely due to lack of long training runs) and my Achilles started to hurt. I walked over the Queensboro Bridge and stopped to stretch a bit at the top. In all of the videos I watched of the race beforehand, I never saw anyone walking. Well, well, well -- everyone with me on the bridge was walking! I saw Arthur again at mile 18.

30K: 4:25:34 (16:11)
Our first bit of running through Manhattan (borough #4) brought us up the long incline of First Avenue. Here I was still hurting and mostly walking. The crowds along the route here were so fantastic, but each time I heard an encouraging cheer I felt emotional and even defeated. People saying I looked great and being encouraging when I felt so bad made me want to cry. This was the hardest part of the race. I was walking as fast as I could with a big lump in my throat.

35K: 5:18:32 (15:59)
Over the Willis Bridge and a quick couple of miles through The Bronx (borough #5!), over the Last Damn Bridge (Third Avenue Brdige), back into Manhattan for the final 5 miles on Fifth Avenue and into Central Park.

Still hurting but trying to add small bouts of running in with all the walking. I texted Arthur that I wasn't going to make either of my time goals. Sub 6 was already lost, and sub 6:30 was looking unlikely, too.

I suddenly noticed the blue line on the road here. I had totally forgotten about it!

40K: 6:07:37 (14:26)
I saw Arthur again for the last time at around mile 22.5 and stopped for a selfie. At least one of us looks like we're having fun, right? 

In Central Park, the sun had set and it was getting dark as I finally approached the finish line. I heard White-throated Sparrows singing their mournful song and it made me smile. In my race-induced feeble-mindedness I figured a sub 6:30 was actually possible if I could just add a little bit more running in the final miles. I tried to pick up the pace.

Around a bend I saw the second of two Cheer Card screens. Friends and family were able to make digital signs that would be displayed for runners as we passed by. I hadn't seen any for me when I passed the first screen a bit earlier in the race. But here I saw the one card that Arthur made for me, and I made the spectators around me go "AW" because I had such an emotional reaction. Hands up to face, OMG OMG, almost crying, laughing, etc etc. It's a picture of our cat Timmy from Christmas a few year ago, posing with a new toy. Arthur has this photo as his iPhone lock screen and I always giggle when I see it on his phone.

After the race I found out I got some other cheer cards, but I missed seeing them. They are at the bottom of this post. Thank you Mom & Dad, Diane, and unknown friend for sending these to me!

Finish 42.2K: 6:26:08 (12:10)
Arthur managed to see me again at mile 25.5 but I totally missed him! I guess I was focused on the finish?

A handshake and personal congratulations from retiring NYRR President Peter Ciaccia was a huge treat at the end of this epic race. 

I made my #B goal! With a finish time of 6:26:08, I had a PR of over 33 minutes! WOO HOO!

The 27th Mile
Getting out of such a big race is a long slog. After we got our medals, we runners recevied mylar blankets and recovery bags filled with snacks. Then a long slow walk to either bag check or poncho pickup. I was a poncho runner so my exit was a bit closer. Then it was another slog to the family reunion area where Arthur met me with my Oofos (had to get my shoes off!!). We walked the final 1 and a half miles back to the hotel, on a runner's high.

Recommendation
What can I say? This is an amazing race. Crowd support is incredible. From the Expo to poncho pickup, the organization was perfect. Everyone has to run New York at least once!

Chip time: 6:26:08 (33:25 PR)
Placement details: 2790th out of 2993 in my Age Group; 50188th out of 52697 overall finishers
Cost: $295 for the bib

Report written November 9, 2018

Following our visit to the New York Marathon Expo on Friday, we had a light day of sightseeing and took in a matinee of Chicago on Broadway the day before the big race.

Saturday night we were in bed by about 9PM. I wasn't expecting a great night of rest but I did drift off eventually. I woke up approximately every hour, looked at the clock, and fell back asleep.

Our alarms were set for 5:15AM. I woke up at 5:14AM.

I taped up my ankle with KT Tape. I typically apply it crooked and end up with wrinkles all over, but Sunday morning it was like I was a professional. It was a work of art. Good omen? I really should have taken a picture of it. Perfection!

I had a 7AM bus out of Manhattan. Since it was advised to arrive a half hour early, we left the hotel at about 6:15AM to walk to the bus stop. Along the way we saw an abandoned New Balance running shoe in the middle of the street. Bad omen?

I got in line for the bus. The huge line was always moving. Volunteers were directing everyone and wishing us all a great race. I got on my bus at 6:52AM and arrived at the start line area by 7:36AM. Super smooth and much faster than expected (we were told to allow 90 minutes!).

Bag check and security screening was fast and efficient too. I had heard that the start area might be muddy so I brought extra shoes to throw away, but I didn't need them. There was very little mud and a lot of hay laid down to cover it. The waiting area was mostly paved. I made my way to the Green Village (essentially the waiting area for Green Wave runners). I got my free pink and orange Dunkin Donuts fleece hat. I grabbed a complimentary bagel and a bottle of water and found a nice spot to sit and wait.

All around the villages there were a lot of informational signs with maps and timelines. Announcements were made in several languages about corrals opening and closing and bag check.

I was in Wave 4. We could hear the cannon go off for the other wave starts and see the runners heading over the bridge. When the corrals opened for Wave 3 I got up to use the portapotty (no lines!), doff my throw-away sweatpants, lube up my blister-prone foot, and change into my race shoes. I said thank you and goodbye to my old favorite running shoes and took one last photo of them in the bin. There were lots of blue Goodwill bins for donated clothing in the villages and on the way to the corrals, all stuffed full of sweatpants, ugly sweaters, hats, blankets, and other throw-away garments.

The village emptied out...

... and it was time to get into the corrals!

The 11AM start for Wave 4 was coming up! Our National Anthem singer for wave 4 ran with us. Next post: race report!

Back in February 2018 I entered the New York Marathon lottery, along with 105,183 other hopefuls. The day after my birthday I found out that I was among the lucky 14.9% to get in via the lottery. First reaction: OMG!

Training began on July 2nd. I was getting back into a running regimen following a fall in April during a trail race which left me with a broken rib. Training was just swell for the first couple of months. In early August I started experiencing some acute pain in my right Achilles. My podiatrist ordered rest along with other aids like wearing a night splint, regularly icing the afflicted area, wearing compression socks, and other forms of treatment to help heal. I was eventually given the go-ahead to run but continued to include a lot of rest in my plan and drastically reduced my weekly mileage. I cut back my longest runs from 18-20 to a max long run of just 16 miles on October 20th. I thought about deferring my New York Marathon entry to 2019 but eventually decided to give it my best shot in 2018.

Arthur and I flew into New York on Thursday, November 1st. We attended the Late Show taping that evening. Friday morning, it was Expo time!

Visiting the Expo is essential -- that's where runners pick up their race bibs, race-day bags, and participant t-shirts. Arthur and I lined up for the Expo about 30 minutes prior to opening time. Once we got inside, pickup for bib, bag, and t-shirt was smooth and easy.

Next it was time to check out official merchandise (I purchased a branded visor), find my name on the wall of runners, scope out all of the run-related vendors, pick up free swag and samples, and attend a course briefing. There were also a lot of photo ops at the Expo.

I left a simple note of encouragement and was so happy to get this note in exchange. Thank you, random stranger runner!

Here's a sampling of the swag I picked up, including the purple visor I purchased, plus official race shirt, bib, and informational literature.

After the fun of the Expo we headed out to explore more of New York. Race day was just hours away!

I ran the inaugural Enterprise Spooktacular 5K Costume Run on October 27th. The race was held in conjuction with the Old Enterprise Festival and Reunion. Enterprise is an historic community in Central Florida and the festival at the Enterprise Heritage Center celebrates the town's rich history.

Training & Goals
A week out from the New York Marathon, my only goal was to have a little speed session and not exacerbate my achy Achilles.

Race Day: October 27, 2018
I biked to this race that takes place very close to home in nearby Enterprise. A two mile ride in the dark got me to the race in about 10 minutes. The temperature was a wonderful cool 63°F at the star with about 77% humidity.

Mile 1: 10:49
This was a nice course that started out along our awesome mixed-use county trail.

Mile 2: 11:25
The run continued along residential roads and a nice piece along Lake Monroe.

Mile 3+: 11:16, :36*
The final mile took us through more village streets back to the finish at the Heritage Center.

After the Race
This was an extremely small race with just 33 registrants and 29 finishers. With my 33:54 gun time I managed to come in second place in my age group. I think the age groups were unusual, and that I was in a group of women aged 30-something to 50-something, but I'm not really sure. Anyway, I got a plaque. :)

Recommendation
The race directors talked about having a bigger turnout next year. I hope they continue with this race because it's a nice course and there aren't a ton of Halloween races locally. Even with the small field, there was enough course support in terms of marshals. Turns and directions were clearly marked with signs when there were no marshals or volunteers present. There was no water stop, which was surprising and a bit disappointing. I hope they will add one if they run the race again. With a bigger turnout this can be a really fun event. Tentatively recommended.

Gun time: 33:54
Placement details: 2nd in Age Group of unknown parameters; 13th out of 29 total finishers
Race Amenities: Cotton t-shirt, finisher medal, 2 festival beer tickets in goodie bag
Cost: $28.25

* This was a gun-timed race with chip at the finish mat only

Report written October 28, 2018

The Run & Walk for Success is a local charity race benefitting the local Boys and Girls Clubs of Volusia and Flagler Counties. West Volusia Runners had a small group in attendance.

Training & Goals
I've been building my mileage back up after an Achilles injury in August. I still have discomfort but it is greatly mitigated with various measures I've been taking since visiting the podiatrist. My endurance seems to have taken a big hit as well and I'm struggling to get back up to my regular albeit slow pace. No goal in mind for this race, what's new.

Race Day: September 29, 2018
The race took place at the LPGA International in Daytona Beach. I did day-of packet pickup with no issues. The race started late, at 8:30AM, with a temperature of 82°F, 89% humidity, and mostly sunny skies.

Mile 1: 11:28
The course was a simple out-and-back on residential and LPGA streets.

Mile 2: 11:45

Mile 3+: 12:10, 1:43

Recommendation
Runner's High puts on a good race. I would recommend this fast and flat course for locals.

Chip time: 37:02
Placement details: 9th in Age Group, 109th overall out of 324 finishers
Race Amenities: unisex tech t-shirt, finisher medal for all, plus a nice spread of beer, Krispy Kreme, sport drinks and other snacks provided, free race photos
Cost: $28.50

Report written October 8, 2018

Color photos (c) Almost There Photography

This was my third time running the Global Energy Race in Orlando. You can read my previous reviews: Orlando Global Energy Race 2016 Review and Orlando Global Energy Race 2017 Review.

In 2018 this global race took place in 34 cities across 23 countries.

Training & Goals
My training has been totally sidelined by an Achilles tendon injury I got in early August, when I felt acute pain after running. After lots of rest and a couple of visits to the podiatrist, I got cleared to run just a few days before the race. I had an okay run two days prior to race day. I had simple the goal to run/walk the entire race as best I could and concentrate on good recovery afterwards. I'm trying to build my mileage back up for a big race in early November in New York.

Race Day: September 23, 2018
The organization of this race continues to be impressive; I don't have much new to say that I didn't mention in my earlier reviews. Parking: easy. Race day packet pick-up: easy. Pre-race atmostphere and instructions: slick and professional.

It was about 79°F with clear skies and 84% humidity at the start of the race at 7:30AM.

Mile 1: 12:24
Since my injury, I've changed up my run:walk intervals to 2:1 and that seems to be working out okay. I set my watch to only show my run and walk times so I didn't get stressed about my pace.

Mile 2: 12:46
I could also mention that some recent weight gain has not helped my pace either. 
All things considered, I was pretty pleased with this pace.

Mile 3: 12:42

Mile 4: 12:42

Mile 5: 13:00

Mile 6+: 12:51, 3:28*

After the Race
I felt GREAT after the run, which was the most important aspect of this race for me right now. They had run out of bagels by the time I finished (womp womp) but there was still plenty of water, bananas, oranges, and other treats. I walked to my car to change out of my running shoes and into recovery sandals before heading back to the post-race area to claim my free grilled cheese (first time I have done this and YUM what a nice treat!) and take some pictures.

Recommendation
Same as always: highly recommended. Police presence was impressive; there were either cops or volunteers at every single road intersection, most with uniformed police and police cars. Plenty of water stop volunteers and course direction and start/finish volunteers. Great swag. You can't beat the price for repeat runners, either! The only thing I would wish for is race photos (preferably free). Otherwise, don't change a thing, race management!

Chip time: 1:19:51
Placement details: 275th out of 434 female 10K runners
Race Amenities: Tech t-shirt, running hat, drawstring backpack, arm sleeve, finisher medal for all
Cost: $0 (free entry for previous participants)

*My Garmin recorded 6.29 miles for this 6.2 mile race.

Report written September 23, 2018

You may have heard great things about Oofos sandals for recovery after running. These soft foam sandals are designed to help speed up recovery by reducing physical stress. I received a pair for Christmas last year and wore them after long runs or back-to-back run days but not very often otherwise. I could definitely tell they helped me recover but I only wore them for this purpose.

Last month I started experiencing aches and pains in my Achilles tendon, and I noticed that when I wore the Oofos, the pain and discomfort were reduced. My podiatrist confirmed that for someone like me, with high arches and a stressed Achilles tendon, foam recovery shoes like Oofos are perfect. The thick foam heel reduces stress on the tendons at the back of the leg and heel, the middle of the Oofos provide good arch support, and the flip-flop style allows for a natural foot motion when walking.

I decided to try out a competitor of Oofos, Telic, to see how they measure up against genuine Oofos. The standard Oofos flip-flops (OOriginal Sandal) usually retail for around $50, while Telics can go for as low as $25-$35 on Amazon, depending on size and color.

Here are some side-by-side images of the Oofos versus the Telics. The Oofos are size 43 (10 M / 12 W) and the Telics are XL (11 M / 12 W). Yes, I have big feet.

You can see that the Oofos have a more curved and natural foot shape, with a much wider toe box. The Telics have a much more defined ridge between the foot and toes. You can't tell from the photo but the Oofos have a lot more bounce to the foam, with a much more supple feel. The Telics feel harder and less forgiving. Since I have very wide feet and a bunion on my left foot, I need the width provided by the Oofos. Although the sizes are supposedly equivalet, the Telics are too small for my feet. Looking through the reviews on Amazon, other shoppers have experienced issues with confusing size changes from Telics, so be careful picking out a size if you decide to give them a try.

In this view you can see the foot shape difference again. The Telics appear to have a more rugged sole with deeper grooves between the blocks, though I have never had any traction issues when wearing Oofos both indoors and outside. In the far right picture, you can see that the heel foam is thicker on the Oofos. You can really feel this when you're wearing them. Along with the softer foam feel on Oofos, I believe the more expensive shoes warrant the fame and accolades. I would highly recommend Oofos recovery sandals for runners, especially for those who have high arches like me and who need extra heel support for injury recovery. I can't recommend the Telics.

Amazon shopping tip: I got my most recent pair of Oofos from Amazon Warehouse. They were like new but half price. Amazon Warehouse items are often just customer returns so the products are like new but no longer have their original packaging or sealed box, etc. Most of the time the same return policy applies for these items as for completely new items. You should check the terms per item you purchase, but all of the shoes and clothing I have purchased via Amazon Warehouse have had the same no-questions-asked return policy. The black Oofos you see above showed absolutely no sign of wear, soiling, or imperfections at all -- they were truly like new and a great bargain at half the regular price. Check out Amazon Warehouse periodically for running gear. You never know what you might discover!

Oofos shopping tip: When you shop for Oofos on their official website, Oofos.com, you'll find their latest products and best selection. In addition to their popular flip-flop sandals and clogs, Oofos now offers shoes and boots that you can't (yet) find on Amazon. In my experience, you'll also find a wider availability of sizes and colors.

The Team RWB Freedom 4 Mile Beach Run is a beach race sponsored by Halifax Health that benefits Team RWB, a military veteran support group.

Goals
Well, when I ran the 2017 Team RWB 4 Miler, I mentioned I wasn't a fan of off-road running. This is still true, but I signed up again anyway, apparently. In my defense, I really like racing, and races are hard to come by during the summer. And beach isn't the same as trail. Plus a lot of club-mates would be there. Plus the miles would count towards a summer challenge I am doing with the club. I had aimed to take the race easy, but the sand was very nicely packed down after recent rains, so I made a last-minute decision to race. I knew I wouldn't PR but I would run the best I could.

Race Day: July 1, 2018
Left early, arrived early, got my packet and waited a bit in the car in my sweet, sweet close by parking spot. Hung out with club mates and watched the sun rise over the ocean. It was about 73°F with 94% humidity and bright sunshine at the start of the race. Planes in formation flew over us and then it was time to run on the beach!

Mile 1: 10:41
There was just a bit of semi-loose sand going through the start/finish arch, and then we were on nice packed sand. I felt good. I was running with a pair of (Goodr running) sunglasses on for the first time and they fogged up pretty fast. That was a bummer. I stashed them in my pocket for the rest of the run.

Mile 2: 10:29
I ran my old race intervals, 4m30s:30s and sped-walked the 3 water stations. Pleased with my pace. I almost missed a photographer when I was looking down and hating my life during a walk interval. I looked up and cursed and started laughing and running. Nailed it!

Mile 3: 10:48
After the turnaround we were into the sun. I was glad I had my visor but dang I wish I could run with the sunglasses on.

Mile 4: 10:43
I tried to turn it up at the end. The soft sand through the finish line was a little bit tricky. I was really, really happy with my pace and official finish time of 42:36, 24 seconds faster than last year.

After the Race
Cold wet towels at the finish line, woo hoo! Water, bananas, and other treats were offered to runners as well. I took some water and cooled off with a towel and went back to watch the rest of the runners come in. Then I changed out of my shoes into flipflops and waded into the cool ocean. Aah.

Recommendation
The race was well-organized. The water stops at each mile were very well-staffed for this hot summertime beach race. It's a great cause. Recommended.

Chip time: 42:36
Placement details: 5th of 17 in Age Group, 113rd overall out of 253 finishers
Race Amenities: Tank top, finisher medal for all
Cost: $28.50

Report written July 4, 2018

Team and running photos (c) Almost There Photography

The Remarkable River Run is three race series that takes place in Port Orange, Florida. The first event is a 5K in March, followed by a 10K in June, and a 15K in September. I ran the 10K this year; I also ran the Remarkable River 10K in 2016. The racing series benefits the non-profit Building Remarkable Communities charity, a Volusia county group that works to eradicate domestic violence.

Training & Goals
I had been doing some practice runs with different pace groups during club runs with West Volusia Runners. I normally run intervals, running for four minutes and then walking for one. I had done 3-4 miles with the (approximately) 11:25 (minutes per mile), 12:00, and 12:55 groups. After running intervals for so long, it's tough for me to run straight through. Having pacers is awesome and I felt pretty proud after I completed each training run. Since I'm not in PR shape I thought I would try running this 6 mile race with a pace group. I joined the 12:55 pacers. This was to be the club team pacers' first race and they were excited and nervous. Besides the pacers, there was a big turnout from the club in general.

Race Day: June 10, 2018
With a 6:30AM start, I had to leave home early to make it to Port Orange in time. Parking was easy. My club friends collected and secured my bib and shirt in a safe spot so I didn't have to wait in line. When it was time to run, I got in line with my pace group. It was 72° with 100% humidity and sunny skies at start time.

Mile 1: 12:53
There were five of us at the start, I think. Three pacers (Candace and two others who were running a different pace than their usual, Diane and Mary), me, and another Amy. I think we picked up and dropped runners as the race went on but I'm not sure. The pace was spot on right from the beginning.

Mile 2: 12:51
Great pace! Feeling good. Happy to run with others.

Mile 3: 12:53
GPS watches aren't always 100% accurate or in sync with each other. Overall our pace was great throughout the run.

Mile 4: 13:01

Mile 5: 12:48

Mile 6+: 12:42, 2:17
For the last .2 or so I ran ahead of the pacers to the finish line. I was so happy to have run the six miles straight through!

After the Race
Well, the pacers all had tales of triumph and success. I think all of the pace groups were pleased with their performance and they all had at least one person in their group get a PR (the other Amy in our group got a Personal Record!).

Aunt Catfish provides runners with a filling breakfast buffet and other treats were on offer. A few stands from local businesses and races were on hand with freebies and info. Race DJ was there to entertain the crowd as well. Good stuff.

Recommendation
This is a well-run race series. The management company that handles the races has changed a couple of times in the last few years but it continues to run smoothly despite the changes. The course is a simple out-and-back along the Halifax River and through local neighborhoods. Course support and traffic control and safety were all top notch. Highly recommended. The progression of the series from 5K to 10K and 15K make a great supplement to a training plan for a fall half marathon like Lighthouse Loop, also in Port Orange.

Chip time: 1:19:16
Placement details: 10th of 18 in Age Group, 178th overall out of 246 finishers
Race Amenities: Cotton t-shirt, finisher medal for all
Cost: $39.50

Report written July 4, 2018

All photos except pace sign (c) Almost There Photography

The DBK 5K is sponsored by a local contracting company. The 2018 race was the 4th annual; I ran this one previously in 2016.

Training & Goals
I was finally starting to feel like my injury was behind me following my fall and suspected fractured/bruised rib(s) at Colt Creek on April 14th. For the prior six or so weeks I hadn't been running much except for a few races I had signed up for. I had one slow three mile run the Tuesday before race day and I felt no pain or discomfort around my ribs for the first time since my fall. I meant to take this race easy.

Race Day: May 19, 2018
Too lazy to bike over to the race like last time, I drove the short distance to DBK, where the race starts and finishes. It was about 73°F with 100% humidity and cloudy skies at race time.

Mile 1: 11:14
The starting mat was kind of small and narrow so it took a while for everyone to cross the start. The street was wide though so runners could spread out right away. We left the main street and headed onto residential roads for most of the race. I just plugged along with my usual 4:1 intervals. I was feeling pretty good, though the humidity was stifling.

Mile 2: 11:26
More running through neighborhood streets. Still feeling pretty good and typically sweating a lot.

Mile 3: 10:30
Well, my Garmin gave me a short race, just 2.95 miles. I wasn't going for a PR so I don't really mind but I feel bad for anyone who was. Shortly into the third mile I saw an age group foe (not really) running ahead of me, taking irregular walking breaks. I tried to catch up with her, and it shows in my pace for this split, about 11:05. I didn't catch her but I finished with a better time, as she crossed the start line well ahead of me. Mwahaha!

After the Race
Beer, popcorn, and snacks all around! A big water slide! Face painting! Bouncing beach balls! This race has a fun small town family atmosphere.

Recommendation
Pretty good for a small local race. The t-shirt is probably my least favorite ever and the medal is okay. The short course was a bummer and also strange as I think this race has run the same route before. Excellent course support with two water stops and law enforcement out to keep the roads safe for runners. The price is fair though and the after party is very good, especially for a local race.

Chip time: 33:03 for ~2.95 miles
Placement details: 5 of 21 in Age Group, 134th overall out of 380 finishers
Race Amenities: Soft cotton t-shirt, finisher medal for all, beer included in post-race snacks
Cost: $28

Report written May 24, 2018

Group & finisher photo (c) Almost There Photography