The best race EVER!!!

Sunday's 10k has to be one of the best races I have ever run. Everything was perfect: the weather, the setting, the race conditions. Running in a state park in the fall is one of the best ways to overload your senses in a good way!

My goal was to maintain an 8 minute mile throughout the race, and I actually did that. I have to say, my adreneline was pumping so much that it was ALMOST easy. I can't say it was physically easy because the course was tough. It was hilly, and we had to run over a dam on the grass cross-country style. Luckily it has been dry and there was no mud to deal with or slippery spots. There was also a massive set of 35-40 stairs leading up the side of the dam that we had to run up in the 4th mile. When I saw those steps I looked at them in disbelief. We had to run up those??? I could see people walking up the steps at the top and I tackled them head on by bounding up them two at a time. By the time I reached the top I was also walking! It probably took me a good half mile to get my breathing back to normal after those things, they were rough. Mentally the race was a piece of cake. I had several runners to chase and to pace off of, and I was just so happy to NOT be running another 5k and the beauty around me was so overwhelming that I was in runner's heaven.

By the time I was heading into the 6th mile I was ecstatic. I knew I was going to beat my goal time. I finished in 49:41. I placed first in my age group and 5th overall for the women.

This race reminded me of why I am a distance runner. It has been so long since I have felt that great rush during a race where everything falls into place both physically and mentally and I feel like I can run forever. The only way for me to get that reward is to get the miles under my belt and compete. I have struggled getting back into the groove these past two years after giving birth to M., but all of that struggle is so WORTH IT.