Hyannis Marathon 2018, the time it rained. AGAIN!

Eric and I (along with my cousin, Evan) ran the Hyannis marathon back in 2013. That particular race has become infamous over the years as the coldest, the rainiest, the windiest (and puddliest, and muddiest) shit show ever. We tell war stories about it, and anyone who happened to be there shakes their head in earnest sympathy when we speak of it, as it was truly a study in suffering.

As the years have gone on, I have learned to appreciate a good chilly damp race day. I honestly despise getting overheated, and in February I can not handle a surprise 60 degree day with any level of grace. When Eric and I signed up once again for Hyannis, just a few weeks ago, we hoped for some nice mild and dry weather (because you aren't smart if you don't wish for perfect conditions.)
Believe me, we never thought we would see a carbon copy of 2013's  weather, because what are the odds?
***APPARENTLY VERY VERY EXCELLENT***

I looked at the 10 day forecast when it became available, and texted Danielle the good news! It was going to be a nice, overcast day, with a high of 46. PERFECT.

Well, that did not last.
Luckily, in the 5 years since our previous run in with Hyannis, I have stopped stressing about cold rainy weather. I know I can run in it, and my PR marathon was on a very rainy (and tail windy) day. I would MUCH rather have cold and rain than 75 and blazing sun. So it was no problem in the Bradlowski household. I also knew that Danielle and Sarah could totally handle crap weather, as we all ran MDI in 2012 (the year of the drenching rain.) Basically, I was supremely confident in all of our weather related abilities.

Eric and I cruised to Hyannis on Saturday, as we had had some kind of psychic moment and snagged a room at the host hotel. "The weather certainly is not going to be as bad as 5 years ago" we laughed to ourselves "but if it is, having an immediate hot shower will be worth the cost!" (spoiler: it was.)
It was raining and 40 upon our arrival, just to let us see a preview of things to come.

We had a really nice dinner with Danielle and Sarah, catching up on life events, being suspicious of "what was in the butter" (mustard...?) giving the waitress a hard time about her pens (or so she thought) and somehow staying very upbeat about the weather situation. I think Sarah *might* have mentioned buying a day gym pass, and running her 13.1 on the treadmill, but she was obviously fibbing.

All my friends liked my neon shirt, supplied to me by our training run recovery team at Bear Bones Brewing. I have said for years that the key to success in running is making sure to have a good, quality beer post run (after water, but this goes without saying.) Eric and I will be continuing the pub run tradition leading up to Boston (so join in the fun, peeps!)

Beer equals winning. 

Eric and I tried to go to bed early, but I ended up faffing around forever, eating Cadbury mini eggs, listening to children run down the corridor like elephants, and watching a lot of HGTV and pondering why people would want shiplap siding on interior walls. Who knows. Anyways, I took a Benadryl like a good adult and slept like a baby until almost 7:00, which is nothing short of a miracle.

We got up, and it was raining.
We were going to walk to Dunkin, but it was raining wayyyyy too hard. Plus, we had real, and valid concerns about losing our parking spot. So, we ate hotel breakfast (which also proves how much I have mellowed as a marathoner) as I sampled some rather questionable bacon and eggs, and cold French toast and lived to tell the tale! I had a few pieces of toast and PB to back this up, and (obvs) a nice big pre race pb&j and a syrup.

Danielle and Sarah headed out for a pre race run, and texted us about the conditions so that we could dress accordingly. Nobody wanted to freeze (inevitable) or overheat (I do not think anyone did) and my final clothing choice was: Long-sleeve top, lightweight vest, gloves, insulated tights, cap, snorkel.

We all met up pre race and (once again) we all were really adult about the weather. I do not even know who we are anymore, but this is clearly a sign of being mature and well adjusted humans. I feel like there may have been some less mature talk about pooping, or something, but who really knows.
Eric vanished at the last minute to warm up before his attempt at a major 13.1 PR, and just like that, it was time to RACE.

Pre race! So dry and warm! (Eric, Sarah, Me, Danielle) 

After the longest version EVER of the anthem, we were off. It was cold. (40) wet (steady rain) and moderately windy (wind about 15MPH on lap one)

Remembering that the start was very congested in 2013, I settled in much more towards the front, which was a great choice.
The rain was coming down in multiple different directions, making for some serious looking at the street for me, while I tried to keep the rain off my glasses.
Right away, I was very soggy. There was no slow progression to being soaked, it happened swiftly. I suppose it is better to just cut to the chase, and get it over with! Kind of like leaping into a cold pond, rather than dipping one toe in at a time. Right?

For those of you who are smart enough to avoid mid winter marathons, the course is something like this: (keeping in mind, that I have essentially been regulated to staring at my feet during both of my experiences here, due to the driving rain.) For the marathon, you are looking at a two lap course. It is quite flat by "Maine" standards, but it does have several small hills to break things up. There is, without fail, a very water covered area of road right around mile 3. (ankle deep puddle) There is a stretch of beach that would be lovely on a pleasant day, but in my life has been exceptionally dreary and also puddle ridden. There are a good number of aid stations, and porta potties on course. The first lap is fairly crowded, and cheerful. You are almost guaranteed some alone time during lap two, unless you find friends. Pro tip: FIND FRIENDS.
(Honestly, when you go to bib pick up there are boxes, and boxes of packets for half marathoners. And one box, one quarter full for people in the full. Prepare your head for loneliness!)

So anyway, I was off and running. Drowning, perhaps. Lap one was quite alright. Mentally, I broke the race up into two 13.1 events. I never thought "25 more miles to go" (because that sucks) I ran one half marathon, and then another. I am sure that intellectually, my brain must understand that we are about to go whole hog for 26.2. However, there is some really easy to trick part of my brain that I have recently discovered. *THAT* part of my brain can break up long runs into smaller increments, which makes high mileage much more tolerable! I love that part of my brain, and I really hope that it never catches on to my trickery!

From mile 10-13.1 things became quite windy. And, since it was about 300 below zero, I got really cold. However, my run was going very well, I felt fresh and unreasonably cheerful, and there was no way I was going to call it a day at the half. I had also found myself in a little group of people shooting for a sub 3:30 (Hi Kato and Adam!!) They were excellent pacers, so I locked right onto them and we became the best of friends.

Or we would have become best friends, had any of us actually been warm enough to talk.
I ran through the half in about 1:43 which is excellent. I felt great, which was more excellent. I was sopping, dripping wet and covered in mud and probably seaweed, and maybe a seagull, but all was well.

Right around mile 15 I considered snagging my iPod and cranking some sweet tunes. My hands, however, were frozen solid into little blue lobster claws. So, the dexterity to remove said iPod from a plastic baggie and get it up and running were just not there.
So I did what I always do in such dire circumstances.
I made up songs. (all of you are lucky that I only sing them in my head)

I started with Christmas Carols:
"Oh the weather outside is FRIGHTFUL!!!!
But running is so delightful.....?
The rain my face does HIT...
....fuck this crazy shit....."

Perhaps not a new Christmas song for the children, but I was quite amused by my little tune (it doesn't take much) and as I drafted off Kato and Adam for some miles, I sang this little jingle a couple times.

At 16 Adam had to give up being the pacer, as it was time to take a mid race poop. (I know the feeling, man, I really do.) So Kato and I ran along together, and it was basically just the two of us. We assumed that we were winning the race, since there was not another soul in sight. We contemplated the possibility of being off course (terrifying) we continued to avoid the ankle deep puddles, (even thought our shoes were beyond help), and she motored along, in the way that a woman on a mission to break 3:30 by a solid amount does. I was basically along for the ride, and it sure was nice to have a running buddy in the ever worsening conditions.
(also, I saw a few race photographers and can't wait to see some really bad, sopping wet, race photos to document the thorough drowning that we were given. I will be sure to share.)

As is per the norm, I was feeling just fine and dandy until mile 23. Then, my legs told me to screw off and I could not really blame them! Since this is not a new thing for me to experience, and since I knew I could walk to the finish, and BQ, I was neither upset or offended by this turn of events. I watched little Kato flee into the distance, passing the few people we had caught up with left and right, and I sent her telepathic messages to finish strong, because I was too frozen to say thing with my actual voice.

I sang more songs:
"hello darkness my old friend....
here's mile 23 AGAINNNNNNN
and my legs are slowly GIVING UP!!
But I really do not GIVE A F**K
Because the finish line... IS *ONLY* THREE MILES AW-AYYYYYY!!!"
And still I pray....
That I can get... To the FINISH...."
(apologies to Simon and Garfunkel for my butchering of a lovely song)
(also. I am indeed the songbird of our generation. you're welcome)

So yeah, I slogged through my last few miles. My feet were so cold that I could not feel them, which added a certain level of concern about taking a tragic tumble. The wind got really, REALLY WINDY! (like, 25 MPH gusts! UGH!) But, I stayed remarkably happy. I was not overheating! I was not vomiting! I had zero on course potty breaks! I knew I was going to BQ, which I was so very happy about! I was like "Bradlowski! You are doing a really good job out here, running in all this crap weather!" (which is nice, because sometimes I can be a jerk to myself.) But I was like "self, you are out here doing something that most people don't do! good for you, kid!"

I creaked into the finish like a zombie, despite my glowing positivity. I heard some kind of ruckus and realized that It was my FRIENDS! Eric, Sarah and Danielle were out getting soaking wet, cheering me to the finish. Which was in 3:29:02, which happens to be my 2nd fastest marathon time ever. Holy crap. And what good friends, for standing outdoors on the grossest day ever! *LOVE*
I saw Kato at the finish, and she had smashed her race in the face with a 3:26 (and she knows my cousins, proving that it is a weird, small world!)

Still running!!

I frozenly went inside, and declared that I immediately needed a very hot shower!

Blue lips of hypothermia. no big deal

Luckily, we got a post race pic before I started attempting (and failing, because of freezing hands) to remove my sopping wet, ocean covered race kit. What a mess!

We are less warm and dry now, but are clearly victorious! 

It took me a long while to warm up. Believe me, the shower was worth every penny that we spent on a hotel room. I was frozen to the bone, but generally felt quite good (sore, tired, FROZEN, but pretty good!) After my shower I was so tired that I got straight into bed with a gingerale, and stayed there for a solid 40 minutes without moving. It was possibly the most magical post race moment of my life (again guys, it's the little things!)
Eric went out and about for soup and such (fully mobile, despite smashing his PR and running a 1:37!!!), and texted me a sweet pic!

This is such a great sign!

I am really very, very happy with this race. My body seems to have absorbed the training that I had done, I had a *fairly* ideal race day (the wind, I could have done without) and things just came together nicely. I never take a BQ, or a finish, or a START for granted. When I pull off a good race, I really appreciate the fact that I can do so.
I feel like a sub 3:30 finish is something that I will always be seriously proud of. That is 26.2 miles at a sub 8:00 pace, and by my standards that is FAST! I also have enough marathons under my belt to know how swiftly, and seriously everything can go totally wrong. I am VERY thankful when it is a good day on course. And it was.

So see you in 2019 Boston (oh, and in about 7 weeks too!)
Signed,
A runner who never takes qualifying for granted, because it is god damn hard to run fast!

Many Waterford Hills, Part Three

Last week, I returned to my quest of running all of the hills in my town.

The previous week had been something of a bust. I was extraordinarily busy at work, and except for one small run, I did not have time to hit the roads. Such is life.

Last Monday it was 53 degrees an raining. Typical Monday. 

Perfect for running two of the tough hills in town. I tackled Valley Rd Hill first (which my biking husband says is a "category three climb" whatever that means...) And my second hill was Plummer Hill which was steep. Like stairs. 

Valley Hill and Plummer Hill

It was not good photo weather and all of my photography skills went to waste. *sarcasm* It really was pouring down rain!! And I know everyone reads this blog for the AMAZING photos so I really dropped the ball... 

I did manage to take a pic of a pretty stream, so there's that. 

Such *skill* with an iPhone camera

I returned to my car sopping dripping drenched. 

Better cold and damp than boiling hot and sweaty though!!

Drenched

On Wednesday I tackled Rice Rd/Hill with the intention of hitting the summit and then running back the same way, giving me time to hit another hill. 

That plan went to shit when I saw a BEAR. While he scampered quickly away, banging and crashing through the underbrush, there was NO way that I was running back towards him. 

So on I went. Mildly terrified. 

Even though I felt alarmed by my bear sighting, I still managed to have a pleasant excursion. 

It was very pretty, in that Maine Landscape kind of way that I seem to like so much!

Yes, this is lovely

I saw some cows too, who were super nice, but very very buggy. 

Happy cows

Also, more streams. The wet spring has made for some gloriously babbling brooks. 

Mini waterfall

The whole run ended up being Rice Hill via Brown Hill down Valley Hill and concluding with a trip back up lower Rice Rd.

Yikes

Eric joined me on Friday for the trek up (what we refer to as) Pietree Hill. While this is part of Sweden Road, Pietree Orchard is at the summit, and referencing a map has done nothing to help me to determine the name of said hill. So Pietree Hill it is. 

While relatively short, this was (at this point) the trickiest run of the week. It is a long hill, and has some extremely steep portions.

Good gravy... The whole thing is a "steep portion."

So yes. Steep shit. 

It was also rather humid, and despite the air temp only being 63 we both felt warm. 

Hot and sweaty Bradlowski's

We took a couple quick pics to prove that we were there, and then we sprinted back down. Sprinting back down such a steep hill results in some terror, so we do not advise this method. 

The view from Pietree Orchard. It's easier get there via car. 

Saturday took me up and over Blackguard road, over what has been determined to be "The back of Beech Hill". 

I felt some confusion about what hill I actually ran. This was due to an randomly named farm (when you live on Beech Hill, and name your farm "Thunder Hill", it is quite charming but mostly confusing.) 

The there was a teensy sign that said "Strawberry Hill" which I believe I passed over a potion of.
However, I sought expert advice on the matter and thus, Beech Hill it is. 

This run was a BEAST. JESUS H WARD.

I'm still crying

It went up for 3 plus miles and was really quite difficult. Big Big long hill. FML.

Paved road gave way to dirt road, which eventually changed to an ATV trail that meandered through the middle of nowhere. NOWHERE. 

Zero cell service. I recommend bringing a friend for this run. 

(as a general rule I do feel safe in my town. I carry mace, a (useless) phone and I ALWAYS tell people where I am going and when I will be back.) That being said, I am a woman of the 2017's and feel much safer when I have access to my phone. If for no other reason than being able to call for a ride if I get sick of running!

The good news is that my camera still worked so there will be no shortage of "field and hill in the summer" photos ;-)
You will be able to see the weather change over the course of this run though. Very sunny to start, as seen below. 

I believe we are looking up Beech Hill

The trails were in good shape considering the wet spring, and made for some enjoyable "trail" running. This is about as "trail" as I like my runs to get! (especially when my phone isn't working and I can not call 911 if I trip on a rock, and break my face open.)

An extra well maintained stretch of trail

The downhill portion of the adventure was quite pleasant, although warm. It was the first day of "hot" weather, and was humid and about 75. 

While I never felt like I was at the very peak of a hill, I still saw some nice views.
And increasing clouds, as I got closer to the finish.

I'll never get sick of field/mountain. You guys probably are though.

This run logged the most impressive amount of elevation for the week. While 1200' isn't a lot to a seasoned mountain runner, it is for me (as I am a little pavement princess!!)

I was not planning to run at all on Sunday. It was forecasted to be 90 (and it was) and I have no need to run loads of miles right now. Especially not in the disgusting heat. 

However, I felt like having a little hike and I chose to make it a hobby jog.

Moving away from "field/hill" into "woods/lake"

Just a little jaunt up Hawk Mt again, it was beautiful and breezy at the summit!

Basically a recovery run!

A good week of running, with a lot of fun adventures and a few more hills now checked off the list.
The next week will be a big challenge with temps soaring into the 90's, and a multi day horse show. We shall see how it goes.

Weekly Stats:

Mileage: 28.5

Feet of climbing: 3,855 ft

Most feet of climbing in one run: 1,239 ft, Blackguard rd "Beech Hill"

Hilliest MILE!!: 305, same run. Lots in the mid 200's though. 

ALL the Waterford Hills, Part Two

I had an amazing week of adventuring!!

As much as I love marathon training, this is probably my favorite kind of running. 

I LOVE to see my town (and surrounding areas) without the confines of mile repeats. I love to see new places and to see the TOP of places that I already know. I like the challenge of running straight up. (go figure. it is inexplicable.) (and, as it turns out, I prefer my hills to be paved!)

Anyways, on to the gritty details of the week of climbing. 

Hill #1

Monday was a cold and rainy day. 

I concluded that a run over Mill Hill, with a side trip to the Hawk Mt trailhead (to scope it out) was in order. 

Mill Hill, in and of itself it a bit of a brute. (and, is another hill that the crazy Mt Washington racers seek out. And no, I am not running Mt Washington. I have always thought it would be a poor choice but maybe next year I will reconsider....)

Due to the weather the view, although still nice, was limited. 

Typical apple trees, fog, Mt Tir'em in the distance and Keoka lake (the lake is there... you just can not see it!!)

This run was a pretty solid workout. Wow! Especially with the side trip up Hawk Mt access road.

And yes, my GPS went insane. 

I was very happy with this run, and quite soaked upon my arrival home. 

Dripping

Hill (mountain) #2

HAWK MOUNTAIN!!!!

I bit the bullet, knowing the trail itself was only .75 mile, and made the climb. 

Maybe a bad idea...? 

The trail, while slightly more treacherous than a paved road, was absolutely manageable. It was a wide, and very passable road with some loose rocks that might merit attention. Other than that, it was a doable trail run for a road running princess such as myself. 

Also, not so steep as to cause immediate death. 

PLUS, a pokestop at the top!!

The infamous Strava screenshot. #proof

But honestly, the trail was pleasant and would have been even nicer, had I been walking with a basket of snacks and beers to enjoy at the top. But, if you decide to run up a small mountain, this is the one to do. Short, sweet and great views. 

I paused for a few photos at the top, since it is not every day that I run up a mountain. 

Basically a cliff. And I am scared of cliffs. 

The views were just amazing. And the bugs were terrible. 

PERFECT

This was a very enjoyable experience, and a route that I plan to do again. 

Hill #3

Deer Hill 

As promised on Temple Hill day last week, Deer Hill was in order for this weeks excursions.

Deer Hill goes over a pretty substantial bump, which takes a person all the way to Harrison. The steep portion on the hill measures just over 1.5 miles long, which is no joke. 

To this point (insert ominous music here) this was my most challenging run of the week. 

WOOF

The weather was yucky, another 52 degree rainy day. Not really too bad for running but quite bad for my top of the hill photo op.... 

Believe it or not, this photo is looking at exactly the point I was on, on Temple Hill the previous week. You can't really tell but trust me.... Stupid clouds. 

On Deer Hill, looking at Temple Hill

And as I said, this hill will fuck you up.

(and cyclists take note, the road is about to undergo resurfacing and is in horrible condition!!)

This was my first time making the Harrison to Waterford climb on this hill and it was fine, and I made it, and it wasn't horrible. BUT IT WAS HARD. 

Luckily, I was in a good mood, and was in no hurry, so I looked at all the blast zones for the upcoming roadwork, and enjoyed my time. 

Hill #4:
Mt Tir'em

I was not planning to do both of Waterford's "mountains"in one week, but as luck would have it, that is how it worked out.

I ran to the "trail head" of Mt Tir'em, which must be almost impossible to find if you do not know the area.
On my way there, I took a quick pic of Keoka lake will Mill Hill looming in the distance. Gahd, so pretty. I will say it again, I am a sucker for a perfect view.

My town is perfect this time of year. NOT so much in January. 

Since I know exactly where the trail begins, I got off to a good start. (which did not last for more that .10 mile!)

Compared to Hawk Mountain, Tir'em was difficult to run. While Hawk was essentially a rocky road to the summit, Tir'em was a windy, rooty, very steep, rocky, mostly single track path.

I have walked this trail several times with no difficulty, but running (with the mass quantity of very slick leaves) was a whole different kettle of fish. I will admit, there were some moments that I chose to walk, as falling down was not in my plans.
It was also effing steep and, no lie, running up some of that crap was just not gonna happen.

Another day, another mountain

I did make it though! .75 miles after heading straight uphill, I came to the top (as one does) and I took a few minutes to appreciate the view.

I have to wonder if that is the same lake from my Hawk Mt climb- I think it is!!

I have been on top of Tir'em several times, but I took a few moments to walk around and check things out. I always like the large cave like stones, which I remember climbing on when I was quite a bit younger!

Pretty cool, huge rocks. 

I noticed a trail leading down the "back side" of the mountain, I have never gone down that way but would be curious about its destination. (but not curious enough to check it out on that day!)

Running down was scary for me. I am certainly not a serious trail runner! I shuffled down tentatively, and I think my decent took longer than my climb. Yikes!!

Yeah good lord, NOT FLAT.

So yeah! That was my week. Lots of fun stuff.
I actually have to do some investigation of which Waterford Hills I am going to miss if I don't pay attention. I have a few lined up for the coming week, and hopefully we get some nice days for me to tackle them on...!

Weekly Stats:

Mileage: 26.6

Feet of climbing: 3,034 ft

Most feet of climbing in one run: 884 ft, Mt Tir'em

Hilliest MILE!!: 379 ft, Mt Ti'rem (but Deer Hill was CLOSE, at 316 ft!) 

Every Hill in Waterford: Part One

I am a strange woman.

Once my marathon season is done, I like nothing more than to spend my running time having adventures and climbing (small) mountains. 

If I was a good blogger I would try to dish out wise advice about how to run hills well. My honest, and *educated* words on the topic are probably not helpful! 

In order to run hills "well" you need to get the hell out and do it, know that you will not be running your 5k pace, you need to enjoy the view, look at the birds, and just enjoy yourself. I know that I do. 

I'm trying to run up every hill in my town during the next month or so. At the rate I am going, I will finish well before then! 

Here is my progress thus far, complete with poor photos and Strava screen shots. 

(such a poor quality blog. but at least I don't try to sell you inside tracker or isagenix...)

Hill Climb number one!!

As it turned out, this run also marked my triumphant return to running after Providence. 

Baker hill requires a decent effort, but a smaller hill leading to it gives you a reasonable warm up.

(or preps you for the cardiac arrest that you are about to have.)

Well.... There's always the downhill!!

Once to the top, you are greeted by a very typical Waterford scene. Apple trees, pastoral fields, and rolling hills. (It never gets old, I am such a sucker for a good view!!) 

Really pretty. 

Hill Climb number TWO!!

Bitch Hill (which all of you are sick and tired of) but BACKWARDS!

As you can see, hitting this up from the backside ups the intensity level by about 100%.

Fun fact: this is a hill that people seek out when training for the Mt Washington road race, as the incline is (at times) equally taxing. It's like a stair climber. 

(another fun fact: few people actually choose to run this hill.)

That hill IS as bad as it looks

Anyway, Eric and I both ran up it because we are crazy. 

And there is NO better view. Hello. I live in a gorgeous fucking place. 

OMG. Bitch hill is a gorgeous lady. 

Hill Climb THREE!!

I had a nice time running up and back over Temple Hill. (my idea of having a good time is questionable, but whatever. I honestly find this fun!)

Right. So this was my biggest climb all week and certainly took a good effort.

Good lord, that is a huge hill. 

I was rewarded with views of Deer Hill, which is on the list of hills to climb (by the time I publish this, I expect that run will have been completed.

Standing on top of Temple Hill, looking over to Deer Hill.

Being a smart person, I congratulated myself for all this climbing with a delicious beer. 

(Bissell's Angels with filthy souls, at Novare.)

Not a beer for hot weather. And, the weather was not hot!

And I made some fabulous kale and basil pesto to toss directly in my mouth. (well... on some pasta....) MMM.

So green and fantastic!

Weekly stats:

Mileage: 17.1

Feet of climbing: 1,721

Most feet of climbing in one run: Temple Hill, 624 ft

Best beer??? Yep, that Bissell wins!!

Best occurrence while running: When a kid in a yard said "WHY ARE YOU RUNNING?" and I said, Zombies. Because, duh. 

Portland Brewers Dash Holiday 5k

It has been a few years since Eric and I have participated in the Portland Brewers Dash Holiday 5K.

While the weather can be a little uppity, it is a fun and super flat race. The other perks are a late (11:00) start plus a free beer PLUS a legit big post race brunch.

Required pre race selfie!

As a general rule we usually see 12,867 of our closest running/triathlon friends there. This year was a huge miss in that department, as we saw ZERO people we knew. This is almost unheard of!
(there was a lot going on this weekend to explain the absence of most of our friends. however, we literally saw nobody that we even "sort of" knew. we wondered if there had been an apocalypse?)

The weather first thing may have been enough to keep most logical people indoors.

OK wow. Hi winter, what's up.

By the time we arrived in Portland, and were more or less ready to run, there was decent weather. It was about 22 degrees with very little wind and abundant sun. (which really isn't ALL that decent, if I really think about it....) It was a pretty day though, especially if you were indoors......

A pretty day, a pretty scene

Neither of us are in shape to run a "fast" 5k, nor did we think that redlining it the whole time was worth it. We made our way to the start, and then, as I am apt to do, I ran off to look at things while everyone else lined up at the start. *focus, Sara....*

I'm over here looking at things..... While everyone else lines up...

I think *most* of us occasionally find it hard to not try to be competitive, even in a race that really doesn't matter. I know I have found myself pushing a pace I am not fit for before, and while I occasionally find this doable, it wasn't in my plans for Sunday.

We started in the middle of the pack and ran steadily throughout the race, maintaining a consistent pace. We had a nice chat, watched planes coming in to land at the jetport, and we made sure to beat the gingerbread man!

Since both Eric and I are in the midst of the "off season" it was easier than normal to hold back a bit, and we held a pace about a minute slower than our normal 5k pace.
There is no doubt that a 7:50 pace is still a great workout, but it certainly wasn't the agonistic level of suffering and pain that one attributes to a normal 5k. THANK THE LORD.

While it has not become worse, I continue to have some tightness in my right hamstring. Nothing seems to make it more uncomfortable so I wasn't worried about a little workout. I will be seeing my chiro soon to fix this problem, as it has been lingering around for over a week. Stupid! 

We both finished in 24:19 which is a completely respectable time and a good workout!
Sometimes a nice Holiday 5k is just what you need. Both of us had a really pleasant time and enjoyed the rapidity in which we were done! (sometimes being done is awesome!)
5k races are amazing because they are so short. Profound words! But, when one becomes accustomed to the challenge of a marathon, a nice little 5k is inspiring. (especially when run at a reasonable, not near heart attack, pace.)

Then, we went and drank a beer and talked about running and Pokemon and Christmas and a bunch of other weird things as one would expect.

Port race beer, post race hair

 So is that it for 2016? In the race department, I believe so! It's been quite the year and hopefully I will find the time for a big year end blog recap!