Notes
Since I haven't done a workout or raced in 7 months, I wasn't expecting to run what I did last year. So I was relaxed and had no expectations going into it. But being that I haven't competed in so long, I got into the zone pretty quickly. I surprised myself by only running 12 seconds slower than last year (when I felt in shape). I guess that goes to show that you're always tougher than you think. This was a good baseline and way to boost my confidence while continuing summer training.
During the race, I got inspired by a shirt that said: "Remember why you practice and work hard." My immediate thought was for my team and to better myself as a runner. At about mile 4 after going up a big hill and having that thought of "whyyy do I do this to myself!?" I ran past a little boy who was chanting "Run like the prize is ice cream!" He is my role model.