Notes
This was an interesting race. I wasn't really feeling a race, first of all. I am in no type of shape to be racing. So I approached it as more of a quick long run with support. Went out with the top gals, but after our first mile, I decided that 6:30 pace was not the move, so I chilled the fuck out. Unfortunately, that left me all alone. (The spectators were great, very encouraging-- I could live off of road race spectators' energy.) Just focused on breathing and rolling. The course was surprisingly hilly. I kept hoping for some rain, but, alas, no luck. At mile 7, I got this strange cramp in my right foot, so I babied that sucker a little, since no one was in sight. Took the water stops super chill, as well, so that I could actually drink something. I really wish that I had finished with the 6:30 instead of starting with it, but you live and you learn.
It was still a lot of fun-- how can you not smile during a road race?
At one point, there was an old guy cheering from his driveway wearing an Iowa sweatshirt, so I yelled, "Go hawks!" reflexively and he just goes, "Keep it up, dear."
Also some dude from North Central was running along the course and he looked like he was trying to place my face but couldn't quite figure it out and I thought that was hilarious.
Songs of the race: "Wild Horses" (Birdy) and "Can't Get You Out of My Head" (AnnenMayKantereit)