It was really hilly, did I already say that? It was sooooo hilly! I just tried to keep a very steady pace, and noted that each 1k was around 5:30, give or take. The steepest uphill 1k was around 6 min and the 1k downhill was around 5 min. Since I never run in k's I don't quite know how that translates to miles. I will try to figure that out. I felt pretty good on the run....except my clothing choices...see below. It was well organized, check in was easy and the course was well patrolled and well marked. I liked all the mileage and k markers, that kept me going. My ipod hit a great running song at 11k and that really helped me pick up the pace to the finish (Running down a dream, Tom Petty).

Sooooo....I bought a new running jacket yesterday since it was supposed to pour rain today (and I just didn't want to wear the retro jacket yet again--so vain). It was cold this morning before the race, around 35 degrees...so I just wore it for the run. And I had on a Santa hat. By about 5k I was soooooo hot but didn't want to stop to remove my coat (I did unzip it). Did I mention I also bought new capri running pants yesterday? Yeah, they were a bit too loose (size L, too loose, wow!) and I spent a great deal of time tugging at them to keep from flashing the other runners. Luckily I had worn my pajama shirt (just a long jersey tee) so I could pull it down over my hips to prevent flashing. I also wore a sport bra and tri top for extra support, as usually after about 30 min my breasts and shoulders are killing me. This helped and they were not a factor today! I had on my new running shoes, too. Got a small blister on my heel where my sock slouched down, but overall they were great. Still, I should have stuck to my normal running attire or at least tried out the new stuff ahead of time. Lesson learned!

Met up with my sister and Lynne (they both did the 5k so were done before me). Had some water, stretched. Then we went to my sister's house to eat breakfast and took a hot tub. It was glorious and will certainly help the soreness!


Too hot, distracted by clothing issues, lots of hills.


I'd probably do this one again. It was fun, people were all having fun and there were lots of costumes to check out. Of course I'd wear different clothes so I was more comfortable, and perhaps carry some water as there was only one water station at the 6k mark.