I ran this race with blogger AJH 2 years ago and it was a tough hilly one but still fun.

Here we are winning AG awards

AJH is running it again and I was looking forward to seeing her.

Racing and training are difficult to coordinate. This weekend should be 8 miles for me. So I can add on 4 after the race (which is doubtful) or do 8 tomorrow (Hmmm 2 days in a row???)

I had no expectations for this race. It is my 3rd time racing 4 miles but I am in no way as good a shape as the two previous times (40:11 & 38:02). So I just wanted to have fun and feel good. An AG award would be a bonus!

It was about 18 degrees and sunny when I left the house. I had about an hour drive. As I drove north, the temps dropped and the clouds rolled in.

I got there early and was surprised at how crowded the parking lot was. I immediately found a spot in the cafeteria to leave ALL my stuff, picked up my bib & headed to the restroom (a real one) and there behind me on line was AJH.

It was nice to run a race with a familiar face. AJH brought her hubby which was convenient for taking photos.

Here we are indoors before the race

The race is pretty informal…no timing chips. The sun came out as we started so I decided to take the sleeves off my jacket and wear a windbreaker over it and my turtleneck. (I was actually perfectly dressed, the only things that were cold were my feet & I was wearing smart wool socks.)

The race is starting (I am wearing that blue windbreaker) – taken by AJH’s hubby

The race started with a hill right off the bat. I was discouraged cause it was tough but then things got better. I tried to run a consistent slow pace and if possible NOT WALK.

part of the course (taken after the race…the lake is on the bottom right

I know that from the last time, there was a long hill between miles 3 & 4 and I had to walk.

This time, it didn’t seem as bad and I ran the whole time. I even had enough gas to sprint through the finish line.

There I go… (taken by AJH’s hubby)

According to my Garmin, I crossed at 41:37. Officially 41:40.

And it was good enough for 3rd place in my Age Group 🙂

AJH got 2nd place…we won a lunch bag which matches the race shirt

AJH also won a Road ID as a raffle prize.

The food was pretty good – chocolate milk, soup and lots of homemade desserts. I will definitely do this race again next year (& try to keep the AG award streak going… in a new AG)

As far as the race, I was happy with my performance.

Mile 1: 10:24
Mile 2: 10:29
Mile 3: 10:38 (the hill)
Mile 4: 10:16

I was under 11 min miles but of course, when I was running my best, I was under 10 minutes.

It was not even close to a PR but then again I didn’t expect one.

I didn’t run 4 more miles. I changed my clothes and headed out on the road. I drove north along the lake to Bolton Landing.

the marina where we keep our boat

Then I headed back to village to see some friends who were working at the Winter Carnival.

finishing up the ice sculpture

There were outhouse races on the ice, pony rides (not on the ice), chili cook-off, etc.

people hanging out on the frozen lake

I was too cold to hang around long. The wind had picked up and it seemed a lot colder than in the morning.

obviously the cold does not bother the ducks

So I left and on my way home, I made a quick stop at the outlets. I only bought 2 baseball caps that were on sale at the Reebok store.

Tomorrow there is another free race. I may do the 4 miler or I may just run on my own.. We’ll see how these old legs feel.

Happy Running! Did you run or race this weekend?