This was my first HMRRC Winter Series race so I wasn’t sure what to expect.  I knew it was informal and that you could sign up for either distance.

I considered doing the 15K  but I HATE the cold so I signed up for the 3 mile one.

Well, it was I good thing since yesterday, I had a headache and was really nauseous all day. I stayed in bed til about 5 pm and forced myself to get up and eat something.

I got up this morning still feeling under the weather but at least my headache was gone.  So I decided to tough it out and go to the race.

It was cold (like 20 degrees) but the sun was out.

I was surprised at how many people showed up for this race.  I guess the weather and the cost had something to do with it. I bumped into many runners that I knew.  Most were doing the 15k.

This race was as I said pretty informal – no bibs or timing chips. It didn’t matter to me.  I just wanted to get through it.

Both the 3 milers & the 15kers run the same course for 3 miles & then the 15kers continue running.

Immediately after I started, my knee brace popped off.  I tried to pick it up without getting trampled.  It was hard.  No one would stop & help so I just waited.

That kinda killed my 1st mile time but who cares.  I put my brace in my jacket pocket and then during mile 2, it fell out.  I stopped and heard someone yelling,  “Indian Orange!”  I guess she meant me because she had found my knee brace.

The course was quite boring – around the campus and office buildings but no major hills, at least.

me running wearing "Indian Orange"

When I approached the end, I saw 29 minutes on the clock.  I then poured on the speed.  There was no way I was finishing 3 miles in over 30 minutes – sick or not!

My Garmin said 29:11 but the official clock was 29:21 and I finished 102 out of 175.

I stayed around for a little while.  I checked the times & saw that the fast women in my age group were there – no chance for an award even if I ran my fastest.

The refreshments were decent: cake, bread, fruit, soup…not bad for a free race.  I hope to run more of the HMRRC Winter Series Races.

I definitely needed to run more since today was my long run but still felt nauseous.  So I headed back home and to the Rail Trail.  There I dragged myself through a slow slow 4 more miles for a total of 7 for the day.

It has been a tradition to celebrate my mentee, Amanda’s birthday at the Melting Pot.  This is the 4th year we have done this.

Amanda turns 21

Here we are again a year older.

Unfortunately, my 7 miles today only burned off the calories in the Smores martini.

Happy Running!