That Dam Night Run 5k

Busy weekend and week so I'm behind on my posts. This was my first time running the Dam Night Run 5k and while it was fun, it was also very, very hot. Race time was scheduled for 8 pm but didn't start until 8:35. Because it was a point to point race rather than an out and back we were trucked up the hill to the race start. And I mean it when I say trucked up, a local lumber business had 2 of their little local flatbed trucks stacked with wood hauling the runners up (there was also an air-conditioned school bus and passenger van, but I rode on the tail end of 1 of the trucks). Standing in the crowd before the race was getting to me with the heat and it being so crowded--I can be a touch claustrophobic--and I thought I was going to end up with tummy trouble. I must have been looking pretty pale because Annette asked if I was going to be okay. I don't think I've ever been so relieved to have a race start just so I could get moving and get some air. We were about 1/2 to 3/4 of the way in the back so I had some trouble maneuvering around but I found a tall guy that was going at my pace so just followed him through the crowd for the first 3/4 mile. He made a great path through the crowds, people just don't move out of the way when you're short like me.

Mile 1-8:45ish

Mile 2-16:35 can't remember exactly, just know it was faster than the first mile.

Mile 3-have no clue

Mile 3.1--26:37

I did have to take a walk break between mile 2 and 3, my tummy started rumbling and I didn't want to have to make any trips into the woods. It calmed down enough for me to start running again thank goodness. Also walked through the first water stop at mile 1.5, I was more than ready for that water. Very pretty view going across the dam but oh man was the heat in that area brutal! It was full dark before I was even halfway through the course and only the water stop and mile markers were lit so that made things interesting. I did get the "pleasure" of seeing a girl dry heaving over a guard rail at one point, I'm one of those people that if somebody pukes around me I'm probably going to be joining them, ugh. Needless to say, I picked up the pace at that point!! Managed to have some kick left at the end but still got outkicked a few yards before the finish line, that girl was awesome!! There was a Coast Guard boat (at least I think it was Coast Guard) spraying lake water up for the runners to cool down in, that felt sooooooo good, but I was still putting out some major body heat when James found me.

Afterwards was a tailgate/potluck supper and I got to meet even more of the great Cruisers. I think there were 3 that took home age group awards, YAY--not me, way too many fast women in my age group.

As you can see from the picture, I looked VERY rough at the finish line and I felt as bad as it looks! Good form though.