I so enjoyed the race today. 

I have never felt that way about a race before. I just really had fun and pushed myself just enough.

It was so cool to have Candy and Paige to race with. And the times that Matt and Mike waved and took photos was a great distraction and ego boost.

I started out with the girls, to warm up (since I don’t do that before a race), and as we each found our pace, we separated.

There were two bottlenecks I had to endure, and while some slowed down as they got close to the line, I sped up to ensure a better place in line.

Two times, on uphills, I cheerfully yelled,”Pick it up!  Pick it up!” – I’m sure I annoyed a few, but there were more who needed the encouragement and used it.

There was a small stretch in the single track where I was behind a woman carefully stepping, hardly running.  There was no room to pass, and she annoyed me.  I dogged the guy between us until we reached a clearing where I could pass, and I left them behind.

The final 1/4 mile to the creek was the worst part of the race – it seemed long, there was tricky footing, and we were watching the faster runners go up the creek.

The creek was as expected. I really took my time and watched my footing. No sprinting here, but I did run where the water level was relatively low. I even passed a few people. One guy took a header right into the creek, and got up. Turns out he was physically pushing himself past the woman in front of me and that’s when he fell. Hmmm – dude, meet Karma…

Just as I finished the creek portion, my iPod coach tells me, “You have reached 45 minutes.” So, I think, there’s no way I can beat my time from last year (48:25). I was kind of bummed.

This old-timer was in front of me after we got out of the creek, and I was having trouble catching up with him.  As we got onto the grass, I told myself, “No way am I going to let this guy beat me to the finish line.”  And I started sprinting. 

When I saw the clock was just over 47 minutes, I sprinted harder, wanting to get under last year’s time.

20/24     Maida C Scott             38    Colo Spgs        CO    0:47:27
26/31     Paige Figi                34    Colo Spgs        CO    0:50:22
24/24     Candice Jackson           36    Colo Springs     CO    0:55:46

3 guys between the ages of 60-64 were within 20 seconds of my finish time!!!  These dudes gave me a run for my money! I only hope I can be as fit at that age.

I did beat my time from last year!

When I finished, I grabbed some water and went back along the course to see if I could see Paige and/or Candy. As I was heading down, I saw Zander with Doug and called out to Zander. He ran to me. Doug looked surprised and asked me when I finished. I said, “like 2 minutes ago,” He’s so sweet. He wanted to bring the boys for my finish. But of course, Zevan stalled enough to miss it.

I saw Paige first, and encouraged her for the last bit – she gave me the look – so I went farther along to see if I could see Candy. I did. Right after she got out of the creek. She looked a bit in shock after the water, and I told her she was in the home stretch. I jogged along side her to the finish, Paige joined us and as we got closer, she started booking. So cool!

Totally fun!