Wow, I am writing this a month later and I am still giddy from this race that I ran. From start to finish, this was an incredible experience. I hate the concept of a bucket list, because it is too morbid, but if I had one this would be on it.

I arrived Friday night to pick up my packet (if I could change anything, I would hope for race day packet pickup so I would not have to get a hotel room) and immediately, there is a very strong community feel to this race. Everyone is friendly and everything is well organized. I love the race t-shirt, it is on the heavier side for a t-shirt, but definitely unique and a go-to t-shirt for spring and fall running.

Race morning was similarly wonderful. Access to the race was a breeze and parking is close to the finish line. It was just a gorgeous day, and the best weather you could hope for to run a September race. I was out of shape because a circulatory issue had knocked me off my feet for most of the summer and still injured, so I may not have finished if the weather was too hot. But there was no way I was missing this run under any circumstances because I had the Road Apple award waiting for me at the finish line.

The race itself was really cool, for lack of a better word. Running literally through farms is unique. The runners on the course were friendly and upbeat, which is why I love to run races. I even got to run with one of the Amish pacers for a mile or so, which was a treat. The course was cornfields, cows, more cornfields, a horse, more cornfields....It was beautiful. The elevation was manageable, there were some small steep hills around miles 7-8 and also at mile 11 when the race turned onto the gravel road literally through the middle of a farm. There were Amish people manning the water tables and for a time we were sharing the road with horses and buggies. Definitely unique and worth even a long journey here to run.

My race was tough, not going to lie. I was running with a painful varicose vein that was due to be yanked out later in the week, but I wanted the medal and award in the worst way. Most of my steps were uncomfortable and I was out of shape. I was running slower than usual due to the pain and being out of shape, but right when I was ready to give in, I starting talking with a really nice guy around my age who was run walking and we powered through the last two miles together, talking each other through it - was one of my best experiences in my short time as a runner.

It was the most awesome feeling getting my Road Apple Award, I felt like I had won an Oscar. The medal, a real horseshoe, was distinct and I loved it and the post-race picnic (free!) was great communal. I normally have at least one criticism of every race I run, because let's face it, I am an aging curmudgeon, but I have zero complaints here!