I should have some great memories of this race, it was well-run, easily accessible, well-stocked and decently scenic, but what I am going to remember is how tough it was for me and how it was the race where I had to walk most of the last four miles.

First, the weather was perfect at the start - low 60s and not so humid. It was easy for me to find parking not too far from packet pickup and everything was thoroughly organized. I loved that they were giving out GU packs before the race and said to take as much as I need. The race start was on time and I was inspired by the Grateful Dead version of the National Anthem that they played. It was awesome that a train was pulling up right as the race started.

I was extremely apprehensive before this race. I had barely run for six weeks because I had a vein issue in my leg arise after my last race, needed a procedure and just could not regain my fitness in the heat. The race was going swimmingly well and I ran the first three miles as fast as I have run any three miles (which was a mistake, but don't blame me, I was high on GU). The first 2-3 miles go through Ashland and it is pretty, I was enjoying the weather and the runs through the neighborhoods. After mile 3, it starts to go through farmland with some small rolling hills. I found the course pretty, but not magnificent. At most points after mile 4, there was not much shade and the sun was starting to come out hard. I started to struggle around mile 5 and slowed down dramatically as my lack of conditioning caught up to me. In the middle of a small hill at mile 9, I had to stop running because it was obvious that my leg was not healed and it hurt. I got the courage to have another go of it right before mile 11, until I saw the fact that the entire mile 11 is uphill and I admitted defeat. It was getting hotter and I was perturbed and done for. I walked most of the last four miles and finished in a disappointing 2:29.

The crowd and volunteer support on the course was tremendous. I am very glad I gave it a go. I wish the medal was a little bigger, but the train shape made it unique. Everyone was very encouraging and the race had a wonderful small town feel with people calling back when there were cars going down the other lane. It was the kind of race that made me grateful to be a runner (or a walker for the last four miles). Oh well, back at it in two weeks even if I have to crawl. Take my word for it that this is a very god race.