I registered for this race at the last minute. I had 15 miles on my training plan and decided that I didn't want to run by myself. I remembered that a friend of mine was running this half marathon and decided to check it out. It was listed as a flat fast course with beautiful scenery. The price was right, so I asked her if I could tag along!

It turned out to be one of the best decisions I could have made for this weekends long run!

We hit packet pick up on our way into town. This was a true small town race with some awesome little perks, including raffle prizes that all runners had the opportunity to win

Since it was a training run for me, it forced me to slow down and really enjoy the scenery. And I am so glad that I did!

The Course: We parked near the finish line in Three Lakes and hopped on a bus to head to Eagle River for the start. We were dropped off right near the Dairy Queen to a balmy 26 degrees! Yes, a little chilly but I honestly would rather run in cooler temps! They had a back check option so I was able to keep my sweatshirt with me until just a few minutes before the race.

The course follows the Three Eagle Trail for the first several miles before you follow a quiet country road for the next few miles. This road featured a few small rolling hills, but nothing to get too worried about! Even though you were on a road, there was virtually no traffic, just a few dedicated cheerleaders and bundled up volunteers at aid stations or intersections. After the road, you get back onto the trail and you work your way towards Three Lakes.

this was one of the most beautiful courses I have run in a long time. The fall colors were at peak color and you never knew what you would see around each corner. At one point, as I turned a corner on the trail, I stopped dead in my tracks. I felt like I was in a snow globe. The leaves were slowly falling and it was simply an amazing sight! It was moments like this that kept me going along the entire course.

Again, since this was a training run for me, I was taking my time and enjoying every moment!

The aid stations were plentiful, even for those of us runners that were further back in the pack.

For a small race, the swag was awesome! A nice long sleeve tech shirt for all runners and then a hand crafted wooden finishers medal! I love unique race bling and this was one of the coolest I have seen in a long time!

I loved everything about this race! The small town charm and the small field of runners was just what I needed after running some bigger races this year. It helped me to get back to the real reasons why I run! I spent time on the course chatting with other runners and just enjoying the day!

I will definitely add this race to my calendar any year that I can fit it in!

For my full recap of the race: http://ampdwellness.crazyhamster.run/fall-running-peak-colors-and-new-friends-on-a-cold-morning/