I was up at my cottage and thought, "Why not look for a race while I am here?" Found this one. This run was part of Dairyfest in Lena. I had no idea what this would be like. The day was rainy and very windy. Before the run we could be inside the school's cafeteria. Leaving that to go out was a little harsh. This was a horizontal, wind driven rain. I ran parts with my head down so the bill of my hat could keep the rain from hitting my eyes. This was so well run that I wondered why it was not easier to find when looking for a run and then trying to find where I could register. The run was through the town and every turn had volunteers to point you in the right direction. After the race you could go over to Dairyfest but not before the parade. It stopped raining (but not the wind) for the parade, which I stayed for. If I am around next year. This gets my vote.

Fist--There was no 8K it was a 5K--I had just run a 1/2 the week before and wondered if after training this summer for a 1/2 (slower pace) if I had any speed for a 5K. I did. It was the fastest 5K I'd run. The 1/2 was canceled because of impending storms so it was just the 5K and the 10K. The 5K was an out and back on a mostly lever road but for the downward incline at the start and the "how did it get steeper" incline at the finish. It started our with a light rain which by the end of the run was an outright downpour. Pretty much fun. This was my first experience with Silver Circle Sports. Definitely would not be my last. I don't know if this will be around next year but I would do it again.

This was my first 1/2 marathon. I chose this for several reasons: I was ready (perhaps overly) for my first 1/2, it was near where out cottage is located and it was a smaller race. I was nervous having not run this far for any run. Last year I ran my first races and did a 5K, 8K and a 10K so it was time to add the 1/2 marathon. Pick up was at the race. There were mostly local runners and they were just so friendly, especially to a new comer to their run and a new comer to a 1/2. I even met a first cousin to someone I worked with near Milwaukee. It was coolish for August with a nice mist/light rain mixed in. This affected two things. Nice for running and bad because the bibs were paper and fell apart. Mine fell off twice so I put it in my pocket. So glad my running shorts had those. The turns were marked with chaulk arrows, some had volunteers, others not. That did cause a little angst at one point when I found myself running alone and came to an intersection that wasn't marked. I made the correct choice. The run started in a park, ran through down town Oconto, out onto a breakwater and then back along the shore of the Green Bay and finally back through town to the park. Other than the bib problem this was a great 1/2 marathon and if it fits I plan on running it again next year because I enjoyed it and the people and because I held back too much wanting to make sure I had enough to run all the way and finish strong. All 1/2 finishers received a cow bell. Petty unique!

After my fist races ever I wanted to do a 5K so I would have done a 5K, 8K and 10K. The week before the race I pulled a hamstring. I struggle for about three days walking and then added a sore throat and chest congestion. But, I wanted to get this done. Pre-race I met Ron Dayne. Pretty cool in itself. Like the 8K I did, this followed the same path done by Lake Michigan. This race 1/4 zip remains to this day the best yet and still get the positive comments when I wear it. The race was very well organized and post race was probably pretty nice also but I spent about 1/2 hour trying to me mobile. I had before and have since thrown my bibs away. I kept this one and when I finally received by ribbon for my finish I framed it and hung it by the treadmill as I ran sick and in pain that just kept getting worse. Probably ran faster because all I could do is feel terrible and did not think out how I was running. I thought this was an excellent run and so glad I picked it but I did not do it again for a couple reasons. The next year they would give finisher medals. For a 5K? and I would graduate (if you will) to 1/2 marathons, still I was tempted.

My third race ever. This was the first year this run was held in Milwaukee. It competes with several Thanksgiving Day runs. Held on the lake front automatically gives you course scenery. Hooded fleece, bakery at the finish line; just a good time. I ran the 8K which just adds an out and back to the run. I don't really know what to say other than this is something I will do on Thanksgiving morning for as long as I can.