Right to Hike Ella's Run 5K and Fun Run Recap

I have done this run for three years now. I wasn't sure if I was going to even it this year because normally its at the beginning of the month and I had my half marathon the second weekend of the month. Luckily, they set the date for October 19th. :)

I have been excited about this run since I signed up. It isn't an easy 5K course but its still lots of fun. 

This year we started in a different area which meant we were running the course backwards. I definitely prefer the other way we use to go. 

Since it was wet out I was taking it easy in some areas especially going down in the trail. Those leaves can be mighty slippery.

I think the only true struggle I had was when we came out from the trail and had to up hill. (Not really a hill person, lol) I kept pushing. I had to stop and walk briefly just so I could get my breathing under control again (I forget how to breathe when its cold out).

I got up that one hill and had descent stretch of flat road before I had to make my way back up some more hills.

After tackling the last bit of hills I was on the homestretch. We had to run through a wooded trail which nice, but I definitely had to watch where I was going since the trees roots were popping up through the pavement. I can't risk getting injured.

Before I knew it I could hear the crowd and the music from the wooded area, so I knew I was getting close to the finish line. I made one final turn before taking off (I always sprint at the end). 

I finished.

I wasn't quite sure of my time, but I did know I beat my previous times for this race. :)

M told me he believed I was the 5th woman to close the finish line. I immediately began questioning if I was going to place in my age group or not.

Sure enough.....I placed 1st in my age group. Holy cow! I was seriously grinning from ear to ear.

I love the award. It isn't a medal or big trophy. It's a hand painted dog bone. 

My official time: 27:50

This was going to be my last race of 2013, but I decided I would do one more. My next race isn't until December 7th. I can't wait since its a Christmas themed one. One of my running friends, Jen, is also going to be running it. :)

What is your next race in 2013?