Done with state #28 in NH!

I will admit that the course description scared me.  It is described as “hilly, challenging, and scenic”.  I almost backed out but am glad that I did in fact run this race.

The expo was really small.  The highlight of it was meeting Kathrine Switzer.  She is so friendly and down to earth.  She hugged me and I felt like we’ve known each other for years.  I bought one of her books and can’t wait to read it.

The race began at 8:50am.  I woke up at my normal time of 6am.  I tried going back to sleep but couldn’t.  I went downstairs to get coffee and began getting ready.  The weather was  41 degrees and I was not sure whether to wear pants or a skirt.  I decided to go with the skirt and my ProCompression socks.

It was windy and cold and I almost regretted not wearing pants.  I got in line to use the bathroom and made it to the start line with one minute to go.

The course is exactly as mentioned on the website: hilly, challenging and scenic.  Beautiful course!  I love running during the fall because of all of the colors.  There were plenty of water stations and they were not crowded at all.  There were some places with a lot of crowd support.  There were houses in which families were gathered outside having their own little gathering and cheering for the runners.  And yes it was hilly and challenging!  My legs were screaming at me to stop!  I took some walk breaks, especially during the hills.  There was just no way I could run up all of them.

My finish time is 2:25:57.  I am very happy with it because the course was not easy.  The weather helped too.

Next race is Rock ‘n’ Roll Las Vegas which will be by 29th state.  Plus, it will be my 49th half marathon.  After Las Vegas my next race is the Goofy Challenge in FL.  But you know for sure I will be planning a 50th half marathon in my hometown, Chicago.