
I started out not having more than a 2 mile run in the previous month before we trained. Thanks to bronchitis, I was stuck with just walking for a while before my lungs were clear enough to take on running. From the very beginning, we trained hard. I mean, we trained in the cold, in the rain, in sleet, and even snow! We ran one day when it was 38 degrees and raining. You never know what race day conditions will be, so the rule is that you run in every type of weather condition so that race day is just like any other training day.

Race day finally came around and we were as ready as we were going to be. A few days before the race, Bakri took us on a run that would be a preview of the race course. This was super helpful because then we knew exactly what to expect on race day. The race would start on an uphill so I knew I had to hold back a little bit in the start of the race. Most people have so much energy they go all out and then crash after the first mile. My plan was to try to pace it evenly as possible.
While I didn't reach my ultimate time goal, I was pretty happy with my race. After cooling down and hanging out at the Fleet Feet tent for a bit, Adam and I headed over to Buzz Coffee and got lattes! We were excited to see our favorite barista working. He needs to teach the rest of his co-workers how to froth soy milk! Check out the accidental swan in my cup!
Joining the Fleet Feet team has given me a great starting point and helped me to develop good running habits as I get ready to start the real ultra training. Running is easier when you have a team counting on you to show up every day!