Sunday morning (Feb. 6, 2011), I awoke to temperatures of 34F. I thought, yes!!! I was all smiles because that's my cut-off temperature for running outside - this Jamaican cannot manage anything below that, and with all the freaking snow storms and cold weather since January - this temperature was a God send. I suited up and headed out to the race which was about a 15 - 20 minute drive. I grabbed an orange - ate half, and bought a cup of coffee on the way.

The race started at 10AM, and was run around local neighborhoods. There were volunteers at every turn, so no confusion about where to go - unlike my last race (and 1st half marathon).The course was flat for the most part, with one hill between miles 3 and 4. Normally, I run about a 10 minute mile, but the last 5 mile race I had (Knights of Columbus 5 Miler) showed that I could do better, and so I pushed myself.

For the 1st time, I stayed to cheer on the people who got an award, and it was really fun. I got nothing myself, but I was so excited for those people that did. And I must say, the men in the 40+ age group category are super-fast! I'll probably stay and watch the awards from now on unless I'm pressed for time - I think it important to support people that do well ... and there must be races with only 3 people in my age group so I can get an award too :-). I'm also volunteering at my next race on March 13, 2011. Without a race to push me, my workouts in February were a little inconsistent. I hope you guys are pushing hard - and if you haven't been - let's get started (again) together :-)