Did you catch the part about me being almost late?! Well, that meant I didn't eat anything before the race started - at 8:45 AM - and I had only had 1 gel (Powerbar Energy Blasts), which I had to take at the beginning. I took water at every aid stop, but there is only so much water I can drink during a race before it all starts sloshing around in my tummy. Miles 5-7 involved lots of walking and a shuffle step that resembled running. Mile 7-8 involved throwing up, but nothing major; and then somehow I pushed through to the end - 9.3 miles ... done! Time: 89:12 - 1st in my age group - say what?! The ladies weren't really representing in this race - but you know me - I'll take that award - thanks!

As for the course itself, there were many a hill, some short, some long - but I now expect that of any race in the Hudson Valley. Woodstock is very scenic with lots of farms - also I think it has the most yoga spots I've ever seen in a town! I love the vibe of small races - just wish I wouldn't always be so rushed and could take more time out to enjoy the locale - that's definitely something I plan on changing in the future.