Well, I didn't race, but I just wanted to report anyway. Ken and I rode the course to make sure it was clear for the runners. The course had quite a bit of water on Watkins Way, Fern Alley where it passes Brake Burner and heavy in the rock path on Pine Link. Although Aaron followed the runners during the race and said it had dissipated by the time he reached the first two areas. Of course the rock path was still holding the water. Although the trails were a bit slick, it didn't slow down the runners as the first four finishers were under 40 minutes.

My other volunteer duty was unnecessary as we had no injuries or other medical emergencies. So I cheered the runners as they entered and started their finish on the track.

Randy finished second in the 50-59 and had to leave, so he asked to pick up his award. Of course they made me stand on the podium for pictures which wasn't all that bad. My mistake was helping to clean up before securing the prize in my car. I put Randy's prize of Stetson's maple syrup under my bike next to the fence. Now it was't that someone was being crooked and took it for themselves. Actually, that was my initial thought. The fact is that it looked like a leftover bottle and provided someone else an opportunity at the prize. So I forget who it was given to, but Randy said he didn't mind as long as someone enjoyed it!

I will throw a quick report out there. Having raced the 1/2 iron the weekend before and maxing out on my stage race mtbike effort on Wednesday, I wasn't sure if the legs had much left. So off I go with 130 something other racers.

We all had the same thought get in front as many people as possible before the first singletrack at Roots. I settled in the top third, knowing I was pushing too hard, too early. I got in front of all my track kids, but one was still dangling out in front of me, and I really thought I would catch him. The first mile we reeled off in 7:24, and I knew that would hurt me. I was hoping for a sub 9 minute first mile, I guess I got it.

Mile 2 was when that initial effort caught up with me, my pace slowed as I walked big rock and the steeps after it. I got going again on whip n spur and found myself just over 25 minutes at half way. Shooting for 50 minutes, I was in good shape.

This is when I got my surprise, Once I got to the flats and downhill, my pace didn't pick up, my heart rate and effort was maxed out, even though I could physically go faster on this section with faster times to prove it. My effort on the uphill was a little too much and it cost me. Knowing the course I was able to keep from getting passed and managed to squeeze by a couple fading runners on eastside. I came to mile 5 in 42 minutes and knew I needed a good last mile to break 50. That's when I heard Ariel Hubert calling me out "I got your number Lovely" I scooted down South boundary as fast as I could go, when a runner slided by, I expect to see her, but no, I was increasing my lead. My increased effort due to Hubert starting catching up, and I had to slow down. She squeezed by me just before the stairs with her brother chasing.

I gave one last effort up the stairs but only managed a 3 stride run, before I resorted to walking, head down so Oneill wouldn't see me coming. A few of the pictures have this pose. UP the stairs, then a forced run to get going and I smelled the line. Dr. Mike came up on me, and we pushed the pace to be sure we broke 50...... 7th place a few points.

I must confess, I skipped cheering the next 50 runners. I ran into the football tower and had to sit with my head in my hands until I felt normall again. average heart rate 172 for the entire race. It was an ouch race. I will take it easier in Sunapee.