Half Crazy

I checked the 10-day forecast for Pinedale, WY last Tuesday. Clear and 70's as far as the eye could see. Hrrumph. I was secretly hoping for 50's and rain or even snow so that I would have an excuse not to register for the Pinedale Half Marathon.

A friend mentioned a month or so ago that a fall half marathon or 10k would be fun (fun?), so we started looking for events nearby. Since I was also invited to run the last day of Project America Run with my my friend Mike, in Rockland, ME, it would also be a good prep and motivation. Pinedale seemed to have a good course, wasn't too big of an event and fairly close by.

I armed myself with all the vittles and gear that work for me on a long run and we headed down Friday night to camp near Fremont Lake. Race day was a dark, chilly 35 at 6 am, but after coffee, breakfast and a "Good Morning!" from some local antelope, I was as ready as I could be to run 13 miles.




Pronghorn Antelope aka Speed Goats.

As I gathered with these other cuckoo people running 13 miles at the starting line, the butterflies were having a party-I was officially nervous. After a couple miles, the party cleared out and I got into the running groove. I felt pretty strong most of the course, but at Mile 10, I was getting ready to be done.

My Support Crew -Mazzy- was waiting for me at the finish line, 2 1/2 hours after the gun went off. He was ready with flip-flops, water and a wooden nickel redeemable for a free beer! Oh, the bennies of run registration!



Thanks to my on-course supplies Tram Bar, Sport Beans and my sister's secret weapon, Jolly Ranchers, I kept my energy and spirits up. My friend who originally wanted to run a halfer was unable to, so I ran solo and scouted the course for anyone who wants to punish themselves next year. 2 thumbs up for a well-organized race and an interesting, clear route.






For full race results: http://www.milliseconds.com/participants/detail/806146647