Renaissance 5k

What a hot way to start the day. Up by 4 a.m. and by race time it's 80 degrees. Can you say hot?!?!?
I really wasn't sure how I was going to do this year. I ran this one last year and liked the course so I decided to give it another try. The half marathoners had left out about 6:05 or so and we were scheduled to leave the chute at 6:15. Didn't happen. They kept postponing our start. All I could think about was how thirsty I was. It had been almost an hour since my last drink and I was already sweating.
But we finally got started and my cotton mouth started. Oh my, I wasn't sure if I was going to make it.
But I chugged along even tho it felt like my right shoe was too lose and was going to come untied. Thank goodness I had double-knotted. At the first mile I was so glad to see a water station. Usually I don't partake but I was feeling parched. Even tho it is really hard to drink and run I think I managed an ounce. At the second water stop I grabbed a Powerade drink but hardly got any of that in my mouth.
Here we are coming in for the final 100 yards. This young man had passed me earlier and then I almost caught up to him. He really helped carry me along.
Almost thru here. What a look of determination on my face. Or would you call that pure exhaustion?
Aw, what a feeling! One of my co-workers said her husband says you never see a runner with a smile on their face. I told her he needs to come to a race and see the finish. Also, I just want to say thanks to those wonderful ladies handing out ice-water induced towelettes. How refreshing!In the end I did a 22:53. Not my best time but last year I did this race in 23:35 so this year is better. I got 3rd female overall. Not too shabby for an old girl. I was 18th overall.This race uses chip-timing to keep up with competitors times. It amazes me this little strip of technology.My award which shows a pic of the fountain at the Renaissance. Also, my competitors medal.This was the t-shirt they were giving out this year. I like it but it looks pretty hot being black.

Not sure when my next race will be so until then, happy running!