4th of July 5K

 I try to run our local 4th of July 5k every year.  It is usually so hot and so humid and this year was no exception. However, they did move the start time up to 8 am instead of 9 am like it had been in the past!

  The earlier start time was definitely a good idea. 

Parking, packet pick up, and using the restroom were all a breeze ( benefits of a small-ish race).  My cousin was also running so I met him and we walked to the start line. 

After the National Anthem was sung, we were off. I knew I wanted to pace myself, so I didn't start off super fast like some runners did. I knew there was a killer hill coming up half way in and I needed to conserve some energy for that.  The first mill before the hill is fairly flat.  The hill is quite steep and this is where I start to pass people!  The hill was about a half mile. Once I got to the top of that, it was smooth sailing the rest of the way.

At the bottom of the hill I saw my high school track coach cheering me on. That gave me a pep in my step!  Is it just me, or do you hate when there are sprinklers on the course?  I know it is hot out, but I'm already wet from sweating, and I don't want to get my sneakers wet and the rest of myself wet while running a race.   So after going out of my way to avoid the sprinklers, I was in the home stretch.

I finished 2nd in my age group with a time of 23:35 and received a nice over the shoulder bag that will be put to good use.  My cousin placed in his age group as well.

Did you run a 4th of July race? Sprinklers on the course, Yay or Nay?  -L

 I'll be linking up with the wonderful ladies from the Runners Round Up!