The course was your basic out and back, which, sure, sometimes is boring, but I always like that I get to see the super speedy runners going back when I'm barely a mile in. Plus, this year, I was on the look out for Mr. H. as he was racing not only toward the finish line but back to get back to the children (mine and my sister's and her boyfriend's). We high-fived as we passed each other.
I haven't run in almost two weeks because I've been super sick (with not strep but something masquerading as it and making me generally miserable). So even though I had a good first couple of miles, I reminded myself that I didn't need to push too hard, and finished right where I wanted to be (49:23.4, 9:57 pace, 21/45 in my age group).
After the race, we enjoyed hot chocolate and warm cider (though there was some grousing about the lack of coffee, but not by me. Anything hot at this point was welcome.), and waited for the kids race to begin. All six kids had been signed up to run, and at first I had a feeling that we'd be the only parents
The swag for the race was a super comfy hooded sweatshirt that I can not wait to spend the rest of the weekend in. Next race up: Possibly the Jingle Bell Run with my mom who has been doing the Beginning Running program with CARA. Or I may just spectate and cheer. So if not that, it will be the F3 Lake Half Marathon, which may just be warmer than the Turkey Chase was.
edited to add: Sister's race recap, with 50% more wine: Turkey Chase 8K