10k stands for 10 kilometers (6.2 miles for us Americans who begrudgingly never adopted the metric system). Last year I felt rushed and hadn't eaten well before the race which is key. So this time, I carbed up on spaghetti the night before, went to bed early, stretched out and even ran a little in my neighborhood beforehand... and BARELY made it to the race in time! Almost 1,000 runners were already lined up, about half dedicate to the shorter 5k. And as with last year, severe rain was predicted. I was hoping not to run through 18 inches of flood water as we had the year before, but was prepared for anything. We hear the gun, and if you've never competed, it's like, well,
1,000 people in a space made for 100 people trying to run out of a gate. People of all shapes and sizes, various fitness levels, from ages 7 to 78, walking and running. It's key to get out of the pack, set a good pace, and control your breathing. I almost bulldozed a little kid who darted in front of me! My old running partner Debbie volunteered to take a few pictures along the route but I had no idea where she was. Thanks for capturing these shots!

I finally break out of the pack and pass all the slow pokes. I'm feeling pretty good and get about 3/4 into the first mile thinking, "Alright! The rains going to pass us". Kaboom! It begins to downpour! So I settle in and just try to keep up with the pretty girl in front of me. I mean, hey, you have to stay motivated!