Continental Divide 10K

I love running on trails, so when I was browsing for a race to fit in my schedule, I found this 10K in Laurel Springs, NC. It looked like so much fun! Little did I know what I was getting into. Of course when I mentioned it to my running friends, Lori, Crystal and Andy, they were in! I found out that Hollis and Carl have been running this race for the past couple of years and they love it!

Lori, Crystal and I, with our significant others, went up the day before the race. We stayed at Freeborne's, which is sort of a biker bar/motel/restaurant. Great restaurant and very nice folks! After a hearty lunch of burgers, wings and beer, we went to the local winery for a tasting. We fit in a little relaxation, then a lighter dinner of wine and salad with chicken (but the brownie dessert was decadent!)

Race morning was cool and foggy. After a light breakfast in the room, we headed to the site. The sun came out and it warmed up quickly. The men started at 9am, so we were able to watch them start and finish. The women started at 10:15am.

OMG...did I mention this was in the mountains? Did I mention the trail elevation changes? Steep downhills, steep uphills, trees across the trail, drop-offs, switchbacks and rock climbing...yeah...AWESOME! My finishing time was 1:18, something (the official results aren't up yet.) That is a long time for a 10K, but considering the course, I felt really good about it.

I won first place in my age group...Well I was the only one in my age group :) Lori and I also won these fancy medals, but it was a mistake and we had to give them back since we're not USATF members. Maybe we should join!

Looking forward to continuing training with the Evolve Running Squad. Tuna 200 relay coming up!

~Suzanne