After sliding down our driveway on a coating of ice I was glad to see that the roads were in fairly good condition as I made my way to downtown St. Paul for this race.
It was a balmy 34 degrees at the start with the wind blowing at 15-20 mph, a light drizzle fell from the sky. I left the Securian building about five minutes before race time and took my place between the 1:40 and 1:45 pace groups. My goal was to run an even steady pace that would put me somewhere right between these two groups.
The race headed out of downtown and quickly joined Shepherd Road where we ran west, making our way from the river up to the bluffs across from Fort Snelling before turning around and making our way back. Yes, that means that most of the first half of the race is uphill. I quickly settled into a comfortable pace and made it through the half in about 51:20. I was really looking forward to the run back as it was downhill but it was also into the wind which at times made it very challenging.
At mile ten a Bald Eagle graced us with its presence about 75 feet above our heads, just beautiful.
I continued to run a steady pace and came across the finish line in 1:43 even on my watch, exactly what I'd hoped for. I had wanted to run this race but not push too hard, I finished strong and accomplished my goal. Now to enjoy the afternoon!
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