^WHERE: Beals Point, Folsom, CA

(Click on pictures to enlarge)

I'm back for my 2nd race here at Beals Point.  I'm looking forward to a new race strategy...go out easier and then push.  Last time I went out way too fast and found myself really struggling to move.

As I sign up, I chat with a woman I raced with last time.  Her name is Connie and I find out that she ran over from her Pilates class to race.  Wow, that's some cross training!  I later run into Mo Bartley.  She's the nicest, most talented runner in this area and I'm sure she will do well today in the 5k.  I meet a friend of hers, Jen Pfeifer, and she also has two little ones like me.  She sure looks fast! 

We are almost ready to go and we are told that the course will be run the opposite direction this time.  That means the course is still around 6.8 miles.  I'm a bit relieved that we won't have to run all the way up that big hill from last time.  I see Prudence from last time and wonder if I can stay closer this time.  I say a prayer and ask the Lord to again use me today.  I also commit to smiling and encouraging the other runners.

Okay, ready, set go!  This time it's not as crowded since the trails are nice and wide for passing in the beginning.  It's hard to hold back but I make myself stay behind Connie.  Mile 1 is 7:39.  My heartrate is pretty low but I know that I need to keep the reigns on.  Mo and the other girls are long gone and I don't let it bother me.  It's good practice for other races coming up like the Wildflower Olympic triathlon. 

I continue to run with Connie and we are steadily passing other runners.  It's a bit narrow in this section but the runners are nice and pull over a bit as we come up on them.  I'm saying thanks and good job.  The pace has slowed a bit as we are climbing.   I decide that it's okay to let myself push a bit.  I pass by Connie and tell her "great job".  I feel relaxed as I enter my favorite patch of trees.   As the trail opens up a bit I can see a woman ahead of me.  I wonder if she's in 10K+ race.

Mile 2 is 8:20.  This should be my slowest mile as I start to get the momentum going again.  I'm heading down the steep hill I climbed last time.  The ground is loose and I find myself braking in fear of going out of control...it's silly, I should just go for it!

Mile 3 is 7:52.  I come up on the straight flat section on the levy and it gives me the opportunity to see who is continuing on lap two for the 10K+ race.  I can see Jen Pfeifer in the far distance with Prudence a bit behind.  Those girls will be hard to catch but I have to believe it's possible...anything is possible with Jesus!  There's another girl close and I think I can catch her.

Mile 4 is 7:30.  I just passed the girl in front of me and now I'm pretty much alone.  I can see a few guys ahead of me but none of the girls.  I focus in on the guy in red in front of me.  Though I held back in the beginning and it's made the later part of the race easier, I still feel flat.  A whole bunch of excuses come to mind and I have to focus hard to push those out of my head...who cares, keep pushing.  I told Troy at the Zoo Zoom that any race is a good race as long as I don't give up.  Some days may be tougher physically and/or mentally but the key is to always go for it.  I have to go for it!  Troy and Jamie Whitmore would love to be doing this so don't take it for granted!

Mile 5 is 7:41 following the biggest climb on the course...not bad.  As the trail opens up again, I see no women but just the two guys.  It's not over yet.  I surge a bit and my body is pooped!  I just try to keep the same pace and effort and look for some downhills to get my momentum going again.  I hit the big downhill and once again find myself slipping from all the braking I'm doing.  The guy in red is still the same distance ahead and I keep up my effort.

Mile 6 is 7:46.  Okay, almost there!!  I'm climbing again and I see the guy just ahead of me.  It's possible to catch him as I can see I'm closing in a bit.  As I hit the levy and the homestretch, he's just out of reach.  I push hard anyway and tell myself to finish strong.  When rounding the corner to the finish line 3 dogs get into a major fight.  A woman is  screaming frantically.  I'm torn, do I stop and try to do something?  A see spectators and volunteers watching this unfold as well.  A young man is trying to break up the dogs and seems to be unsuccessful.  I'm feely guilty running by so quickly.  I push to the finish and look back and see the dogs have broken up.  I hope everyone is okay over there!

I'm happy with the race!  I didn't feel so great but I pushed and never gave up.  I find out that Jen and Prudence were the first 2 finishers overall, ahead of the guys!  They're also in my age group... wow, a tough, but very nice, crowd!!