Got up this morning and it wasn't raining! This was good because it made for good running weather, yet I was sad I didn't get to run in my nifty new Mizuno jacket. I did wear a Survivor cap for the first time, and it did a good job of keeping the light rain off my face. When I got to the Expo Center, I was amazed at the number of cars there. Hooray for big parking lots. I ran into the one other person I know in the Clearcube Distance Challenge, and he said he might not be able to do the Marathon because of a possible relocation. I am most determined to get my jacket... especially after having completed half the runs! The run began well. I was definitely keeping up with people better than the last run. At the first mile, someone called out a time of 8 1/2 minutes. They may have started a minute after me, but still! That was quite fast. Somewhere around there I heard someone make the above comment about it being 80 degrees. It was definitely humid and warm. I was told usually this is the coldest run of the year. It wasn't chilly at all. The second mile was a tad slower. I pulled out my TriBerry GU (Thank God for GU!) at the mile 3 water stop. Did my second at mile 7. The water stops this time were especially unimpressive. Especially the mile 11 one that had no water. When I drove the route, I saw two cows (two cows, heh heh heh) along side the road. They weren't there when we ran by. The weather got rainy enough at times that I was soaked most of the run. I found a running buddy with a good pace around mile 4. I think we ran 3 miles off and on together. She ended up getting ahead of me during one of my weaker moments on a hill. I also saw a former classmate early on. I was suprised she recognized me. Our conversation went something like "Still traveling?" "Yep." and she was gone. I walked one or two hills that weren't too long, but was sure the mile 9 hill would kick my booty. It didn't. In fact I ran up it quite well. Downhills weren't too traumatic, and I coasted down them impressively speedy and with little effort. Since we were out in the country, there wasn't a lot of held up traffic, and not a lot of cheering supportive people. The medical cyclists were very supportive... throughout the whole run! The view was spectacular. It was misty and foggy in the distance. Just beautiful. The smells were at times encouraging me to run a little faster. My energy level was definitely boosted to a new level after mile three water & GU. Whether that was physically or psychologically caused, it was welcomed! I liked my place in the run today... there were enough people in good spirits and with encouraging words. After the mile 9 hill, it was fairly flat and I easily ran that part. When I conquered that hill, my I began to question "So what's the Challenge?" tee hee. The toughest part was the last half mile. Since we had to run around the barn and then through it, I think I underestimated the last mile. Would you believe I was starting to feel a little tired then? At the right minute, there was a man standing in the road cheering people on and giving high-fives. What an angel! He had a SEU Kiwanis run shirt on. :) I finished a lot sooner than the 12.4 mile run two weeks ago (not counting the last extra bit). I think the daily runs this week and the improved health and better weather definitely helped. It was also encouraging knowing I was going to have lunch with a good friend afterward. On my way out of the expo center, I saw a runner friend of mine who worked with me when I was a co-op. Wish I could have said more than just hi! I think the most challenging thing about The Decker Challenge is the image it creates in your mind. Like my hat says, I survived!