New Mexico marathon race report. Started at 5:30am. Low key start line, nice job on anthem and no gun - just on your marks, get set, go. First 8 miles was rolling hills. Nothing hard. I felt great and ran smart. In fact 30 seconds slower than goal time for that section. Brandon and I ran the entire section together. After 8 miles, the course turned and we started down hill. It was awesome running down hill for miles. Brandon was a hero and helped a lady that tripped over a cone. I was less of a hero and slowed down to wait on him. Once we got to the flat miles my legs said no. I felt like I was working too hard. It was here I felt like the altitude was a factor. I was truly humbled today and in order to assure my hydration and nutrition was OK, I actually walked
thru 3 water stops. I have never walked in a race. I was able to pull myself out of the hole and picked up the pace considerably for the last 4 miles. That was big. In the past I would have given up. After I was done I walked back with Karen and Mary and we cheered everyone else in. Everyone had good races. Brandon was awesome and just left me in the dust after mile 17. On an off chance after Karen was telling me to go bck to the hotel and take an ice bath, I went and checked results. 8th woman overall. First in my age GDP. Woo, hoo!! Pretty much everyone from the team was at the awards presentation and went crazy for everyone from Austin who placed. 2 people from our team were in top three age GDP and many were top 5. Our team deserved the spirit award!!
Overall I'm happy with my race. I'm not trashed. Come neuroma pain in my right foot but Karen felt that was from the down hill. Greasy Mew Mexican lunch - check. Ice bath and shower - check. Tonight we are going to some place featured on diners, drive ins and dives.