I was really looking forward to this race because it's a really scenic race and the weather was PERFECT for a race. Upper 40's/Lower 50's!!!

I got to the race a little later than I normally do and this caused me to rush a little. I stretched for a while and barely had any time to get in a warmup run. I think there were about 60 runners. The director informed us that the first mile of the course had to be altered a little because they had built a barn on the old course. The barn is like the Virginia Farm Market where people can buy apples, pies, etc. It sure did smell good walking through there :)

We're off. Everone seemed to start off really fast for a 10k and I found myself going a little faster than I really wanted to. The course is at the base of a mountain and the air was crisp and smelled so good. SVR Runner Joel McKenzie came up beside me and we ran side by side for a while and chatted for a little while. 1st mile: 7:20.

After another quarter of a mile, we turned off of the gravel path and turned on to asphalt. I was glad to get off of the gravel. A couple of the locals were out cheering people on and this helped. 2nd mile: 7:43

Here come the rolling hills. Up and down, up and down. Nothing major though. One runner passed me and I fell in behind him and used to him to help with my pacing. This helped me pick up my pace a little and seemed to make the run easier. We passed one tree that had some of the largest birds I've ever seen in my life. I think they were buzzards and there were about 10 of them. Did they think I was dying? :)
3rd mile: 7:16.

Time for some more gravel. I knew a large hill was coming so I slowed the pace down a little to make sure I could get through it without stopping. 4th mile: 7:31.

This was my third time running this race and for the first time I made it to the top of the hill without stopping, which was a surprise to me. They had a water stop at the top, so I stopped for a little while to catch my breath and get a drink. We turned back into the farm and it was time to run the 1st mile gravel loop one more time. 5th mile: 8:06.

I got a little energy boost here and started feeling much better. 6th mile: 7:34. Last .11 at a 7:16 pace. Overall time: 46:18. My Garmin had the race a little short at 6.11. Other runners said they had it a little short too. Either way, I'm really happy with my time and really enjoyed everything about this run. Finally won an award at this race...1st in my Age Group (thanks to a low turnout :)

Great start to the weekend!