Stowe 8 Miler

The Stowe 8 Miler was a race that I had my eyes on ever since I started running longer distances. It seemed unattainable to run that long of a distance, but I put it on my secret (meaning that it's hidden and only I can see it) Pinterest board reserved for all things running. After all this training I knew I could do it, so I signed up about a month before the event. Sadly, Emily still isn't running long enough distances to join me, but I was super excited to run it!

The race had a ton of volunteers and everything went really smoothly - I picked up my bib and shirt about 45 minutes before race start and there was no line or any problems at all. My parents had decided to come with me, so I left them and headed to the starting line, which was in the middle of a field. I started way at the back of the pack because I would much rather pass people than be passed, but it ended up being the perfect spot - I stuck with the same people around me throughout the entire race for the most part,

After we left the field there was a pasture of cows to our right. As the hundreds of runners started going by them, they all perked up and started paying attention to us - and by the time that I got to them, they were almost all running and moo-ing in the same direction we were. It was really funny and a cool way to start the race.

After the run in with the cows we ran through a golf course, through a little bit of the town and then headed up a small but steep hill towards the high school. The relay runners exchanged here at mile 3, and then we enjoyed nearly a mile of downhills, which made it really hard for me to make myself stop and take my Gu at mile 4. I knew I needed to though, and I'm glad I did as it was pretty hot and humid.

The last 4 miles of the race included 2 people standing out on their lawns spraying us with their hoses and a water station where I poured 2 full cups of water on me. I was wearing my fuel/water belt so I was hydrating with water and lemonade Gatorade throughout the race and I really felt great - but pouring that water on me made me feel even better!

The last mile was tough because it included a few decent hills, but as soon as I spotted my parents I knew I was just about there. I crossed the finish line at 1:27, which isn't speedy, but isn't terrible. It was a great race and I'd love to do it again!

Later that day we headed up to a lake near our house and kayaked a bit. My mom forgot her camera for the race, but I wore my race shirt to the lake so I did get a good shot of me in my swag!

me, Emily and Honey, our grandparents' dog!

Getting a good ab workout in the kayaks