I was really exited to run this race. I ran this race last year, and loved it.(It was my first trail run last year) I wanted to start fast so I could get ahead on the trail. The first 2.5 miles are uphill on a gravel road and it helps spread the runners out. I hit the trail and I felt good at first but I got really fatigued. I couldn't get into a groove the first 6 miles. I would run a little and then walk a little. I tried to stay with the guy in front of me, but he wasn't walking so he soon left me. I continued to feel bad and I got passed by four guys running together. I heard them coming and stepped off the trail to let them pass. At the first aid station I stopped and ate a few pretzels and when I started running again I felt better. I was able to catch up to someone and ran with him for a while. I followed him for about 1.5 miles and he started to walk and let me pass. I seen a guy up ahead on the trail so I focused on catching up to him. I finally caught him and he let me pass. I was hoping he wouldn't do that because I pushed harder so I wouldn't slow him down. I pushed a little and looked back and he wasn't there. I continued to run hard and passed one more guy. He was the last person I seen on the trail. I kinda like having someone ahead of me during a race, so I run harder. Towards the end of the trail I was walking the uphills and running the flats and downhills. I was running low on water about this time so I was happy to see the aid station on the gravel road. I drank a cup of poweraide and ate a few chips and started running. I could see a lady up ahead and I wanted to catch her before the finish. I ran the last 2.5 miles around 7:15 pace. I caught her with around 1 mile to go. When I got to the bridge I kicked it in to under 7:00 pace and pushed as hard as I could to the finish. As soon as I caught my breathe I took my shoes off to check my feet for blisters. I could feel one on my big toe during the race but I ended up with 3 total. It was well worth it though I had a blast. | 