Snail's pace runner wins AG!!

DH and I did this run last year but took the 5k option as I was just returning to running after an injury. This year the route was a little different as it started and finished at a minor league ball park. It would be a little strange as I was running without DH because he's been working nights. I opted to run without my camelbak, which I've been using on my long runs on the weekend, as I figured I 'd be okay with water on the course and because I had really hydrated the couple of days prior to the race. I don't do well in the heat and should have known better.<br><br>
We started late, about 7:15 instead of 7:00, but that was okay. It was pretty humid, especially since the run is along the river. Most of it was shaded, so that was nice. The first water stop was at 1.5 and I just wasn't ready yet, so I went on. It was an out and back course and I started seeing some of the 5k runners right away. Some of them are so fast (the winner did it in 13:40 something!). I got to the 10k turnaround and no water stop. I realized then this was not a good sign as there was only one on the way back, at mile 4.5. But I kept going, what choice did I have? I got to the water stop and walked thru and drank a 1/2 cup of water and dumped the rest down the back of my neck as it was getting pretty hot already. Once I passed mile 5, I knew I could slog to the finish, in spite of or because of my bad choice on not bringing my camelbak. The finish went into the ball field and you crossed home plate as you finished. I ended up with 1:05:53. Slower than I wanted, but it was done.<br><br>
Post race food was weird. Breakfast burritos, scrambled eggs, tortillas, potatoes and salsa. No fruit, no bagels, no cookies. <img alt="sad.gif" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/sad.gif"><br><br>
I waited for a bunch of folks I knew to finish the HM and had something to eat. Imagine my surprise when my name was announced as 1st place in my age group. Of course, I was the only one in my age group, but it was still pretty cool for someone like me who runs at a snail's pace to win an award, even if it was by default.<br><br>
It was a good race but I was disappointed in myself. But on the up side, I learned a valuable lesson. I don't do well in the heat and won't go without my camelbak again. And..........HARDWARE BABY, HARDWARE!! <img alt="icon_cheers.gif" src="http://files.kickrunners.com/smilies/icon_cheers.gif">