Recap time! Finally….. ;) The Groundhog Marathon
Well the morning started out really cold and it ended cold too! We had over 6 inches of snow dumped on us over two days– possibly in one night. It was over a week ago so I forget. Anyway, if I had not WON the free entry I would not have been running outside! The race started at 8am. I took a shuttle to the start line– that was a great addition to this race as there was not enough parking at the venue.
Getting ready to drive to the race. Look at all that yucky snow! 
I dressed properly ( I swapped out the vest for a jacket). I was nice and warm without overheating.
The race was to start in waves, but I don’t think that really happened. People were really excited to run I guess. My first mile was almost 13 minutes! I knew then that this was going to be a training run for me. No big deal. Even during the first mile I knew this was going to be a fun race. People were dressed up as groundhogs too.
Miles 2-9 were all in the 10 min. area except for one, I was a bit over an 11 minute mile. I started to fade a bit after mile 8 or 9. Running through the deep snow was not easy. I am so glad I wore my Yaktrax - I knew for sure I would NOT be on pavement at all during this race. That is a pet peeve of mine while wearing these–hitting pavement- super annoying. My family also came out to support me– this was a huge surprise as I told them to stay home! The kids really wanted to play in the snow so they got to do that as well.
Amara and Miles in the snow
Woo hoo- Mile 10 was sub 10 minutes! :) I was starting to feel very fatigued by now. While running in the snow for so long I am sure I was tense the entire time– bracing myself to stay upright I guess. The last 2 miles I found myself feeling unbalanced….it turns out my Yaktrax were coming off! If I was a normal person I would have stopped to put them back on, but I am abnormal. My hands don’t cooperate as they should so I knew it would have been a waste of time and potentially dangerous ( frostbite anyone?!?) for me to take my gloves off with 2 miles still left to go. No thanks yo. I suffered though the awkwardness of half off Yaktrax!
The last 3 miles I don’t really remember,but I do remember Amara throwing a snowball at me right before the finish line! I also remember my music running out! I thought I needed it for the last few miles, but I really didn’t. The crowd and volunteers gave me the push I needed.
I grounded her later on for being so mean and violent to me…. 
My final time was 2:20. I will take it! It was a really fun race. Take it from this snow hater. I recommend this race for next year and if I don’t win an entry I would seriously consider paying! :)
My fuel for the race:
Breakfast was oatmeal and 2 clementines.
O2 Gold Advance 60 minutes before the race
Spark half before my oatmeal and the other half on the way to the race
During the race I drank the provided water and Gatorade. Usually I carry my own stuff during the race, but since I had on ski gloves I was not able to hold or open anything. I usually use Rehydrate electrolyte replacement drink and Rehydrate gels.
Here’s a cool shot that the race photographer snapped of me during the race.
And here’s one that a nice stranger offered to take of my family. It turns out he was a fan of Amara’s big hair! He was sure to tell her that before he left.
I could not feel my hands anymore. I should have never taken off my gloves!
I can’t believe you kept up such a great pace in that snow! Way to rock that half
Thank you!! It really was FUN. I swear…