Race day this year was Saturday, April 4, 2015, Holy Saturday, the third day of the Triduum, better known as the day before Easter. This was the 6th annual running of the event which started in 2010. The course has been basically the same over its six years with only the start/finish line changing from the North parking lot entrance to the South parking lot entrance of Bald Eagle Park Reserve. The weather was almost perfect, sunny and low 30’s for the start with a WNW wind of about 7 mph.

On the ride up from Cottage Grove (CG), my thoughts were more focused on the events of the rest of the day and not so much the run itself. Holy Saturday is kind-of a big deal at my house. My Mom was in town visiting from Ohio, and we were having the immediate family and some close friends over later in the afternoon to enjoy the first Easter meal, which I would have blessed at Saint Casmir’s church in St. Paul.

When I arrived, the car temperature stated 32 F, and it felt chilly as I made my way into the house hoping the coffee was ready. We still had 30 minutes or so before needing to be at the starting line. I was happy for the hot coffee; as the pre-run chatter carried on and my Grand-Puppy Meryl bounded around with excitement. I talked Christopher into driving us over; the 15K started about half an hour after the half-marathon, so he could visit with Liz and keep her warm before the start of her run (that was my excuse anyway).

I wished Liz luck on her run and made my way over to the starting line where I ran into a few Tri-Fitness peeps. This is a Tri-Fitness event, so there were many familiar faces. I started training

with Tri-Fitness’s triathlon team last spring; I have made many new friends along the way. Orien was volunteering today and was driving the SAG wagon (hopefully, he would not find me on the course today), and Shelley and Theresa, two tri-mates, were also running the half today. Orien took a quick pic, I wished everyone well, and I made my way to the start line.

I plugged into my 2015 Campwannarunamileormore play list (building of the playlist, this is a very important part of the pre-race preparation, you have to have the perfect playlist, right?) and jumped around a little waiting for the starting signal. With music already filling my head, the visual queue from those around me was my indicator to start my watch and get this going.

My only real expectation for the day was for it to be a consistent effort and not blow up with three miles to go. I set a time range that should result in a strong tempo run, which I felt I should be able to maintain
for the 13.1 mile trip skirting Bald Eagle and Otter Lakes. A group of about five runners, including Shelley and me, seemed to settle in at a brisk but maintainable pace (I knew Shelley would leave me in the dust at some point). We would pass Christopher and Liz’s house at about mile one and again at mile 12 on the return trip. I knew I would not see him on the way out but thought maybe he and Meryl might be there on the way back.

At about 3.5 miles or so in, as we made our way toward I35E and the west side of the course, Shelley lit the afterburners and within a few minutes was out of sight. The group of five that I started with began to dissipate and stretch out with me towards the back of the group. The wind was more noticeable on this side of the course, but with the warmth of the bright sunshine, I was still comfortable.

At about mile 6.5, the route turns east on Cedar and then makes its way back south to the north side of Bald Eagle Lake at mile 8.5 or so, and then follows around the perimeter of the lake, now counter-

clockwise, back to the finish line. It was nice to have the wind at my back for a while, but there was pretty gusty side wind along the east side of the lake. I could feel the energy I expensed in my legs up the last short climb at mile 12 and just held on for the last ½ mile or so to the finish line. Christopher and Liz were there, as were Shelley and Joe. We congratulated each other and briefly chatted about our runs, but it did not take long for the strong wind off the lake to bring a chill to my bones. After a quick (warm) shower at Christopher’s, I made my way back to CG with thoughts of the Easter goodness I would shortly enjoy with family and friends.

I highly recommend this race whether as your first half, as an early season warm-

up, a good Boston training run (if your fast – not me), or as a potential half-marathon PR. The course is mostly flat, the race is well supported, and the weather is typically ideal if you like cooler running temperatures (like I do).