I Run

What are the odds (especially in Vermont)? I happened to see two belly dances yesterday, one in the morning at the Race for a Reason at SIT, and the other in the evening at a local talent show. And I wasn't even looking for them. Apparently, it's a popular way locally to keep fit and entertain. And it's probably easier on the legs than running.

The Race for a Reason was just as challenging as I remember. But the day was beautiful: sunny and in the 60s. I went out a tad too fast considering it's still under three weeks since Boston. The stretch out to Scott Farm was fine, and even the first hill was not hard. But then I hit the hill between miles 3 and 4. It felt very long and I was struggling to get to the top. Once I got over it, though, I was able to make up some time. The views out on the course are awesome with the apple blossoms just coming out. I tried to keep my mind off my fading legs by appreciating the scenery. At the last .1 mile you have to run up a small hill back to the school, and I started coughing but still managed to keep my pace as I heard footsteps close behind. In the end I won my age group (31-50), and came in 2nd overall.

The food after the race was yummy: hot dogs, cookies, oranges, a variety of drinks, etc. The band (Jazzberry Jam) sounded great, and of course the belly dance was a unique surprise.