Decker Challenge

I ran the Decker Challenge 1/2 Marathon today. I ran this race last year (as I have many years before) and had an awful race last year. The race is brutally hilly, always windy and it is either warm and muggy or freezing cold. The weather forecast for 2008 kept looking good - cool 38 degrees and no wind. It really worked out that way, too. I had an awesome fun race and a good running time.

I carpooled with some of my Gazelle friends, Charlotte, Christy and Paula. We had so much fun meeting at 6:45 am to make our trek across Austin to the Expo Center. We all wondered what we were getting ourselves into, but all had fun anyway.

I started my race easy, about a 7:30 pace. I wanted to start at a manageable pace and keep it. I ran an avg of 7:37. So, I was very happy with my pace. The many uphills slowed me down, but the downhills were good to make time on. My total time was 1:40 and I came in 5th in my age group. I was also happy with my placement. There is a very fast,competitive women runners in my 35-39 age group. I rarely place in the top 10!!! My friend Charlotte, got 3rd place in her age group 45-49 and received a cool running shoe medal with wings. A big CONGRATULATIONS to her!

It was a great race!