This was the third year in a row I’ve done the Charleston Mid-Winter race. It’s always well done, fun, and something different to do. And it’s in Charleston, IL, where my mom lives, where I went to college, and 9 miles from where I grew up. Fun to go “home” and run.

I’m always, let’s see, impressed isn’t the right word…. horrified, yes horrified at the hill that greets the runners at nearly the END of this race. OMG! It’s a killer. It’s interesting. Now that I’ve been running awhile, my goal is not to run the whole 10k without walking — I can do that… until I get to that HILL. If I can run the whole way without walking on that damn hill, it was a good race!

My time was 1:06, under two minutes slower than last year. I don’t know Carl’s exact time (something like 1:02). He beat me. Of course. 🙂

Once again, Carl snapped these pictures of me at the start, and crossing the finish line.

At the start

At the finish

Got to spend some time with my step-mom, my sister and their dog. It’s been 4 1/2 years since my dad died. It’s never easy for me to walk in that house, and him not be there. But, it’s getting easier. Deana and Kacey are terrific, and Emma (dog) is a riot. 🙂

Deana, and furbaby Emma

With my sis, Kacey