7:58 average pace. Felt really easy--that's good! So, in the spirit of just building a base and no-pressure racing here is what the winter/spring schedule looks like. New Year's Eve--beer run. I know, offensive to some. It is a 5k in which you have to stop every half mile and drink 6 ounces of beer before you continue. But...cash and/or new shoes for winners. I've gotta at least try because I could use both! Then, the brutally hilly Topeka to Auburn half marathon in mid-January--net uphill course, not a PR course but will make a flat half-marathon feel easy. February 14 I will be driving to Austin to pace my little sister through her first half-marathon running 9:30 miles. I am excited for her! Next up, March 10, an approximately 2 mile course involving 418 stairs at the new arena in Wichita--sounds tough! I would like to run a marathon and PR in April. Then, May 1, the warrior dash in Texas. 3.51 miles dressed as a warrior which involves 12 obstacles including leaping over fires, swimming under logs, crawling under barbed wire through mud, climbing rope walls, clambering up hay bales, and running in streams of water. Me and my sister will dress like Xena the warrior sisters and my 52 year old mother has suddenly decided that she will dress like Athena and do it too while she is still able-bodied. Go Mom! | 