Last Race This Year

A few months ago (when I was NOT pregnant and was actually running) I signed up for a cross country 10k with my sister-in-law Christy. I was in denial until the very official race bib came in the mail.
OH NO... we're gonna die!

This is no ordinary 10k. No pavement. Nothing, I repeat, NOTHING FLAT! See those mountains behind us? That is what we ran - for 6 plus miles! Crazy I tell you, just crazy!

We are worried... but optimistic.

Course Description: The Buffalo Alley 10K Run (formerly the "Horno Ridge Run") offers the ultimate in Hard Corps Competition in a cross-country 10K. The course begins at Camp Horno, Home of 1st Marines, and winds up, up, up, into the hills of Camp Pendleton. To start your challenge early, the first mile is uphill, over 500 feet of climbing, to the top of the ridge, then you will follow the ridge on a loop out-and-back course that takes you past scenic vistas along gently rolling terrain. Please note: there is a 2 hour time limit on the completion of the course.

Initially our goal was 75 minutes....After the first 30 minutes we were just praying to cross the line by the time limit. Holy smokes.

They lie! There was nothing "gentle" about this course. It was straight up and straight down - like a crazy hike. The officials along the way would even tell you "this is the last hill...it's all down hill from here... laugh laugh laugh." LIARS!

Camp Pendleton is dry (right now), but beautiful!
I've never been so glad to cross a finish line before!

Racers crawling their way back to the parking lot

We thought about shooting ourselves with the artillery....

...but decided to hit up In-N-Out instead!

Great idea Christine - I owe you one! And a few bucks =)

This "post race meal" saved me. I would've been much worse off without it. It's only my 2nd time having In-N-Out this entire year - so I enjoyed it immensely!
The best part of the race: our sweet long sleeve T.
At least something good came out of this race! LOL

Let me just tell you... even if I'm in fabulous running form; at my goal weight; not pregnant; training well; etc. I WILL NEVER DO THIS RACE AGAIN.

P.S. If my husband was there he would've smoked them all!