Family commitments will keep from doing the Komen run next weekend, so I decided to go ahead and do the CCFA Run for Research this evening. I'm kind of glad I did. It was a nicely organized small event, even if the course was tougher than one would think by looking at it. The hills weren't all that big, but they seemed almost constant. On the other hand, conditions were almost ideal for this time of year, especially considering what we've been seeing at this time of day the rest of the week.
I liked how the organizers tried to get everyone lined up by expected finish times. I don't know if they were completely successful, but I think I did see a few people adjust their starting positions. I did have to pass a few people at the start, but I really never felt 'crowded' like I have in other races. I heard there was a bit of a mix-up at the start, but when you line up where I do the start is sort of a mystical concept anyway. You never hear the gun/whistle/whatever; people just all of a sudden start moving forward and you start moving with them.
I was a little concerned about that down-hill finish line, though. I half expected someone to go running full tilt across the line, then either trip or crash through the end of it due to their momentum.
The best part for me, though, was the fact that I managed to convince my family to come watch me (the free food helped). Now it will probably be another year before I can get them to another race.
