Earth Day Challenge Half Marathon Gambier, Ohio

     It was a picture perfect day for a run. I was so thankful that the crazy wind I have been dealing with most of my training runs was just a gentle breeze. I have to admit when we arrived in Gambier yesterday to pick up my packet, I was a little concerned. I did not realize how hilly that area of Ohio was. I am from a very flat part of Ohio and steep hills intimidate me. As we drove around, I was trying to figure out what "one steep hill" I would have to run up at .5 mile into the race. This race was a small one, it reminded me of one of the races I have done with the running group (Toledo Roadrunners). There was no expo before the run. The expo was after the run but was not a running expo but an Earth Day one. Focusing on environmental issues, organic food, recycling etc.

      All the runners lined up on the Kenyan College track. They had pace per mile markers along the track. You were to line up according to what pace you planned to run. There were no pacers to run along with you. I chose to run at the 11 minute per mile pace. My plan for this half was to take it easy, enjoy myself and finish. 

      There was also a 4 mile run happening at the same time which the runners for that race ran with us and would eventually turn off. The first hill was at .5 miles. This was a steep hill. Holy cow, they were not lying. I started to run up the hill however about half way up the hill, my legs were on fire. I decided that I was not going to push my luck and walked the rest of the way up the hill. Many runners were doing the same thing. 

       The next 3.5 miles ran through the Kenyon College campus.  It was beautiful. We ran on a variety of surfaces from gravel to asphalt. There were multiple rolling hills. I am happy to report that I ran up all the rest of the hills. We made big loop to the track area again where the Four Milers cut off to finish their race. 

       The race then continued to the Kokosing Gap Trail. It is an asphalt trail that winded it way through the woods. The river ran along one side of it. These kind of trails are my favorite. There was no entertainment along this route but I did not really miss it. I really enjoyed just being in the outdoors on a gorgeous day. There were a few spectators along the way (only on the 4 mile route) other than that you saw the volunteers at the water stops. This was an out and back part of the course. 

     I came out of the trail and saw Dan standing a distance down the road. As I started to pass him, he ran along side of me and took some picture. He grabbed my water bottle and told me to run hard. He knew that I was set up for a PR. The finish was on the track which you run around it. I really did not think I had anything left in me, but I pushed a little harder and picked up my pace and crossed the finish line. There was no bling given. This race felt it is important to give out usable items. I got my finisher coffee mug and pne seeding. 

      This is a great race if you like hills, small town atmosphere with very little crowds. It has beautiful  scenery. I am happy that Dan picked this race out for me.