You Booze, You Win II

3 years ago, I ran my first 5K race at Schmohz.



2 years ago, I walked it so I could drink beer while strolling.



Last year, I got second place by a few seconds - missing out on the opportunity to win a mug club membership but I still happily walked away with a growler of delicious beer.



This year, I really wanted to take home the top prize.



The race began after the pirates shot off a cannon.



You heard me. Instead of a blowhorn, shotgun, etc. - this race began with pirates shooting a cannon. Which is one of the reasons this race is awesome.



The race is three laps around the industrial park behind the brewery. I was ahead for the first lap, and then got passed by someone I named Blue Shirt Girl. Three guesses as to what color her shirt was. I decided to just try to keep up with BSG and not let her get too far ahead. She remained in front for the next lap and a half.

With only half a lap left to go, I noticed BSG started to slow going up the hill. So I hit the gas and chugged past her. From that point on, I had no idea how close any other female was to me. Which means I pretty much ran as fast as I could for the rest of the race, fearing I'd be caught. Somehow, I was able to cross the line as first overall female with a new PR of 20:27.



Andy finished right before me with a new PR of 19:48 and won his Age Group, which means he also got a growler of beer.



We've never ran faster, and I totally credit the beer prize for the motivation.






What made the race even better, was that it was Kara's first 5K ever and Kerri's first race since birthing an adorable baby. And victories are always sweeter when you've got someone to share the beer with.