The Blackhorse Marathon at the Ft. Irwin Army Base outside Barstow is a small, friendly event that Chris Rios, Andrew Mitchell, and I drove to over the weekend.  Elaine Riendeau and her husband Larry (who photographed the event) also drove down.  Although the course description and map led us to believe it was a flat and easy course, it was anything but!  There were more long upgrades in that run than you could shake a stick at, and it was primarily on asphalt.  There were some spots where a person could run on the shoulder but not a whole lot.

Mitch and I battled it out with Elaine most of the day.  Elaine and I ended up finishing together in 4:49 with Mitch at 4:50.  Chris finished a short time later.  Mitch, Elaine, and I all ended up getting age group awards, which thrilled us to pieces!
While running on the Army post, we saw numerous tanks, troops, and helicopters.  The course is actually marked with soldiers!  Not a single ribbon or chalk mark to be found.  I found it to be patriotic and inspiring, especially in these troubled times after the terrorist events in our country.  It occurred to me often during the run that only because people like these soldiers are putting their lives on the line for our freedom we even have the privilege of running in marathons.

After the run, we hobbled in and out of In & Out Burgers.  I don't know who was more sore.  I ran the race with two giant blisters on the outside of each big toe thanks to my new Nike Air Max's, which are going back!  Chris had muscle cramps, and Mitch was just plain old worn out.  Elaine was the only one who looked fresh and chirpy.  Oh, and should I mention she is 7 months pregnant?  (That robbed any glory I had in catching up to her toward the end!)