St. Malachi is a special race for me. Last year my dear running buddy Christie tweeted me with some peer pressure to sign up for the race. She knew I was finally trying to get back into running post-baby. I was only running 2-3 miles at a time at the time but I thought Mehhh, what the hell. I’ll sign up. So I did. And I totally fell in love with running again during those hilly 5 miles.

I also met Heather for the first time IRL that day. And you can tell that turned out well, check out our matching outfits from yesterday!

Heather and I were both representing Team Sparkle Skirt traveling skirts for the race! They are known to bring good luck and PRs to their wearers and they definitely did NOT disappoint for both of us!

I carpooled over to the race with Christie, Doug and Chelsea and after a minor debacle trying to get to the race after running into the 2 mile race we found our peeps, waiting in a long-ass potty line and then it was time to run!

The start is majorly congested. I believe the race is up to about 4,000 runners and it’s sort of a mad house with a tight starting line and 2 quick turns before runners can spread out.

My first mile was a total blur. People. Cold air. Watering eyes. Shit is my knee brace too loose? Breathe. People everywhere. Mile 1 in 8:42. Oops. That’s a little fast. Keep going.

Mile 2 is a nice mostly downhill and flat mile. See leaders speeding back by you. Cheer for friends. Mile 2 in 8:04. There goes Doug and Christie. Go friends! Shit, Kimi, what are you doing? OK, keep going.

Mile 3 you are already on your way back. Less crowding. Long steady hill. Ouch. Mile 3 in 9:00. Welllll, OK. Might as well trying to hang out.

Mile 4 is more flat, a little downhill. Here is Chelsea and Melissa. Go muskies! I’m dying. Stomach is queasy. OK, reel it in and breathe. Mile 4 in 10:23. SUCK IT UP KIMI.

Steep sharp hill. Where did this come from? This is new. Not a fan. People everywhere are starting to walk. Keep chugging. Oh now run back over this bridge. Finally make it to the top. Downhill now. Don’t hold back, the finish is hidden just around that corner. Mile 5 in 9:35.

DONE! Final official time 43:33 for a pace of 8:43/mile. PR PARTY!

It was another great year at Malachi, it continues to be one of my favorite races. Sounds like everyone had a great day as well which makes me happy! If you are in the area I highly recommend adding this race to your ‘must’ list.