Our first parlor city trot 10k/half

 I know it appears we're smiling, but we are literally running for our lives. It was a crap week, so we decided at the last minute to run a race.

The Parlor City Trot is a 10k/Half Marathon in Bluffton, Indiana. I think it is now my favorite running course. And at a mere $25/$35 registration fee, I will definitely be doing it again? I love how they advertise it:

If you want hype, inflatable arches, bands, noise, a medal and a large goodie bag, this is not the race for you. But if you want Hoosier Hospitality and a simple, well-organized flat, fast and scenic race, please come and enjoy a Bluffton tradition on the streets and pathways of Bluffton, IN and Ouabache State Park.   The course itself is the main attraction.

It was a beautiful course, indeed, and a gorgeous morning for a run.

There were only 137 runners between the two events. Jane did the 10k in 1:05, and I did the Half in 2:11 flat (an exact 10-minute/mile pace). I was proud of Jane because this was the farthest she's run this year, and she hasn't exactly been able to train very well lately - what with all the issues she's been having with her job. I was also happy with my time. This was a 'taper run' for me - after doing 16 miles last weekend and with 18 coming up next weekend - and I was shooting for around a 2:15 finish. I'm not trying to brag, because I'm still very slow, but I purposely didn't want to go too fast (for me). If I could manage a 10-minute pace for a full marathon I would be ecstatic!

So, we felt pretty good for awhile during what is really quite the rough patch for us. We are both on the verge of quitting our jobs at any moment, and it doesn't appear there is any relief in sight. I'm not sure how much more we can take. If you are the praying type (assuming anyone is even reading this), we could use some. At least we had this brief respite, and I am thankful for that.

***

Psalm 34:18

"The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”