I stand near the start before the race (Photo by Valerie)

Ten minutes before the race, I make sure my laces are tight in all the right places (Photo by Valerie)

The Hills Are Alive 10K is underway (Photo by Valerie)

"Why so serious?" (Photo by Valerie)

Fifty minutes later... (Photo by Valerie)

...I look so happy... (Photo by Valerie)

...as I make one last push... (Photo by Valerie)

...to cross the finish line (Photo by Valerie)

Can't...replenish...liquids...fast...enough (Photo by Valerie)

Amazingly, the blister I have been carrying around the past couple of days did not affect my race, nor did it pop. That said, it is definitely sagging more...I should stay off it for the next few days