On tuesday night I joined the Run Our Trails race at Mendon Ponds Park. I finished the 5 mile course in 55:47 which was quick enough for 26th place.
As with most of this summer it was extremely warm, but the benefit of trails is that you are mostly running in the shade. I actually felt pretty good about my run, and my pace felt strong and steady over the course.
The first two miles of the race were relatively flat for Mendon Ponds, but the final three miles dramatically made up for it. There were two grueling hills in particular that I (and I assume a majority of other runners) had to walk up. Still I finished the race feeling strong.