Race day definitely felt very different this time - I wasn't nervous & didn't stress about the logistics. After Scotia it was a nice change being in a smaller race - no corrals; only a few seconds to cross the start. I paced well for the first 5km and reeled myself in when I found myself picking up too much speed. Then came the hills - none were too steep, but they were heartbreakingly long and gradual. I felt ok, but was losing time and wasn't sure how much was due to the hills. Shortly after the halfway mark I was sure a PB wasn't happening and made a semi-conscious decision to not look at my watch again - my pace was all over the pace and the watch wasn't helping me figure out the correct effort level. So, I plugged away and started gradually speeding up with about 8km left. With 5km left (where the wheels started falling off the bus at Scotia) I realized I didn't feel too bad - time to really pick things up! I had some nice speed going for the last km and felt on the verge of puking with 100m to go, so I know I gave what I could!
I was blown away to see a 1:46 on the clock - really didn't think that was going to happen. Official time, 1:45:50 - 31 of 304 females; 10 of 28 in age group. Very happy with that, and now breaking 1:45 actually looks like an achievable goal for the spring! 
I enjoyed this race quite a bit and would do it again as a stress-free way to end the fall racing season. Next up - running without a training plan for a bit, and checking out the Egg Nog Jog in December.
This is the 3rd year that I have run this race and love it as a great 'small' race to end the season. The showers/lockers/massages and buffet lunch just tops it off!!!
