This was my first York Winter Series run, as well as my first time running around Spring Valley.  We've hiked there, and I grew up around that part of the county but I've never run there.  I did look briefly at the course map, but not at elevation - what a mistake!  I was caught off guard by the grade of the hills, as well as how many hills there were.  It was pretty tough.

I managed to keep up running through all except one final hill that seemed to be never ending.  I just needed a second to catch my breath, so I walked a few steps.  Everyone around seemed pretty supportive of one another, urging them on, cheering for them, even mid-race.  I caught an older gentleman urging on a younger runner. "Don't let me beat you - I'm old enough to be your grandfather!"  But the response made me smile even though I was panting up a hill.  "I doubt it, he's 45!"  It just struck me as funny the way he made 45 sound sooooo old!

I was so happy to round the corner to the finish line.  29:47 on my watch - not sure of the timing.  About 3 minutes of my current PR but I'll take it!