It was HOT and HUMID and the sun was brutal. The annual MSUM Firecracker 10K was held out at Bluestem this year rather than in Moorhead on tree-lined streets. There was no shade in sight.

They also included a 5K route this year. The 10K was an out and back 5K which was done twice. There was one aid station at the 1.5 mile mark so us 10Kers got to hit it twice. And I have to say, on a day like today, it was so necessary.

I started off pretty good with the first couple of miles on fresh legs managing about a 9:00 pace. but I started to feel the heat on the third mile. When I finished one 5K loop I was second guessing my decision to do the 10K and considered for just a brief moment to not do the second loop. But off I went. I was beginning to slow but after mile 4 I started to really feel the heat and I was getting nauseous. Thank goodness for the aid station where I walked and picked up some much needed powerade and water. I picked it up again for the last mile and finished strong. All in all I was glad I did the whole 10K and pushed myself.