My Top 5

As I look forward to the marathon I've also gone back and I've ranked the most memorable races I've run:

5)  1999 Bolder Boulder (10k) - My first organized race.  I finished in 58:19 - under my 1 hour goal.  To be honest, I had no idea what to expect.  It was my first of many Bolder Boulder races.

4)  2007 Air Life 5k - The shortest race I've ever ran and a good warm up for the Bolder Boulder the next weekend, but I enjoyed the "small town" feel.  I'll always remember the Kids Fun Run afterward - Ripley's first race (albeit about 1/4 mile) that she won a ribbon for as we crossed the finish line together.

3)  2008 Denver 1/2 Marathon and 2009 Denver Marathon (tie)  - My first long distance race and my second marathon.  The 1/2 inspired me to run my first marathon 8 months later.  The marathon was HOT and it was a battle, but how could I not list a marathon in the top 5?

2)  2009 Colorado Marathon - My first marathon, a lifelong goal accomplished.  Had no idea what to expect and it hurt to walk for 3 days.  A small but scenic race down Poudre Canyon and finishing in Old Town Fort Collins.  No stage fright here... only 1,000 marathon runners and maybe that many spectators (total).

1)  2009 Bolder Boulder - This race is my favorite... what can compete with running into a packed Folsom Field in one of the most beautiful towns in America?  This one - my 8th - was special as it was my 10k PR (52 minutes).  I ran it 3 weeks after the Colorado Marathon and wish I could have felt a bit stronger, but I've never been as prepared to run this early season race.