Idaho days 5k

Strange things happen on race mornings.  No matter how many times I tell myself it is just for fun and I don't care how I finish, when I wake up race morning, the nerves set in.  My body knows I am about to punish it, so I can barely choke down any food and make repeated trips to the bathroom. Before each race, I swear I won't race ever again.  And yet once the race starts, whatever game plan I had is out the window.  The competetive monster inside me refuses to hold back and run comfortably, instead insisting on chasing down anyone who dares run in front of me, a strategy I begin to regret about 2 miles in. At the end of the race, once I have recovered from Just-glad-to-be-done mode, I usually conclude that I should have run faster and promise to do it better next time, effectively breaking the promise I made to myself before the race never to race again. So goes the cycle.  I guess I just don't get running for fun.
Today's was a very low-key race, with absolutely nothing on the line, except my pride and expectations. I finished as the first woman, 2nd overall, running 20:57 for a pretty gentle out and back race.  The good news is my splits were even (6:42-6:46 miles) and I felt good, the bad news is I want to run a minute faster next week. 
With no entry fee, no tee shirt, and no prizes, today's race was all about the simplicity of running. Maybe 50 people showed up, all about 20 minutes before race time. You recorded your own official time on the sign-up poster once you crossed the finish line, mostly so the race organizers knew everyone finished. A table complete with a water jug, watermelon, bananas, and oranges greeted all finishers.  They even had water stops at the turn around points. What more do you need? It was the kind of race I really enjoy, high on enthusiasm and low on everything else. The verdict:  I'd do it again as a workout.  Highly recommended for beginning runners, families, or a good workout for those training through.  Only downside:  lack of bathrooms near the start and somewhat anti-climactic. Overall, a good experience for your time, and you can't beat the price. Thanks for a putting it together!