The entire race is ran in Brook Run Park. The park not only provides a lovely scenic route, but it means no traffic to get in the way. I have ran races at the park numerous times with each one taking me different ways through the park. Based on the way that we started the race this morning, I knew that it was going to be slightly different than last year's race.
While the course was fairly isolated (you are in a park in the winter), it felt good to just run free. With the cold weather and wind, I set myself a slower goal for the day. The cold air does a number on my lungs and I didn't want to do anything dumb right now. After my first mile I made myself slow down slightly as I went out a little faster than my goal. Miles 2 and 3 were more on track with what I promised myself I would try to run. I was pleasantly surprised when I finished and realized that I ended up about spot on with my goal for the day.