This was the perfect race to end my race season! Not only was it a themed race (the first I've ever done), but it was untimed and therefore totally pressure-free. Coming up at the tail-end of my streak, when my legs are starting to feel tired, meant the untimed aspect was especially appreciated. And considering it's been summer for about a month already here in Florida, I really loved that my slower pace today wasn't officially recorded.
Basically, this was a fun run with a medal at the end!
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| The shirt is adorable and perfect for the beach; I also loved that we were instructed to take any bib, since numbers only matter for photo purposes. |
I met Kristin and Claire and we carpooled down to the Sugden Park, where we met up with Meg and Kristen as planned. It had been Meg's idea to run this race with the girls; we found out the night before that Trisha was running it too, so we had a mini Ragnar reunion!
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| Trisha, Kristin, Claire, Kristen, Meg, and me! |
I also got to meet Amber from the Sub30 Club! I knew she'd be at this race and told her what I was wearing, but it turns out 80% of the runners had on my same outfit. She was able to spot me by my tattoo!
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| Amber lives not far from me, so I'm hoping to see her at more races! |
The race started at 8am, when it was already toasty and sunny. Part of the route (a loop we ran twice) was shaded, but this was sure to be a hot race. Originally I thought there were waves for runners, walkers, and kids...but it turns out everyone started together. That meant my plan to run by myself and meet the others at the end was shot.
After the first half mile of following Claire as she dodged and wove around crowds and strollers, I decided to just let this one go and have fun. I ran the first loop with the others for the most part, but ended up ahead after the water stop at the halfway point.
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| Meg got this one of us before the first mile mark. |
The crowds had opened a tiny bit at this point and I was able to get into a more comfortable pace. My legs were tired (I'm looking forward to ending my streak in the next couple days!), but I just kept trucking. I didn't listen to music, and the busy route kept me distracted. Despite my slower-than-usual time, I felt like this race flew by! I didn't mind the double-loop because I knew when I was nearing the end and could look ahead to it. (This bodes well for my full, which is also a double-loop course.)
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| I'll say this for the crowds: they made for easy negative splits. |
This was the first race that I didn't try to power through the finish line; I actually slowed down on purpose to allow some kids the chance to overtake me and finish ahead.
After the race, Kristin, Claire, and I went for breakfast. (Meg had a makeup trial run for her wedding to get to!)
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| Skillets is amazing...I had a gluten free pecan waffle with strawberries, an egg, and bacon. Yum! (This pic is for you, Meg!) |
I've never done a themed race before and enjoyed the laid-back atmosphere. It raised money for a good cause and was definitely a different kind of run than I'm used to. I'm not sure I'll be shelling out major cash to participate in a color run or anything like that, but this Glitter 5k supports the Glitter Foundation (which raises money for art and art therapy for children) and was reasonably priced, so I definitely can see myself doing it again next year!
Have you ever done a themed race?
Have you ever done a fun-run with kids before? It gave me hope for the future to see so many kids taking after healthy/active adult role models; plus, kids run with such joy!
ABK
Yeah! Thanks for the breakfast photo... I was waiting for it. ;) That is nice you let the kids finish before you. One time, at the end of a half marathon, I noticed I was about to pass a friend of mine right before the finish line. It seemed like a dick thing to do, but I wanted to have a strong finish! So as I approached I said, "right behind ya, Donna!" That put a pep in her step and she cranked it up too to finish before me.
ReplyDeleteI think that's the perfect choice - shouting a warning and getting someone to pick it up with you.
DeleteI saw some adults like RUNNING through the finish dodging around kids, which seemed pointless given that it was a chip-less race. Like, who cares that much? They looks ridiculous.
What a cute race haha :D Wish there were some fun little races around here too. Norway never has anything fun *sad face*.
ReplyDeleteI have never done a themed race, but I wouldn't mind trying one :) And no, never done a fun-run with kids.
It was definitely a fun, pressure-free race. You could start one of your own!
DeleteI did do the color run...and have to say it was the a relaxed and fun race to run. We also have an all women's race here that takes in 3500 women with a chocolate stop and a hug station....it's pretty fun as well....however both are really expensive!!!
ReplyDeleteLooks like you had fun!
The color run always looks SO busy and overwhelming. Then again, this one seemed pretty packed too. The women's race sounds fun! I wish themed races weren't so pricey.
DeleteThat looks like a super fun race! I did a run with my students before at the Halifax Blue Nose International Marathon. They had a 4.2km run with the kids and I ran with my students. I remember thinking how fast they were running and I could barely keep up! lol.
ReplyDeleteOh my gosh, kids are so funny when they run. They gun it and then have to walk a bit, then sprint again...Yeah, they're so fast and hard to keep up with sometimes!
DeleteSounds like a great race! Love that you had fun and ran it for fun!!! Cute race outfit!
ReplyDeleteIt was a good time :o)
DeleteThat sounds like a blast! I love your running outfit – so sparkly! Was the Glitter 5K associated with GOTR? (Based on the finishing chute.)
ReplyDeleteYep, GOTR helped put on the race/sponsor it. There were quite a few running buddies leading kids along the course.
DeleteThis 5K looks super fun!! What a great cause. I also love that it was "Girls on the Run" - there is one in our area and I can't wait to join next year!!!
ReplyDeleteGOTR is a really great program. I'm thinking of getting involved this summer.
DeleteI love that you are all color coordinated down to your shoes! :)
ReplyDeleteAnd major applause for running in the crazy heat today. I broke a sweat just walking from my car into Publix!
I've found that because I just love pink, all my outfits are pretty easy to coordinate these days lol! I'm such a stereotypical girl sometimes.
DeleteThis looks super fun! How awesome of you to allow the kids to pass you. You must be a teacher. ;-)
ReplyDeleteI must be! I saw some adults barreling past kids to finish ahead and it just seemed so utterly stupid. When I saw that, I knew I'd made the right decision to slow down.
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