HO Ho 5k, December 7, 2014 Tigard OR
I realised I don't have many pictures from this event, it's just about the pugs in the pug mobile!
Yes, another pug race :) The proceeds for this race went to a dog shelter in Tigard area so it was full of dogs! I liked this race allot!! I walked it with Karen and the pug mobile, which she pushed the whole time and this was no flat course! It had quite the climb and downhill! But a very nice course, some residential and some trail. And at the end they did allot of raffles and all sorts of fun stuff, a very well put together event. It was also fun to see my Uncle Jack do this and Katie who is going through chemo and i'm so proud of her for doing this! She's amazing and I love her. Tips:-dog and stroller friendly! But be prepared to push it up a hill and down a very steep hill too Overall:-I loved this 5k and recommend it to all my dog lovers! It was super muddy so bring towels for the dogs!!! |
Turkey Trot, 2 Mile Walk. November 27, 2014 Eugene OR
My first Turkey Trot!
And my First race with Stout! And Stout's first race!!!!
When I signed up for this race I planned on doing the 4 mile run and when my friend from the Carlton Cruisers (my Aunt's walking group that 'm also apart of) messaged me asking if I was going, she was going to and brining her 2 pugs! Well, I just had to bring Stout!
Karen and David Brock are some of the nicest people I know and even PAID for Stout to be in the race with his own bib number and everything!!!! How nice is that?!
This day also just had to be a pouring race too, I have done a couple races in the rain but none like this! And with Stout who hates the rain...of gosh.
But I was so proud of Stout, he did the whole distance even in the rain and I could tell on his face he was not happy but he stuck it out!
Tips: I felt like this race wasn't very well organized, the start of the race was confusing and allot of people where just crowded around. Even the turn around places where poorly marked.
-I liked the race shirt for this race! much better then I though for the cost of the race! I
-I saw allot f dogs so it's dog and stroller friendly!
Overall: I would do this race again and I would reccommend it! Not to many costumes though I feel like that would be more of a Portland thing.
And my First race with Stout! And Stout's first race!!!!
When I signed up for this race I planned on doing the 4 mile run and when my friend from the Carlton Cruisers (my Aunt's walking group that 'm also apart of) messaged me asking if I was going, she was going to and brining her 2 pugs! Well, I just had to bring Stout!
Karen and David Brock are some of the nicest people I know and even PAID for Stout to be in the race with his own bib number and everything!!!! How nice is that?!
This day also just had to be a pouring race too, I have done a couple races in the rain but none like this! And with Stout who hates the rain...of gosh.
But I was so proud of Stout, he did the whole distance even in the rain and I could tell on his face he was not happy but he stuck it out!
Tips: I felt like this race wasn't very well organized, the start of the race was confusing and allot of people where just crowded around. Even the turn around places where poorly marked.
-I liked the race shirt for this race! much better then I though for the cost of the race! I
-I saw allot f dogs so it's dog and stroller friendly!
Overall: I would do this race again and I would reccommend it! Not to many costumes though I feel like that would be more of a Portland thing.
EWEB Run To Stay Warm, Half Marathon. November 23, 2014 Eugene OR
Good ol EWEB...it's the first Hald Marathon I did 3 years ago so we have a connection together. I hadn't trained AT ALL for this Half i've had a hard time balancing going back to school, work, planning a wedding, long distance realtionship...all at once. And then adding running into that mix seemed impossible. Not to mention a hip flexor issue i developed from the Portland Marathon. So my friend Audrey and I said "lets just do it and whatever!" She was also dealing with some feet problems so we made a good team. We just chatted and walked and ran on and off. No I didn't PR I just did it. I have to, it's EWEB I have to go even if i crab walk the whole thing i'm going. I also took at as a test to the Eugene Holiday Half which i'm currently training for with no flexor issues!
Tips: EWEB is a flat and fast course, it's prefect for a Half PR and I wouldn't say it's particularly walker friendly too.
-It's a minimal course so not much swag, not many cheer people, it's just a good race hence the good price!
-you need to get the tech shirt for this race it's worth it!!! They are the best for cold weather running!!!!
Overall: I recommend this race for people wanting to PR. If this is your first half know that you are with some fast runners! I'd say anything over 2:40 and your at the end and really alone! It's an easy race to train for and the weather is usually cool so it's a nice race where as the ones going into December and January can be iffy weather wise.
Tips: EWEB is a flat and fast course, it's prefect for a Half PR and I wouldn't say it's particularly walker friendly too.
-It's a minimal course so not much swag, not many cheer people, it's just a good race hence the good price!
-you need to get the tech shirt for this race it's worth it!!! They are the best for cold weather running!!!!
Overall: I recommend this race for people wanting to PR. If this is your first half know that you are with some fast runners! I'd say anything over 2:40 and your at the end and really alone! It's an easy race to train for and the weather is usually cool so it's a nice race where as the ones going into December and January can be iffy weather wise.
Susan G Komen Race for the Cure, 5k run. October 12, 2014 Eugene OR
Another Susan G Komen down in the books! I have yet to miss this race once I became a runner, so a third one down signifies to me that my journey on this new running lifestyle is still happening :) I love that.
And as the years before it was another cloudy, misty, gloomy Oregon day but all the pink everywhere sure does cheer it up! And Ellen made an appearance too. (just kidding!) The route was the same too, just a loop by Autzen Stadium. Part paved and part dirt. It seems this year they added more booths and when registering they gave you the option of buying a pin (i didn't get one last year and was really bummed so i'm glad i go one this time!) and the option of buying a race medal! So sure why not. I love this race it fast, easy, and goes for a good cause. What more do you need? And I wish this was a timmed race, it wasn't this year when it had been before because I deffinantely PR'd my 5k pace!! I think I clocked in around 28 min! And they also just had the 5k run and walk. The year before they had a 5 mile run. I love this year and will do it every year if I can! |
Tips: I have yet to do this race in a group and I think that would be so fun! This is a great group event.
-of course wear as much pink s you can!
-the weather in October can be unpredictable so bring waterproof stuff if you bring your phone.
Overall: I love this race and recommend it! It's small and the parking is great (which is rare) and has men in it too! But it seems to change in distance and chip timmed so I wouldn't plan on using this race as a PR if you want proof.
-of course wear as much pink s you can!
-the weather in October can be unpredictable so bring waterproof stuff if you bring your phone.
Overall: I love this race and recommend it! It's small and the parking is great (which is rare) and has men in it too! But it seems to change in distance and chip timmed so I wouldn't plan on using this race as a PR if you want proof.
Portland Marathon, 26.2 miles. October 5, 2014 Portland, OR
I'M A MARATHONER!!!
I'M A MARATHONER!!!! A DID A MARATHON!!!!! did that just happen?! YES!!! And i'm so sore. People tell you when you do a Marathon it changes your life, and I did….and didn't. I left that race convinced I wouldn't do another, and later I was determined to do it better. CHALLENGE ACCEPTED. I have learned something about races, running and myself. Race day might not go like my training, all hell might break lose or I could do really good. Race day has always been a gamble to me no madder how hard I train my body decides how that day will go…and that day was no exception. Training went great…I felt no crazy stress…slept great…I did everything. Tested fuels…tested shoes…I was prepared. So how did it go?! How did you do?! Was the course beautiful?! I finished and that's what matters. It didn't go how I wanted it to go. My body decided to barf at Mile 9 and I couldn't get my stomach to stop cramping or settle until I was in the car. Even walking didn't stop it. Cramps on top of cramps on top of more cramps. |
It's funny to place 3rd in your age group 2 weeks before this and…my body died this day. Every medic tent I passed I had to talk myself out of stopping. I chose this distance this day I committed to it and I'm going to finish it, or go until they pick me up for being too slow. But I know what it's like now to do the whole 26.2 and you bet I'm not letting this be my last. I will do this distance until I'm happy with how it goes. I'm happy I finished…but i will finish better. Onto the other stuff!!!
The expo and packet pickup was held at the Hilton by the water front, it was nerve wracking seeing all the Portland Marathon flags everywhere!!! And realizing that this is where I will start and finish.
The expo was insane…and parking was horrible. Dad dropped me off and circled until I came out so I didn't linger much. I got my bib and saw a line of custom Nike swag so I picked up a hat and a zip hoodie. There was merchandise everywhere and you can tell it was hit hard…nothing was folded and people where just pushing around. Yikes! Comparing this expo to the only other large ones I've done (Rock n Roll Portland and Seattle) I don't think it was organized very well at all. And the vendors where limited, no free-bees!! whaaaaat?! ;) |
(the course for 2011 and 2014 are the same! I just found this one to use)
Was the course beautiful? Hilly? Difficult?
It was pretty at times and definitely designed for the full marathon runners, there was a Half as well but it would be a very dull course and the amount of marathoners to half runners was insane! I hardly saw any Half runners.
The bridges was really the only "wow this is lovely!!" time the rest was street…residential…highway…street…pretty boring. I've run way prettier Half courses that are smaller and I think that's the hard thing about such large races they really limit where you can run. So it was ok…but I wouldn't runt his course for the scenic beauty alone.
Hilly? You can see the elevation chart but honestly the only hill I felt was that mile 17 HIKE and that was it…Umatilla Half was waaaaay more hilly and I placed 3rd!! So this honestly isn't hilly for an Oregon race if you live somewhere flat as a pancake…then you might die. But for us North Westerners it's just another day.
I think this is a great course I really do, perfect for a first. I like routes that are a circle I hate out and back styles it gives me anxiety when I see the mass amount of racers pass by. And they had pacers too which is nice. I started in the 4:40 group because with my training I should've done a 4:40-5 hour finish.
Was the course beautiful? Hilly? Difficult?
It was pretty at times and definitely designed for the full marathon runners, there was a Half as well but it would be a very dull course and the amount of marathoners to half runners was insane! I hardly saw any Half runners.
The bridges was really the only "wow this is lovely!!" time the rest was street…residential…highway…street…pretty boring. I've run way prettier Half courses that are smaller and I think that's the hard thing about such large races they really limit where you can run. So it was ok…but I wouldn't runt his course for the scenic beauty alone.
Hilly? You can see the elevation chart but honestly the only hill I felt was that mile 17 HIKE and that was it…Umatilla Half was waaaaay more hilly and I placed 3rd!! So this honestly isn't hilly for an Oregon race if you live somewhere flat as a pancake…then you might die. But for us North Westerners it's just another day.
I think this is a great course I really do, perfect for a first. I like routes that are a circle I hate out and back styles it gives me anxiety when I see the mass amount of racers pass by. And they had pacers too which is nice. I started in the 4:40 group because with my training I should've done a 4:40-5 hour finish.
The amount of goodies they give you after you finish is just awesome! You get a medal, a finisher shirt, finisher "jacket", a medallion of the medal, a charm version of the medal to wear, a rose and a baby tree to plant.
I have to say if it wasn't for my friend Audrey and her husband David come to meet me at Mile 18-20..21..I think I would've quit. My stomach still hadn't stopped cramping and being queezy and my hips had seized up so bad from stopping a bit to barf I wanted to stop, and cry and feel sorry. But she helped me stay strong and finish. How do you repay that kindness?? I don't even know how it meant the world to me especially with Mike in Michigan still and missing my first full. She was that extra love and support I needed when I felt like I lost everything, lost the months of training…BUT i don't see it as a loss now. I see it as a test and a trial and you bet I have my eyes on another prize….say…Eugene Marathon 2016…it gives me a year.
I have to say if it wasn't for my friend Audrey and her husband David come to meet me at Mile 18-20..21..I think I would've quit. My stomach still hadn't stopped cramping and being queezy and my hips had seized up so bad from stopping a bit to barf I wanted to stop, and cry and feel sorry. But she helped me stay strong and finish. How do you repay that kindness?? I don't even know how it meant the world to me especially with Mike in Michigan still and missing my first full. She was that extra love and support I needed when I felt like I lost everything, lost the months of training…BUT i don't see it as a loss now. I see it as a test and a trial and you bet I have my eyes on another prize….say…Eugene Marathon 2016…it gives me a year.
I had to post a pic of the funny finisher jacket!!!
It's made out the same material disposable hospital gowns are made of and it really reminds me of a lab coat i'd wear to my chemistry class… Kinda disappointed it wasn't a real jacket! But for are days it's good to keep you kinda warm…or to wear around and people will look at you like "why is she wearing a hazmat suit?!" 'that doctor is still wearing her lab coat!" |
Tips:
-Train for hills, and pick one heck of an incline too towards the end of a long run so you'll be prepared to do an incline on already tired legs
-don't worry about hydration, there was a water/ultima station at every mile
-bring your own tums…just in case
-it was hot and sunny I got sunburnt and I wasn't the only one
-it's kinda scenic but I wouldn't expect too much
-I would stay in a hotel near the race if I did it again, that way you can shop more and relax immediately. The sunday market is right by the finish so it can be fun to sigh see
Overall:
A bad race doesn't make you a bad runner. I learned allot from this and it sparked a fire. This is a great race and i'm so glad it was my first and I highly recommend this Marathon!! I wouldn't do it as a Half…there are much better Halfs out there the course really isn't made for Half runners at least at a scenic point, you just do 2 out and back routes. One things that did throw me off is they didn't have Mile markers at every mile, they seemed to randomly pop up. The amount of water start ions was great and the bands along the course was so fun!
-Train for hills, and pick one heck of an incline too towards the end of a long run so you'll be prepared to do an incline on already tired legs
-don't worry about hydration, there was a water/ultima station at every mile
-bring your own tums…just in case
-it was hot and sunny I got sunburnt and I wasn't the only one
-it's kinda scenic but I wouldn't expect too much
-I would stay in a hotel near the race if I did it again, that way you can shop more and relax immediately. The sunday market is right by the finish so it can be fun to sigh see
Overall:
A bad race doesn't make you a bad runner. I learned allot from this and it sparked a fire. This is a great race and i'm so glad it was my first and I highly recommend this Marathon!! I wouldn't do it as a Half…there are much better Halfs out there the course really isn't made for Half runners at least at a scenic point, you just do 2 out and back routes. One things that did throw me off is they didn't have Mile markers at every mile, they seemed to randomly pop up. The amount of water start ions was great and the bands along the course was so fun!
Columbia River Power Half Marathon, 9-20-14 Umatilla, OR
My sister moved to The Dalles, which is about a 2 hour drive east of Portland. When I checked my marathon training plan I had a 12 mile run scheduled that weekend so I looked at what races where happening and I saw one in Umatilla. About 2 hours from The Dalles.
I've never run in Eastern Oregon and the race seemed pretty interesting, an 8K, Half, Full and 50K where all happening at once. And you get to run on a dam! Leaving OR running over the Columbia River into WA and then over a bridge back into Oregon. I did the packet pick-up before the race since I don't live close to Umatilla. The drive was absolutely beautiful, along the river watching the sun rise over the desert hills is really amazing. The race start/finish was easy to find with plenty of parking at a hotel called Quality Inn. I got my bib and sat and carbed up and drank. I was kinda bummed I didn't purchase a T-shirt for the race but not enough that i'd buy one after. About 15 min til the race started I said bye to my sister and headed to the start/finish line and took pictures of the beautiful River. |
Everyone was pretty much huddled around randomly in a group since there wasn't a Start banner, flag, spray paint...anything. People where pretty confused where we should all be and start.
But the race director finally chimed in minutes before the race to point to an orange cone which we all got behind in a crowded mess.
I saw one Ultra runner wearing only shorts and a running back pack.
I saw no Elite runners I could spot...
Maybe because they offered no prizes for placing?
2 minutes before the start time the race director counted down and we where all scrambling and off starting watches and phone apps.
We headed down a long decline to the Dam and ran on it which was fun and odd since there where workers just doing there jobs...don't mind us! haha! And we headed towards WA. Which was all uphill....I knew this might be a hilly course but I wasn't expecting it to be that hilly. I haven't found an elevation chart and asked for one so If i get it I'll post it!
After the hills it was a long stretch of flat road running with massive trucks wizzing by us! And the temp was getting higher and higher. The flat roads felt so great. We rand down a long decline before another flat stretch that brought us to the bridge back into OR. Which was very steep to get up! Am I running in place?! It felt like it. Long slow incline up the bridge and down into another flat stretch before 3 more steady steep inclines, another flat stretch before the finish which after so many inclines my legs felt shot and i walked so i could at least run to the finish.
I felt like I was going to be last. I can't run hills fast and sprinting down the scares me of injuring myself.
I got to the finish, of course an incline to it...I got my medal which is nice! It has a bottle opener and I like that it says you ran in 2 states on it.
I grabbed a gatorade and water which was pretty much it, they had a potatoe bar but I don't like to eat after a race.
Tips:
-It got pretty hot so dress for it
-The water stations where very good I felt but they didn't offer any fuel for the half runners
-This would be a good race to try and get first place at since I didn't see any elite runners and it's very, very small
-This is very hilly!! be ready to die haha
Overall:
I enjoyed this race allot, eastern Oregon is lovely and a totally different landscape from the lush trees and forestry you typically see. I enjoy smaller races and it was a nice surprise placing third! The course was very well marked because there might be times you and totally running alone it's so small. I recommend this race!! Especially if you want to do a Marathon or 50k. It also said the course was walked friendly for the 8k, Half and Full probably because they have to wait for the 50k runners. If you hate hills avoid this race! It's fun running across a river!!
But the race director finally chimed in minutes before the race to point to an orange cone which we all got behind in a crowded mess.
I saw one Ultra runner wearing only shorts and a running back pack.
I saw no Elite runners I could spot...
Maybe because they offered no prizes for placing?
2 minutes before the start time the race director counted down and we where all scrambling and off starting watches and phone apps.
We headed down a long decline to the Dam and ran on it which was fun and odd since there where workers just doing there jobs...don't mind us! haha! And we headed towards WA. Which was all uphill....I knew this might be a hilly course but I wasn't expecting it to be that hilly. I haven't found an elevation chart and asked for one so If i get it I'll post it!
After the hills it was a long stretch of flat road running with massive trucks wizzing by us! And the temp was getting higher and higher. The flat roads felt so great. We rand down a long decline before another flat stretch that brought us to the bridge back into OR. Which was very steep to get up! Am I running in place?! It felt like it. Long slow incline up the bridge and down into another flat stretch before 3 more steady steep inclines, another flat stretch before the finish which after so many inclines my legs felt shot and i walked so i could at least run to the finish.
I felt like I was going to be last. I can't run hills fast and sprinting down the scares me of injuring myself.
I got to the finish, of course an incline to it...I got my medal which is nice! It has a bottle opener and I like that it says you ran in 2 states on it.
I grabbed a gatorade and water which was pretty much it, they had a potatoe bar but I don't like to eat after a race.
Tips:
-It got pretty hot so dress for it
-The water stations where very good I felt but they didn't offer any fuel for the half runners
-This would be a good race to try and get first place at since I didn't see any elite runners and it's very, very small
-This is very hilly!! be ready to die haha
Overall:
I enjoyed this race allot, eastern Oregon is lovely and a totally different landscape from the lush trees and forestry you typically see. I enjoy smaller races and it was a nice surprise placing third! The course was very well marked because there might be times you and totally running alone it's so small. I recommend this race!! Especially if you want to do a Marathon or 50k. It also said the course was walked friendly for the 8k, Half and Full probably because they have to wait for the 50k runners. If you hate hills avoid this race! It's fun running across a river!!
Brews Cruise 5k, 9/1/14 Eugene, OR
A Labor Day Race! On a monday at 12, what else do I have to do?
I've never done a Labor Day Race, or one on a monday in the afternoon! I thought sounded fun and sponsored by Hop Valley meant a good cold beer after. It was a bit of a hot course, but they had 1 water station which most runners just threw the water on themselves. The course was a good one, windy with some roads/residential/park sights. I loved it!!! I would deffinately do more Brews Cruise events. Placed 12th overall in my age group which isn't bad after doing a Half the day before. |
Oregon Wine Country Half Marathon. 8/31/14 Carlton, OR.
Hosted in Yamhill County in the heart of the Willamette Valley, participants rave about the small-town charm, incredible sunrise views, scenic course, great wines, and post-race Wine & Music Festival.
Less than an hour from Portland, this thriving wine region is a favorite of Pinot Noir lovers and romantics who desire a less hectic vacation experience. Activities are planned all weekend long over Labor Day weekend, including the race expo held at the magnificent Evergreen Aviation Museum in McMinnville. This is the second year of doing this race. Last year I walked it with my Aunt Katie and her walking group the Carlton Cruisers. She was going to walk it again but had surgery and couldn't do it. But I still wanted to hang out with her and her group and have fun like last year! This would've been my 18 mile run for the marathon training but i figured a very hilly 13 miles would be a good practice since my hill running was nothing in Michigan. PDX Marathon is hilly so I wanted to see where I was with it. |
I felt like I did actually great on the hills I predicted I would finish in 2:30 and finished at about 2:35 with walking for 2 miles, so my PPM was actually pretty good! My heart palpitated at Mile 10 and I had to walk until it calmed down.
I'm nervous about this happening again in the PDX Marathon but if it take a walking break after every 5 miles, it should be ok. Anyway! The course was the same as last year starting at 1 winery and ending at another. This Half is also 70% women! It's such a gorgeous course, I love it. I walked a bit with my Aunts walking group but then ran after awhile. I metup with a random runner from California whose pace I liked and I told her is it ok if I pace with her? She was super nice and said yes. It's always nice to run with someone. There was a shot of Pinot Gris at about mile 9 like last year. The gravel section is the worst. Running in lose gravel in minimalist shoes is bad. That's the part I walked. I didn't like the shirts as much this year, and the bibs weren't as sturdy as last years either with more marketing on them from sponsors than the pretty logo picture. It seems like this year the sponsors had more of an influence on the designs and on the elite runners, my Aunt said they made a bigger deal of the sponserd elite runners than the other ones. |
I like that they changed the free wine glass you get at the end and the medals are really great! A wine charm this year!
I really hope I can run it next year but with this wedding stuff I dunno... Tips: -this is a hilly course for sure, being prepared for that is good -the section of lose gravel can also cause trouble -with all the wine drinking this is not a race I go into thinking ill PR -this is a great photo taking course too and no one will judge you for taking pictures along the way -I saw more wine-themed costumes this year, but it's not really a themed race Overall: -This to me is one of the most scenic races in Oregon. I think it really shows what Oregon has to offer. It's always well organized, you can tell they get allot of money and the free wine at the end is amazing. It's hard to find anything negative, it's such a well thought out race. |
The Color Run, 5k. 7/12/14 Lansing, MI.
2nd "race" in Michigan and Mikes 2nd race!
I didn't think we would be able to go, Mike's schedule is crazy so you never know what he can and can't attend but he was able to go! He really doesn't like races or running but he does it for me :) We didn't do early packet pickup since the location was 1:30 min away. But getting there was easy and found the closest parking spot! The packet pickup wasn't that bad! Went pretty fast and we had plenty of time to change and stand in the very long line in the sun to the coral. They do timed corrals for the first group goes at 9:00am and then every 10 minutes after they do another group. Compared to doing Portland, OR Color Run in 2012 this one was significantly more busy! And the temperature that day was intense! |
Tips:
-try and get your packet early! Sitting in the sun is horrible -Get into the corral earl too, the less standing in the sun. -If a color section is too busy pickup dust outside it! Overall: I love the Color Run. I always think it's fun! |
There where good times and bad with this race.
Bad: it was so hot! And waiting in long lines to the corral didn't help. It also was so backup at the purple powder station we SKIPPED it! WE ran by the purple station and picked up powder on the floor to dust ourselves. I felt bad running past all the people waiting in line but Mike gets heat-sick very easy. The pink station was definitely the most giving with powder! The end/finale was really hard to find/get to. It was in the oddest place and I saw no "Finish" sign or flags. It just was randomly over. We didn't stick around for long with Stout being home all alone so we bought sweater and then left. And they changed the bibs from a durable plastic to a very flimsy paper, weaker than most race bibs! But the race shirt quality definitely improved! But the sweater quality isn't as good. In 2012 they used American Apparel hoodies and this year it was a cheaper brand and a small fits like a medium, very baggy. |
Volkslaufe "The People's Race", 5k. 7/4/14 Frankenmuth, MI.
After the race was plenty of entertainment and good runner food, they had apples, bagels, pretzels, gatorade. I think there might have been free beer but we couldn't find it. It was pretty busy! A good turn out for sure. This has to be one of the loveliest scenic routes i've ever done and so much fun with a friend.
Tips:
-The 10k starts an hour before the 5k and we planned to get there an hour ahead, which is good! The 10k runners cross the street to get into Frankenmuth so we where at a stand still on the road waiting for the runners. Plan for that! If you are rushing you might get be late!
-We parked in Frankenmuth not at the park so we had no traffic leaving :) but you do have to walk to the park so plan ahead
-We ate in Frankenmuth after the race! I brought Stout so finding outside places to eat was a bit of a hassle
Overall:
-I highly recommend this race!! It was beautiful, not horribly organized but not great either. If I was going to be here next 4th I would for sure do it again. I saw people with dogs and strollers on the course too!
-The 10k starts an hour before the 5k and we planned to get there an hour ahead, which is good! The 10k runners cross the street to get into Frankenmuth so we where at a stand still on the road waiting for the runners. Plan for that! If you are rushing you might get be late!
-We parked in Frankenmuth not at the park so we had no traffic leaving :) but you do have to walk to the park so plan ahead
-We ate in Frankenmuth after the race! I brought Stout so finding outside places to eat was a bit of a hassle
Overall:
-I highly recommend this race!! It was beautiful, not horribly organized but not great either. If I was going to be here next 4th I would for sure do it again. I saw people with dogs and strollers on the course too!
Jost Running May 2014 Virtual Race, 10k. 5/ 31/14 Rochester Hills, MI.
This was my first Virtual Race i've ever done. I was honestly very opposed to them at first, I thought it could be a way for people to cheat. You can basically just buy medals and bibs without even running, they have no way of "proving" you've actually done that distance, which of those of us that train constantly and get outside an god awful hours and out in blood, sweat and tears it's almost an insult.
BUT!
I found myself here in Michigan in a perdictament where I can't afford the $65 races and the long driving to races. It's just not smart to do that right now so I was faced with a choice, just run like I do or look into Virtual Races.
And honestly I think they're good! I definitely prefer your typical "real" race over a virtual one but if you have major limits like myself or if you are a mom and can't push a stroller through a race or can't get those weekends off…this is a great alternative.
I chose Jost Running as my first Virtual Race since it's the first one I ever looked it and like a typical race they donate some of your race money to a charity.
BUT!
I found myself here in Michigan in a perdictament where I can't afford the $65 races and the long driving to races. It's just not smart to do that right now so I was faced with a choice, just run like I do or look into Virtual Races.
And honestly I think they're good! I definitely prefer your typical "real" race over a virtual one but if you have major limits like myself or if you are a mom and can't push a stroller through a race or can't get those weekends off…this is a great alternative.
I chose Jost Running as my first Virtual Race since it's the first one I ever looked it and like a typical race they donate some of your race money to a charity.
BRAVE NEW ROUTE 5KMAY 04 - JUNE 02To benefit: The ALS Association School years are coming to an end and Memorial Day will remind us to think of the bravery of men and women who have risked it all to ensure our upcoming sweet summer days. Let's not stop the momentum that we have built through the spring and dig down to find our adventurous spirits by breathing in the early summer air and trying something new in our runs. April showers have ended, so maybe it's time to ditch the streets and take it to the trails--getting to know those shaded, mountainous paths before the upcoming heat makes it necessary. Maybe you are taking a well deserved vacation over the holiday? How about researching new routes in your new locale so that you can stay on mileage target and use a virtual race to map and plan your dream destination one? #BraveNewRoute #WhereWillURun
I registered for the 10k which was $25! That's a racing steal with the Half and Full priced at $35 with a different medal.
I knew my running route (kinda) i picked a trail route and kinda explored a nature trail called Dinosaur Park. I used my Nike + app so i knew my splits and could "prove" that I did the distance. I like 10k's I feel like after I run 3 miles my body gets on it's 'high' and I start sprinting! My time is slow I walked a couple times, doing a 5k training with my friend the day before had my calves super tight. Oh well!
Tips:
-I really think this could be a good alternative to your typical race
-Be honest with yourself and don't just buy these to say you've done races
-Explore new routes! Run on nature trails and places races aren't typically held
-Bring your dog or push your baby in a stroller, this might be your only chance to have that experience
-If you have a friend that is too shy or nervous to do a big race, do this with him/her
-Get creative! I thought about how fun it would be to do a race running in and out of buildings. (don't get caught!)
Overall:
I don't like this OVER a typical race, I love those more than anything. The massive crowds, the energy…I didn't get my free T-Shirt! But this is for sure a good alternative and you can make it really fun if you want.
I registered for the 10k which was $25! That's a racing steal with the Half and Full priced at $35 with a different medal.
I knew my running route (kinda) i picked a trail route and kinda explored a nature trail called Dinosaur Park. I used my Nike + app so i knew my splits and could "prove" that I did the distance. I like 10k's I feel like after I run 3 miles my body gets on it's 'high' and I start sprinting! My time is slow I walked a couple times, doing a 5k training with my friend the day before had my calves super tight. Oh well!
Tips:
-I really think this could be a good alternative to your typical race
-Be honest with yourself and don't just buy these to say you've done races
-Explore new routes! Run on nature trails and places races aren't typically held
-Bring your dog or push your baby in a stroller, this might be your only chance to have that experience
-If you have a friend that is too shy or nervous to do a big race, do this with him/her
-Get creative! I thought about how fun it would be to do a race running in and out of buildings. (don't get caught!)
Overall:
I don't like this OVER a typical race, I love those more than anything. The massive crowds, the energy…I didn't get my free T-Shirt! But this is for sure a good alternative and you can make it really fun if you want.