Esprit de She 5K

Interesting race.

This was a Thursday night run and a last minute decision for me.  One of the few last minute races that I've actually regretted.  The course and amenities were exactly as they should be, parking was close to start and free, location was a good choice for the area and sponsorship was bountiful.

I just didn't enjoy it. 

I don't know if it was the heat.

I don't know if it was the "after work" mood.

I don't know if it was just the town's atmosphere.

I don't know if it was the mixed universities present.

I don't know if it was the competition between Cary, Raleigh, Durham.

But this was not the friendliest race I've ran... quite the opposite.

I'm going with the heat and the work day.  Folks just did not want to be bothered with "other people"... something you rarely see in the south.  I was born and raised in Charlotte and am quite used to a "melting pot"... this was just weird. You could smile and say "Hello" and they just kept walking.  Yeah... the obvious... "It's just you, Tracy" but it wasn't.  It was overall.. limited seating for the meal afterwards and no one "shared" or even offered seats to those without, not even the unused chairs. The meal line was "to each his own" and the post race festivities were very segregated based on existing acquaintances.  This just isn't normal for the racing community as a whole.  I didn't get it.. but it was my first race in this area, I have another at the end of July, perhaps it will broaden my perspective, but until then...  

I'm going with the heat and the work day.

The course was a real workout and it combined both a 5K and a 10K. 194 runners in the 10K and 472  runners in the 5K finished in 91° heat and 65% humidity.  I was drenched.  This was also, by the way, an all women's race. The results only showed three male persons and I suspect they were all kids as I'm sure I saw two of them.  

So glad to see the iced water bottles at the Finish.  AQUAhydrate provided the water.  New brand name to me and I really enjoyed it.  Has electrolytes and minerals and tastes as good as Aquafina with all the benefits of a sports drink minus the sugar and calories.  I liked it so well I bought two cases of it online (only available at GNC or Vitamin World locally) when I got home.

Athleta was the primary sponsor.  Their clothing line was promoted and all participants received an Athleta tank and a handy polyester carryall.  Beer and champagne were available post race with the meal provided - pasta salad, salad, subs, and pizza.  Greek yogurt was also available.   Athleta basically held a three day event - Esprit de She - with races in the middle (see event description via link), all the makings of an excellent event... it was just HOT.. really HOT... and it was a Thursday night.  Hope next year's race can be scheduled more appropriately for those with jobs and kids but the planning was top notch.  We could not ask for a more well managed event.. right down to the ChronoTrack LIVE timing, texting and video feeds.

Overall, this is a fantastic event and I would do it again... perhaps not in Cary, but would definitely run it again.  My fingers are crossed that this race makes its way to Charlotte... soon!

CHIP TIME:  47:20

FINISH LINE VIDEO

Sweet 13 5K

This race is part of a Spring Series in Iredell County.  Thirteen races take place in Statesville, Union Grove, Troutman, Mooresville, and Love Valley.  Each race is only $10 and manually timed.  Shirts are available for $15 and this year's color is light gray with the Ready. Run. Race. logo on the front and the Sweet 13 listings on the back.

This was my 4th race with MRT and thus far my best time.

 

This event was held at Mitchell Community College in Statesville NC and had it's fair share of inclines and declines.  The final half mile was up, up, and up... affecting more than one runner's overall time.

 

Once again, we owe our heartfelt gratitude to Jose!  He showed up at the 2 mile mark, after pacing another runner for a 25 min finish, and he then finished AGAIN while pushing my running buddy's baby jogger.  Jose ROCKS!!  Kudos to McLelland Racing Team for such wonderful support to the community.

 

Official Time:  46:57 

Skirt Chaser 5K

The theme behind the title is 'men chasing women' but if you went expecting to get a date or some serious flirtation, you'd be sorely disappointed.  Lots of enthusiasm but socializing is post race and mostly in the alcohol corral. (Yes, alcohol was included with race entry for age 21 and over).

Females start at 7:45am, Males at 7:48am and the goal for most was to PR.  This event has held a female first place overall runner since it's inception and today was no exception.  Even with only a 3 minute handicap, the men did not surpass the women.  

Not to say the single genders didn't enjoy themselves... but at the end of the morning, it was still just a race, not speed-dating.  :-)  (I mention this because I ran with several women who came with "expectations" ... one even pinned dollar bills to her shirt to support the 'attraction'...).

I have mixed feelings overall.  I enjoyed the course at Freedom Park.  Enjoyed the amenities post race (Gatorade, Great Harvest Bread, bananas, Bruegger's Bagels).  I enjoyed the discounts for Skirt Sports products and the opportunity to buy a skirt at half price as part of registration (three color options to choose from). I also enjoyed the vendor turnout and amenities present in the staging area.

I was disappointed with the inaugural excitement (or lack thereof) around a first time event for Charlotte.  The race had a reasonable (not large) turnout, a full band (utilizing the Freedom Park stage area), and a kid's fun run, which is ordinarily the makings for a great event.  

Door prizes were few and given out with specific targeting (first time 5Kers, those who'd never shopped at RFYL and a booty dance-off that gendered all of 4 participants and was won by a male...).  The highlight of the door prizes was the bold guy getting his groove on for 10 free yoga classes... he was hilarious!  

There was a 'fashion show' to model the skirts, tanks and bras for Skirt Sports.  Two volunteers modeled... but all of the SS product had been on the grounds for sale prior to the showing so other than the good nature of the volunteers, it was more of a sales pitch...  

I also could not find a charity or benefit recipient for this race, thus making it a 'for profit' event... not something I usually attend as I prefer to choose races that give back to the community thus validating the expense behind public competition.   

Perhaps more of what I am trying to express was that it seemed a very mixed audience due to varied themes playing out simultaneously... one extreme was family oriented, here for the fun and exercise - the other extreme there for the alcohol and socializing.  Those who drank the beer or wine were cordoned off in a fenced corral (approximately 15' x 15') guarded by two active duty police officers.  The family groups were watching their kids, looking for the fun run start and trying to watch the stage for news related to the actual race.

I've attended lots of events with alcohol.. beer is a great carb loader for many.  The most successful always seem to have a separate area for drinking because of the laws, limitations and children present OR they simply check your age and give you a 'solo cup' to carry around, trusting adults will drink responsibly. This was... weird.  You know.. that whole 'put on a dunce cap, sit in the corner' kind of weird.  You're with us but you're not, if you know what I mean.

Both preferences were present in the staging area mere inches from each other but yet with what almost seemed like barriers or cautionary measures to protect..?..  and the hosts honestly didn't lean in either direction.  That kind of left the overall mood (in my humble opinion) kind of open ended.  Those of us not watching kids, not drinking were at loose ends as to how to pass the time while waiting for the awards ceremony.  

There was no primary focus on any aspect... racing, socializing, drinking, or listening to the band. 

I'm not as much disappointed as I was perhaps wishing there had been a stronger direction within the event.  I didn't know if I was at the 'dating game' or the 'beware of drunks in the park' protest or 'there is a race hidden in here somewhere...' contest.  I know they'll work out the kinks... if the 'Skirt Chaser' truly is about singles meeting.. they need to redefine how that works or provide incentive BEFORE, DURING, and after the race that encourages meeting new friends... interaction is the key.  Otherwise, just admit it's a promo race about running skirts.  Nothing more.

*end of rant*

Anywho... the course was great and RFYL was, as always, phenomenal.  Most of the course (except the final 3/10th mile) was on streets surrounding the park. Police officers were at busy intersections and volunteers were present for turns.  A water stop was provided just before the 2 mile mark and the final stretch was on the paved greenway around the Freedom Park lake and center stage.  Weather was perfect!  Shirts were unisex in a very thin white with pink and black lettering front/back.  

The race was chip timed and RFYL had digital markers at start, finish, mile 1 and mile 2. The pint glasses at the Finish were actually in the beer corral.  They were not pink as pictured but black with the company logo (if you're into the pink bling, this was a disappointment).  LOTS of Gatorade at the Finish Line and Publix was present giving out free cow bells.  State Farm was present, as well, giving out cinch sacks, sunglasses and water bottles.  So glad to see the sponsorship returning to these events.

This was was also third in the RFYL Signature Series.  RFYL added a new series this year with additional distances (4 mile, 10K, 15K, Half Marathon, Marathon) for those seeking a more competitive series. Eight races in all with the final event at Charlotte's Thunder Road Marathon in November.  Best of luck to all who are competing in that series.

CHIP TIME:  45:19
PARTICIPANTS:  240
MALE/FEMALE:  100/140
UNDER 21:  17
RESULTS HERE:  Active

Sweet 13 5K

This race is part of a Spring Series in Iredell County.  Thirteen races take place in Statesville, Union Grove, Troutman, Mooresville, and Love Valley.  Each race is only $10 and manually timed.  Shirts are available for $15 and this year's color is light gray with the Ready. Run. Race. logo on the front and the Sweet 13 listings on the back.

This was my third race with MRT and thus far my favorite.  

It rained.. continuously.. throughout the entire run.

We were soaked to the bone, the last to cross the finish line, and cheered for with much enthusiasm since my friend is the only runner that participates with a jog stroller.  Little "runner" thought this was grand fun,  rain and all!  As usual, McLelland Racing Team hosted a wonderful event!

The course was out and back in straight lines, no cones, no volunteers, no police, all on paved roads within a residential area.  There were some MRT signs / flags / cones at some intersections but all chalk directions washed out with the rain.

The roads (some) did have bike lanes and a portion was within a school district - most had a paved sidewalk so that none truly had to run directly on the street unless they desired to.  No one seemed concerned about safety and honestly, traffic was light.  Making the right turns when you are the 'caboose' was our only concern.  Jose (MRT Staff) manned the water station at the halfway point, ran back to start once we made the turn, came back at our 2 mile mark (yes, he is young, strong and quick!) and finished with us.. even pushed the jog stroller the last 1/10 mile.  Jose ROCKS!!!

MRT did post the dates for their fall series and much to our dismay, all of the Fall races will be on a Saturday - the Tuesday night group runs are really fun.  Only 66 runners tonight and at least five of those were children.  Tuesday nights makes for a great workout during the week but with the longer distances of the Fall series, I'm sure Saturday is necessary.  We hope to make at least two of those later this summer.

Looking forward to another run soon!

Official Time:  47:40

Sweet 13 5K

This race is part of a Spring Series in Iredell County.  Thirteen races take place in Statesville, Union Grove, Troutman, Mooresville, and Love Valley.  Each race is only $10 and manually timed.  Shirts are available for $15 and this year's color is light gray with the Ready. Run. Race. logo on the front and the Sweet 13 listings on the back.

This was my second run in this series and I am enjoying the challenges.  LOTS of HILLS on this course, the strongest being the very last  3/10ths of a mile straight up, or so it seemed.  Once again, McLelland Racing Team (MRT) hosted an extremely well organized event.  The location was Stumpy Creek Park in Mooresville which is surrounded by an upscale subdivision and the waters of Lake Norman.  The entire route (except the last few hundred feet reentering the park for the finish) was asphalt, easily suitable for walkers, runners and baby joggers.  

It was an out and back thus we had two water stops - Mile 1 and Mile 2 and a well marked course.  Several volunteers were placed at strategic turns and there is so little traffic in this area. I honestly don't remember seeing a police presence on the course and was not concerned over the absence.  Race organizers drove the course via bicycle and vehicle to monitor progress and safety which was perfectly reassuring. Temps were mid 80°'s and plenty of hydration was available.  Door Prizes were given out while we waited for results to be tabulated.

MRT's Facebook page has made mention of a second series to begin when this one ends.  A more progressive series beginning with a 5K and ending with either a half or full marathon, details are not yet posted.  My running partner and I are looking forward to exploring new venues in Iredell County while working on our speed and distance.

I would highly recommend this series to anyone looking for a low fee, small crowd, rewarding experience.  I look forward to running several more over the summer. 

Official Time:  Results not yet posted

Series Flyer: Click Here

King Tiger 5K

Charlotte had Emergency Flash Flood warnings all through the evening on Friday night, some lasting up until the wee hours of the morning.  That didn't deter 503 runners from crossing the Finish Line at today's 10th annual King Tiger 5K at University Run For Your Life (RFYL).

This course is predominately long inclines with only two or three short declines and it can be somewhat of a challenge.  Today's cool temperatures helped but humidity was quite high.  The top M/F scores were 16:58 and 18:57 respectively, proof the course was a challenge.

I personally have ran 5 days this week and this was my second 5K since Monday.  I'm redoing the Couch To 5K Plan (C25K) and just completed week 1 with much enthusiasm.  My timing may not reflect it but my body knows 'we're stepping up the game' right now.

This year's shirts were made by American Apparel - a much softer cotton - with the same logo as above, on a green background. Starbucks, Rita's Flavored Ice, Great Harvest Bread, Farley's Pizza, Trader Joe's and King Tiger Tae Kwon Do Academy were all present sponsors contributing food and drink items as well as giveaways.  King Tiger had cinch sacks with water bottles for all, both are welcome items for runners new and old.

This race benefits Mecklenburg County Parks and Recreation and the University City YMCA.  It is also the 4th in the Grand Prix Race Series hosted by RFYL.  Thus far I have completed all four with five yet remaining.

Looking forward to my next race!

Results:  Click Here

Sweet 13 5K

This race is part of a Spring Series in Iredell County.  Thirteen races take place in Statesville, Union Grove, Troutman, Mooresville, and Love Valley.  Each race is only $10 and manually timed.  Shirts are available for $15 and this year's color is light gray with the Ready. Run. Race. logo on the front and the Sweet 13 listings on the back.

I ran with a friend and it was our first race with the McLelland Racing Team (MRT).  I must say, they are enthusiastic, well organized and quite friendly. We will be returning for more Spring Races and for their Summer series which is a progressive race series incorporating longer distances with each race.

There was water stop en route with COLD water (Kudos!!) and lots of volunteers to keep runners on course.  MRT also had an excellent awards program with door prizes and medals for top three winners in all age groups.  For $10, this is quite impressive.

The MRT manager was absent Tuesday night and there were timing issues.  At present, there are no official results.  In an effort to make amends, the Manager has given ALL who ran this race a free entry into another race in EITHER series.  That speaks volumes to the integrity of the Racing Company.  

I wore my Garmin and will admit that the last 5 or 6 of us missed one turn in the race, shortening our overall distance by about 4/10ths of a mile.  I asked a fellow runner for a left or right turn at one intersection and I think we were given her best guess.  No fault of hers. My Garmin clocked a distance of 2.72 with a finish time of 47:33.  We were attempting to do the C25K plan on the route but discovered the hills weren't very accommodating.  Yes, there are hills.  

This route began and ended at the Statesville YMCA and went through a local neighborhood along I-40.  The hills weren't overly steep but there were a few challenges. The were baby joggers and dog runners - a very runner friendly race.  I would highly recommend this series to anyone looking for a low fee, small crowd, rewarding experience.  I look forward to running several more over the summer.  A heartfelt thanks to MRT for promoting a very well managed event for their community.

Unofficial Time:  47:33

Series Flyer: Click Here

Color My Run 5K

5 different bright pastel powders covered runners on Saturday morning as we coursed our way through downtown Charlotte.  Lots of sunshine and cool breezes as most chose to walk this event since it was non-timed and all about the color!

Groupon and Amazon both offered a 50% off deal for the entry fee which hundreds of locals took advantage of.  Packet pick up for all who bought the 50% off deal was at Dick's Sporting Goods in the Southpark Mall.  There was NO early registration for those that purchased the vouchers which was a slight sore spot for some.  In order to register, participants either had to drive in to Charlotte Thursday or Friday or show up at least 2 hours before race time on Saturday morning.  Not the best of plans when so many come from the surrounding areas.  

The shirts were Gildan Heavy Cotton (100%), solid white, with only the Color My Run logo on the front.  It was nice not to have a back with all the sponsor info and the shirts were perfect for the powder coloring.  Registrants received a rainbow colored plastic Color My Run wristband, a Color My Run kerchief / bandana, a race bib and one packet of his/her choice of colored powder to use after / during / before the race.

While I am appreciative of the discount and the opportunity to do a low cost color run, I was not a fan of the sign up process.  To their credit though, Color My Run had more than enough shirts in all the right sizes for all who used the vouchers, thus the only concern was the drive or extra time allowance, depending on what the registrants preferred.

My only other grievance was the lack of a water stop on this course.  Breathing in all that powder dust, on a day that was 80°, with many first time runners / walkers, this was NOT an acceptable action.  Water could be found under a tent post race.  Dasani was a sponsor and so efficiently provided case after case of the 16 oz bottle water at room temperature.  They ran out once at the 55 min mark, but quickly refilled the tent.  Kudos to Dasani, boo to Color My Run for not providing en route water stops.

I will also state, this had to be, based on appearance and sponsor support, one of the most low cost races I've ever been to (low cost for the event organizers, not for the runners).  It was non timed so there were no chips or timing equipment (I used my Garmin to track time and distance).  There were no post race food items of any sort, and it was a 5K.  Garmin tracked me at 3.03 for the Finish, others came up with slightly longer distances. There was a registration tent, a water tent, a Color My Run Store tent, and a Volunteer tent.  That was it. Period.  I'm trusting that all the money NOT used for pre / post race amenities went directly to Levine Children's Hospital.  A $50 race should be better equipped.

Okay... back to the fun part. The powder splash and all the fun pics were very much worth coming for, even with all the areas that need improvement.  It was a safe, fun, environment for all who attended and I would do it again.. with a Groupon... this is NOT a race I would pay $50 for.  Just my .02.  Add all the norms for a typical 5K, including timing, and I'd reconsider, but as it is now, no.  It's not a $50 race, more like a $15 race.  On a scale of 1-10, including the uniqueness, I'd only give it a 3.

Unofficial Time:  52:00