St Pete Women's Half Marathon

1.  I did not get sick this year. *Hallelujah Chorus*    
2.  I did get two black toenails.  *First Timer Toes*
3.  This was my third consecutive year at this race.  
4.  First time I've visited the medical tent at a race. 

I wrote the first three thoughts because that is what I will remember most about this race.  As I have written in year's past, this is an absolutely gorgeous route in St. Petersburg, Florida, along the waterfront.  No complaints whatsoever about location, route or course amenities.  As for the sickness... at last year's race several of us got quite ill from Gatorade at the 2nd stop.  We were picked up by the trail car at mile 8.  Five days without solid food and continual nausea is not something one forgets or looks forward to repeating... and yes, I did drink Gatorade at the race this year.  I slowly taste-tested before downing it all and discovered what I suspected last year.  The organizers use the powdered mix and the strength will vary based on the 'mixer'.  Watered down, too sugary, just right... you get the idea.  I am now a cautious consumer with the powdered version as I believe too much powder at a lukewarm temperature stored several days in advance can produce sickness. My .02 regarding a lesson learned.

The toenails you ask?  New shoes.  Love my new shoes.  Guy at the running store warned me to go a half size up. Obviously, I went for the "pretty".  Now I know.  This pair won't be 'going the distance' again. They are banned to 5Ks only.

One of the unique (many, many unique) things about this all women's race are the medals we receive at the finish line.  Each has a detachable charm that can be worn as a necklace or (new item this year) on a bracelet.  Runners that complete three events at the same location OR run three of the Women's Half Marathons in the same calendar year receive a special charm in addition to the finisher's medal.  These are mailed out about 6-8 weeks after final results are posted.  I am thrilled to be a 'three-peat' this year!

The medical tent was a whim.. a much needed whim. For whatever reason, my hands swell enormously during a race (the pic below shows swollen hands / arms AFTER the doctor's review). This was the first time the swelling had gone up to my elbows and the first time I could not completely close my hands (swelling too large for that much movement).  Two nurses and a doctor reviewed it.  Nurses were clueless, doc was intrigued.  Not something most see often, not life threatening provided heart rate and other areas are not affected (feet, legs).  The doctor said it is called exercise-induced anaphylaxis.  He prescribed an immediate treatment of ♫ Raise Your Hands ♫.  No, I'm not kidding.  

I sat in a medical tent, pouring sweat, with arms raised high in the air while being stared at from the curious onlookers.  Again, this isn't a common ailment and the swelling is quite obvious. I will also point out, I did not run this race. I walked.  Long term diagnosis?  Buy compression arm bands for longer distances.  Now I know. I will also mention that opinions, specifically medical opinions, on this topic vary.  There are articles on the LiveStrong website and several medical blogs that will offer varying reviews. I am hoping that weight loss will affect this.. reduction in fluids creating less reaction.  

 

Organizers also offered an early 2013 registration discount this year on 12-12-12 only.  Runners could register for ANY of the 2013 Women's Half Marathon races for $65. Needless to say, I'm registered and loving the discount opportunity for such a fantastic event!

Kudos to the management group for all their support and looking forward to the 2013 race! 

 

Runway 5K

This year's race was much more well organized than in year's past.  The traffic was managed efficiently and post race amenities were plentiful.  I thoroughly enjoyed myself and my two running companions, one of which was not yet a year old (gotta love jogging strollers!).  I would highly recommend this race to anyone looking for something "different".

(A Very Hearty THANK YOU to photographers)

This race is on the tarmac at the Charlotte Douglas International Airport and participants get a close up view of take off and landing in the busy early morning hours.  There are also museum type planes on display in the start area and runner's received a free entry into the local airplane museum which hosts the very plane that landed on the Hudson - "Miracle on the Hudson" - as flown by Captain 'Sully' Sullenberger.  There are tour guides persent to describe the effects and materials of the plane and a fantastic movie showing the landing, the passengers, the rescue, etc.  Worth the trip!

The course is flat. Very flat.  Flattest I have ever run in the Charlotte area.  No surprises with "moderate" hills or stair climbs.  This is a flat race with a fantastic view.

My timing was non-competitive.  I was there solely to enjoy myself and get good exercise in a safe environment.  I was also in recovery mode from a recent major surgery thus I was well pleased with the less than one hour finish time.  My next competitive goal will actually be a race in late February 2013.  My hope is to be 'up and running' at 'full speed' by then, LOL.  

Best wishes to the race organizers and volunteers for the Runway 5K!

Making Strides Against Breast Cancer 5K

This year's support for Breast Cancer Research was clouded in controversy.  In years past, I've chosen the Susan G. Komen race to support this cause but the controversy was far too significant to be ignored so this year I switched to the American Cancer Society's event and am thoroughly glad I did!  Wonderful group of ladies, lots of mutual support for both survivors and those who ran 'in honor of'.  There were competitors present but the majority of ladies chose to walk, as did myself, a good friend, and her adorable grandson!

I have no negative comments in any regard to this event.  For anyone wondering if this would be a suitable choice - by all means, sign up and have yourself a wonderful time next year!

2,283 persons participated in raising funds and walking/running for the Cure, not including sponsors, volunteers and corporations! 

Timing Results have been posted by Queen City Timing HERE:

The Overall Rank is a tad confusing… I was the last “runner” to finish under an hour (shows as 207/207). 10 other runners finished with times greater than 1 hr, that was the standard cutoff to have an award time, so there were actually 217 registered runners. There were hundreds of people behind us but they registered as walkers so there are no postings to fall behind those who wanted a timed score with a walking pace, nonetheless, it was amazing fun! 

Showmars 5K

This was an inaugural race for Showmars benefiting Levine Children's Hospital.  It was also a very successful event. 298 runners crossed the Finish Line this morning in support of Levine and Showmars. Most of us had not heard of the race until just a few weeks prior to the actual date. Run For Your Life (RFYL) managed the event and did their best to get the word out, Showmars, as well, put flyers out in all of their local restaurants. Showmars also ran a 5 day Living Social offer which sold entry fees at $12 each! 

The race was well managed, well mapped and quite lively!  Weather was absolutely perfect for the 5K.

A friend and myself chose to walk the course (she, in support of me and and my current physical reserve, held back her usual lightning pace) and we were both astounded to see Mr. C. himself, George Couchell, owner / operator of Showmars, at the water station greeting runners and handing out water or Gatorade as we passed.  He was all smiles and friendly and a true "fan" of all who came out to support the cause. 

In 1982, first generation Greek immigrant George Couchell (who graduated from Duke University and was a Naval Officer) opened his first Showmars restaurant in Charlotte, North Carolina. The first Showmars offered a vast selection of items on its menu. The restaurant served breakfast, offered a hot bar, a salad bar, and everything else in between. In addition to the traditional American cuisines, Mr. C (as he is widely known throughout the company) added an ethnic touch to Showmars’ menu by offering Greek specialties such as Gyros, Souvlaki, and Grecian Roast Chicken. Over the years, Couchell pared down the once all-inclusive menu to what it is today. Today, 24 years later, Showmars is the fastest-growing restaurant chain in the Charlotte metropolitan area. In addition to the 18 stores that are located in Charlotte, the restaurant chain has branched out to serve neighboring cities such as Fort Mill, Gastonia, Huntersville, Mooresville, Monroe, Rock Hill and Matthews.

*Applause*

The race course itself was a challenge through an absolutely gorgeous neighborhood.  The route was predominantly uphill and completely asphalt.  Police officers were present at critical intersections and volunteers were spread out liberally to cheer for participants. Several sponsors had booths at the event including Planet Fitness, WSOC (with cameras), Hostess (muffins, bagels), King Smoothie and Play It Again Sports ($10 gift cards to runners). Oranges, Bananas, muffins, bagels, water and Gatorade were offered post race which made for a very family friendly event.  

Best of luck to Showmars for next year's race!

Run Wild 5K

I had to force myself up this morning.. alarm went off at 4:30 AM, race was an hour and a half away and started at 7:30 AM.  I hadn't walked or ran since July 4th and my body was in no shape for this but my mind willed it to be so.

I honestly needed to get back on my exercise regimen regardless of the physical obstacles that had been hindering the last two months. An iron deficiency and a horrid reaction to a hormonal shot left me with complete physical exhaustion and limited exertion towards anything.  In the last two months I've had ghost white hands and feet (can count the blood vessels with that whole glow in the dark appearance), an abominable craving for ice (sometimes getting up at 2 am for ICE!) as well as waking periods that last less than four hours.  Not something I recommend for anyone... nor is the condition suitable for foot races, LOL.  

But today I wanted to move, today I wanted to press forward.  Two quarts of Powerade in the 24 hours prior to the event and I made it all the way to the finish line. Six hours later I am still awake and really glad I showed up to participate this morning. I have two more races scheduled for this month. I don't expect the timing to be noteworthy but I do expect the completion to be pushing the limits of my current condition as I aim towards full recovery.

This was a first time event for me. I did not know the race existed until about ten days prior to its schedule.  A friend shared a company email that listed details and I was intrigued at the thought of 'running through a zoo'.  And it is just that.  Approximately 1.5 miles covers the parkway drive and the remainder of the course runs through sections of the zoo itself. The entire route is paved asphalt.  The first two miles (other than the initial 100 feet) are ALL uphill.  Literally.  No exaggeration.  

If you've never been to the zoo at Asheboro, it is a very large facility with scattered parking areas all over the range.  Small signs were posted within the zoo once cars reached the parking areas designated for the race.  All exhibits were taped off for the race and all non-related areas were closed.  Runners and/or walkers were allowed 90 minutes to complete so as not to interfere with the parks regular schedule.

Lots of children for this event and lots of kids games and activities after the race.  Volunteers were located at critical turns and within the zoo itself, often pointing out any animals that might be visible en route.  I saw black bears, wolves, and African lions before reaching the finish line. The polar exhibit animals were temporarily relocated to Milwaukee while Asheboro undergoes renovations but even still, the kids loved it!  All entrants were eligible for a free child's ticket to the zoo today if the adult showed his/her bib at the gate.  Nice perk for this race.

485 finishers for this event and lots of family spectators.  Dasani water at the finish line and just under the bridge - bananas, oranges, apples and muffins.  The t-shirts were light blue cotton, fairly standard for a local race and awards were given to the top three in each age group as well as the top three overall.  There was a kid's fun run afterwards and all children received a prize for competing.  This is a very family friendly race and I would recommend to all - walkers and runners as there is no pressure to compete at this event yet top performers have ample opportunity to set new PR's here!

CHIP TIME:  52:20

PACE:  16:51 per mile

July 4th Spectacular 4 Miler

Happy Independence Day America!

610 people turned out to compete on this gorgeous holiday to run uphill in the heat for the 4th of July and the fifth race in the RFYL GPX Series.  Gotta say I enjoyed this race - heat, hills and holiday!  The event was previously known as the RFYL 4 Miler. It has a new name, new location and new course which begins and ends at Memorial Stadium.  I have to brag a little here... not on my performance, per se, but on arriving 30 minutes before Start time.  I was able to park AT the Start/Finish Line in a CPCC parking lot.  How cool is that?  Needless to say, it left me with a genuine appreciation of the new location.

Because the course runs through Briarcreek, over Randolph Rd and Caswell, etc, there was lots of Police presence (probably 3 dozen officers total) and an equal number of volunteers, many of which work for or volunteer for the newest race sponsor - The Ronald McDonald House.  This promotes a very safe environment and keeps any and all runners from veering off course.  A huge round of applause for CMPD and the Ronald McDonald Staff!

Today was also the first time I received my race results from RFYL in an email! Woot! Woot!  Definitely a 5 Star amenity in my book!  The email arrived in my inbox at 9:04 AM for a race that began at 7:30 AM.  Way to go, RFYL!

I will note here for those that may contemplate this race in the future.  It really isn't a course for walkers.  While I did walk the majority of it, there were only four persons behind me.  The final finisher had a pace of 16:23.  Most events that promote walkers allow a maximum pace of 20:00.  I'm not saying walkers aren't allowed or encouraged. Quite the opposite.  I'm saying not too many showed up.  There were only ten of us with a pace of 15:00 or greater.  That speaks both to the distance and the challenge of the course. I would never ever discourage a walker or a moderate paced runner, I'm simply giving some a heads up that walkers will have a police trail car on their behind and a pace greater than 16:00 may be asked to finish on the sidewalks instead of the main roads.  FYI Only.

The shirts for this race were navy blue unisex tech shirts.  The race logo was on the front and the RFYL store logo was on the back.  No sponsor info on the shirts.  Definitely a keeper and another reason to participate in the GPX Series.

This is a great event and one I hope to see continue its growth in the Queen City.

PS:  Picked up some new CRC gear at the race today! Hope to be sporting a new royal blue running shirt at the next event.  Go CRC!!

King Tiger 5K

I have a real sense of accomplishment after this morning's race.  Not because of a spectacular time. Not because of an award or placement. Not because of a random act of kindness or any personal greatness but simply because of perseverance.  Today I truly fulfilled the statement..

I am not here to compete, I am here to complete.

It was just one of those days where you follow the sage advice of Yoda " Do or Do Not, there is no try" and today was that day.  I woke up exhausted, overloaded with allergy symptoms, gained 10 lbs in the last 30 days, had an iron, Vitaman D & B deficiency, and had major battle fatigue as a result of 'Mother Nature: The Extended Version'.  My body literally protested at the very thought.  We all know that "line" in our physical health which is the breaking point between tolerable and intolerable.  At 220 lbs this morning, I was well over that line.

For any walker / runner out there that faces daily health challenges (big or small) and still presses on, I salute you!  Those not in this category or who have never doubled the athlete's challenge with both goals of sports performance and health improvements, your feelings of victory are not comparable to ours and your "mountaintop experiences" are rarely like mine today.  Today I persevered. Today I am proud of the road behind me. Today I went above and beyond in my personal journey.

As for the actual race... the ad stated the final half mile was downhill... well... the final one/tenth was not. *groan, whine, moan*  The new course is very hilly, while most of the hills are moderate, there are a lot of them.  Quite a workout.  Proof that the GPX series is designed to be challenging. The 7:30 AM start time kept the temps at bay for the race. With yesterday's rain, we were in the low 60's this morning and that was quite nice.

One other thing I will point out about this course, there were two additional timing mats on the course. The additional mats were part of the "King and Queen of Copperplate Hill" challenge within the course. This half mile stretch had separate timing and allowed for some strong competition during the race.  Separate awards were given for those that conquered this particular hill with better results per half mile, regardless of how they placed overall.  Creative! 

T-shirts for this race were Next Level Apparel and definitely an upgrade from the standard cotton shirts. This shirt had basically the same quality material as the CPCC Skyline shirt (first race of GPX series). While it is not a tech tee, it is a much better quality 60/40 Cotton/Poly blend shirt.  The logo has changed from years gone by.  Myself, like many others, miss the original college style logo design but am glad to see the improvement in quality material.

Couldn't help but overhear comments today about the crowd size "not as large as I expected" and "is this one part of the GPX?".  Have no idea about the fluctuation in attendance although I do know there are several new event marketing groups (race directors) in the Charlotte area thus making for more available races and more choices in pre/post amenities.  RFYL does really well with sponsors and this race was no exception although a few things did catch my attention.  At 8:30 AM all the water was gone.  At the 30-40 min completion mark all the water bottles (8 oz) that were distributed were gone, leaving the balance of runners to utilize the Diamond Springs dispensers until they were emptied out.  

The hydration table (during race) was at the 2 mile marker and for new runners, walkers etc, that's a bit further than expected. This race had no Gatorade/Powerade pre or post race and for veteran runners, that can make a difference in which event he/she may choose to sign up for, as well as other amenities like tech shirts, trophies and location.  This isn't a detraction for RFYL, it is simply proof that Charlotte is quickly becoming a competitive market for running events.

Saw a new and upcoming running club out for today's race, the Purple Butterfly Running Club.  Lots of lovely ladies out on the track promoting better health and offering lots of support and motivation!  This is an all women's running club with paces at all levels.  Honored to run with them this morning!

King Tiger Tae Kwon Do Academy, the primary sponsor, once again did an excellent job as host and their contributions and efforts are greatly appreciated.  They gave out back sacks and water bottles this morning, had two game setups with prizes and several instructors present to offer incentives and answer questions about all the programs they offer.  They have expanded their activity list since I was last at a King Tiger 5K and they have added Zumba classes and Tap Team classes for anyone interested. I also believe they have four locations now - Charlotte, Matthews, Mint Hill and Belmont NC.  

Also need to give a shout out to Rita's, Great Harvest Bread, Trader Joe's, Hickory Tavern and Farley's Pizzaria!  Many enjoyed the wine, the cheese, the ice custards, apples, and bananas, as well as the coupon deals in the virtual goody bags.  Another reason the GPX series is well worth entering.

As for my personal GPX standing,  I am no longer in the top 5, albeit I am only 13 pts away from 5th place solely because I have ran all of the races thus far (only two of the top 5 have done that).  I will fall out of the top ten next race if my timing does not improve...  

On to race #4...  Summer Breeze 5K... see you there!

CHIP TIME:  50:05

Patriot Festival 5K

 

This was the first time I've participated in this annual event, it is also the second year it has been hosted in the Southpark Mall area.  The 5K route was mildly hilly through the first mile, then moderate to steep short hills throughout the remainder of the course which is located directly behind Symphony Park in a residential area.  Lots of course markers, police officers and a few volunteers spread liberally over the entirety.  I enjoyed the neighborhood course.  Amenities afterward were limited but sufficient.  Due to the wooded area between the residents and the park, the Start/Finish was not directly adjacent to the sponsors, or more specifically, not visible from the Start/Finish Line.

The festival is another matter.  It is a work in progress with lots of potential.  If you are going "for the kids" you might want to skip this one until they expand the "festivities".  Kids will be done in 15-20 minutes tops.  There were supposed to be two bouncies (moon jump) but only one was inflated. Jack in the Box had a toss game set up but with very little crowd interaction most adults didn't know if it was in operation.  Coca-Cola had a neat video game setup but monitors faced directly into the sun and it was difficult to see if the sun was shining.  Two food vendors and two or three sales vendors were present.  That was the entire "festival" and most were still setting up when runners came back through shortly before 9 AM.

The Festival was scheduled to run 9-11 AM so as not to interfere with mall activities and/or parking.  Awards were given out on the Symphony stage, a military tribute and a parachute jump were also on the calendar (I did not stay for either as the program was behind schedule when I left).  Lots of music blaring in the park between announcements and a singer was scheduled to participate.  It is no doubt an enjoyable event but at a slower, small scale pace. If you attend, do bring a lawn chair as there is only a grassy area for the majority of the audience.  

Sometimes I truly enjoy smaller events, they tend to be very friendly and low key.  Based on the location, the holiday, the planned social event and the turnout, I actually expected more activity.  348 Finishers crossed the line for the 5K with an additional 1 Mile run for those honoring specific Military members. That's a good turnout all things considered. I chose to walk the course this morning as did many others. One participant collapsed around the 2.8 mile mark, most likely heat related.  Trusting she has a speedy recovery and very proud of the race management group as the situation was handled very quickly and very professionally.  I hope the community gets behind this event going forward as it does have great potential and an excellent location!  

Twilight 5K

The 16th Annual Right Moves for Youth Twilight 5K took place tonight as a huge success.  Friday night, 7 pm, lots of families, firemen, policemen, competitors and YOUTH... lots and lots of kids for this event!  This was also Race #2 in the 2012 RFYL GPX series (Run For Your Life Grand Prix).

RFYL (athletic apparel store) Event Marketing hosts this series and it was managed to perfection!  Shirts were Jerzees 50% cotton, 50% polyester, which is the right choice with so many first time runners and kids that will want the shirts for keepsakes and/or everyday wear.  The shirts were reverse color blocks of the above design, meaning the shirt was bright green and the skyline was done in black.  Love the color choices for 2012! 

This particular event is a great race for first timers.  Only two or three moderate hills, lots of downhill sections (over two miles) and more than adequate police presence for traffic and crowd control.  The Atrium, where the Start/Finish/Amenities are located, is also a wonderful before/after gathering place for runners/fans.

1,197 participants crossed the Finish Line for 2012!  The Overall 1st Place Female was Charlotte's own Alana Hadley, 15 yrs old, with a time of 16:51 and the Male winner clocked in at 15:19.  Race Results were posted by 10:30 pm as well as the current GPX rankings (via Active.com).  I am presently 4th in Rank for my AG (age group) in the GPX which totally cracks me up!  I am 4th because thus far only 4 of us (out of 52 in AG) have completed all (2 out of 9) of the current races.  *writer relishes the moment*

Post race amenities were what anyone would expect for a GPX series - water, Gatorade, bananas, oranges, Great Harvest Bread, pizza, lo mein, and chicken fried rice.  All runners were given a medal when crossing the finish line and all registrants received a recyclable back sack in black with this year's logo and racing stripes imprinted on it.  Not bad for a $20 race (early registration cost). I would recommend both this race and this race series to anyone - local or not - well worth attending!

CHIP TIME:  44:47

CPCC Skyline 5K

 

Today was race #77 for me.

Today was also my 4th Anniversary of competing publicly in foot races.

The Skyline 5K was my very first race back in 2008 and, as such, it holds sentimental value.  In 2008 there were 1327 runners present - yesterday there were only 669 finishers, something I am sad to see.  The weather was perfect for a race, cooler temps, overcast and no rain.  This race is also the kickoff of the Run For Your Life Grand Prix Race Series (RFYL GPX).

The route travels a fairly consistent incline throughout the entire course.  All but approximately .5 miles are uphill - very moderate incline - which makes this a do-able challenge.  Top scores were 15:15 M and 17:57 F proving that the competitors do come out for a challenge.

Shirts for this event took a step up this year. They were made by 'American Apparel' and specifically designed and labeled as 'The Track Shirt'.  Gray in color but 50% Polyester, 25% Rayon and 25% Combed Cotton, making for a lighter weight shirt very suitable for running or every day wear. Much improved fabric over previous years although I am personally not a fan of this year's winning design. 

CPCC has a fall competition for Advertising and Graphic Design students every year as a course assignment. The designs are presented to the race committee, and a winner is chosen. The winning artist is recognized during the awards ceremony.  My favorite thus far is the 2010, followed closely by the 2008.  I like the strong accentuation on the actual city skyline that is incorporated into each of these winning entries.  Also like that the 2010 design used the Panther's colors, something to be said for promoting our Queen City.

Race Results were posted a bit differently this year also.  Most of us are used to going to the RFYL website to see posted results and viewing the standard software data with gun time, chip time, and rankings.  The website link now takes you to Active.com for results and utilizes their format for results posting.  Not sure if I am a fan or not. I like that Active now has the results, I perhaps dislike that RFYL no longer hosts those results on their own site with the standardized formatting.  

The RFYL results were previously printable in their entirety and an individual could contact directly if there was a posting error without having to backtrack or retrace his/her steps.  Change is inevitable, we all know, and with growth, these are expected changes.  I just hate to see another local business getting on the fast track with mainstream 'cookie cutter' choices and losing that "personal touch" that builds brand loyalty.  It's not a bad decision, it simply makes RFYL more generic... no different than any other.

CHIP TIME:  45:10

(Stats provided by Active.com)

 

Sticks & Bones 5K

 

Two things stand out immediately about this race. I mean, immediately.

1. Start2Finish (S2F) is a top notch, 5 Star, event management group.
2. Tough trail race - NOT for amateurs, small children, obese or elderly.

I was thoroughly impressed with S2F from the get-go.  I am a huge fan of Run For Your Life and their event group (both based in Charlotte NC) but they now have some very serious competition.  

S2F is friendly, well organized, state-of-the-art, and runner-focused.  I received a free entry as a result of volunteering at another of their events (no, I was not asked to promo their efforts) and in all honesty, was not prepared for a trail race of this magnitude but I am glad I participated beyond my skill level. My free entry was for the 10K - I had zero problems, difficulty or attitude in switching to the 5K last minute.  I simply returned my bib, signed a form and received a new bib with a glowing smile from both volunteers.  *APPLAUSE*

S2F has digital apparatus for race results.  More specifically, they utilized three large screens under a tent (vertical 30"-32") with scrolling results that post as soon as you cross the FINISH LINE as well as a public use terminal that allows a runner/user to type in a bib number and get instant results.  I was impressed.

The S2F website also has a live video feed that shows the finish line during the race from beginning to end.  It lapses after the final runner has crossed the line.  Excellent for at home supporters who want to see their favorite athlete cross that finish line!  Again, I am impressed.

S2F had no shortage of water, NUUN, bagels, bananas, oranges, chocolate chip cookies, and very friendly staff post race.

What impressed me most (second to the digital apparatus, third to the friendly staff, 4th to the post race amenities) were the efforts of the Race Director.  He held off the awards ceremony until the last runner crossed the line.  He actually critiqued his bike course monitor (guy who rides the trail at the rear watching for late runners, injuries, etc) for missing a runner on the course.  He held off the awards until that young man finished and we all cheered for him.  One other runner came in about 10 minutes later and the awards had already begun but I firmly believe no one overlooked her intentionally.  They simply weren't aware she was still on the course.

Which leads me to item #2 on my list of things I noticed immediately.  This was NOT a course for amateurs (which I am when it comes to trail running).  The event was held at Renaissance Park off of Tyvola Rd in Charlotte which, by the way, has a paved running trail.  The course was in the wooded area and 20 feet into it we maneuvered a huge mud puddle (four feet across and set between two trail posts so that you could not go around it, only through it).  This was not my first clue as to the toughness of the course.  The first clue was... I was the ONLY overweight participant there.  I looked for walkers before the START horn.. and I honestly should have walked away right then and there.. *laugh*  It was not an event for me personally at this stage of my running career.  

There is a section within the course (both the 5K and 10K runners shared the first 3.28 miles) called "Gully Loop".  It makes you want to rename the race "Slips & Breaks"... WOW!!  The mud was a result of two days rain previously.  Couldn't be helped.  Mother Nature has a wicked sense of humor sometimes.  The "gullies" were often 8 ft across, narrow, and 6-8 ft deep, meaning straight down, straight up and IN THE MUD.  

Did I mention there was mud?

One gully was a monster, of the Loch Ness variety - pure legend!  Much bigger, much steeper and much more treacherous than the others and when you're at the back of the pack, you get the worst of the worst.  The ground is completely trodden at that point making the mud more suctional (so to speak) and you can see the violent slip marks of previous gallant souls who took their baths in the gory goo.  

Today's 5K was my worst posted time EVER.

I should be bummed.

I am not. I finished this race. 

Hail the Conquering Hero!

These were my "new" shoes. Ptthhh!!

I was 6/6 for my age group, 185th overall (out of 210 total, both races combined). I was not the last 5K finisher. Lady who sprained her ankle around the mile 2 mark was last (no, I am not gloating - I twisted mine also but I trod on determined to seek the finish line).  

This was not a USATF certified course. My Garmin clocked the distance for the 5K at a total of 3.29 miles at the FINISH line, another reason I don't feel overly bad about my finish time.

This is part of the CAROLINA TRAIL RUN SERIES which I would highly recommend as it is a challenging competition and it is very well managed. I would forewarn you though... See #2 above.

Good luck to all who compete in the Series!

CHIP TIME:  1:04:07

 (Stats provided by S2Ftiming.com)

Gasparilla Half Marathon

 

4772 runners showed up in an early morning downpour after warnings of uncertain weather for this race.  

I was no exception. 

The Gasparilla Half Marathon had a start time this year of 6 AM (previous year was 7 AM).  At 4:30 AM the ground was dry, temps were perfect so I got ready to head over.  Shortly after 5 AM, the bottom fell out.  I drove to the race expecting to be told it was cancelled due to high winds and rain.  At 5:45 AM the rain stopped.  The wind didn't but the rain did.  RACE ON!!

This year's Half Marathon should have had a theme song... Bob Seger's "Against The Wind".  Seriously.  If any of us caught a tailwind it was short-lived.  I loved every minute of it!

♫ Against the wind 

♫ We were runnin' against the wind
♫ We were young and strong, we were runnin' against the wind

This half has very few hills, the first of which is right at the start line as we head up a bridge in the dark.  The remainder is truly flat and beautiful.  Lots of cheering on this course as friends, family members and volunteers spread out over the route to cheer for their favorite runner.  A local school group came out in full force to cheer also, best cheerleaders on the course!

All of the water / gatorade stops are well operated and friendly and we lacked for nothing.  The gel stop was not at the halfway point but nonetheless, very much appreciated.  Course directions were very clear, completely impossible to make a wrong turn or get misdirected on this route. Lots of friendly police officers present also.  Definitely a 5 Star route for a half marathon.

The Sunday crowd for Gasparilla is quite different from the Saturday crowd.  The Expo is closed on Sunday.  There were no hockey games or early morning activities to overload the downtown Tampa area traffic.  Makes for a much less congested event.  Something I really appreciated as compared to all the traffic of Friday and Saturday. 

This year's race shirts were a crowd favorite also and are available for sale via the website til supplies run out.

My favorite is the 5K neon green short sleeve shirt but admittedly the Half Marathon front design is a winner!  I participated in two races and can brag about the quality and design of both shirts.  Definitely keepers!

I walked this event.  My training during 2012 was unexpectedly interrupted and I did not resume it in time for this race. I have no regrets whatsoever over walking though.  The 5 + 3K started at 9 AM and we were constantly surrounded by runners and walkers until we crossed the Finish Line.  I met two wonderful walkers, both in my age group and we connected from about mile 3 all the way to the Finish Line.  Lots of laughs Sunday morning and I am thrilled to have made new friends in the Tampa / St Pete area!  I'm sure I'll be seeing them again!

Since the second race began AFTER the Half, none of the post race amenities were lacking and since the turnout for these two races is lower (4957 + 2167) the number of people present is about one third of Saturday's crowd making for a much smoother experience.  I would highly recommend either of the Sunday races to anyone - absolute grand time to be had by all who attend.

Really looking forward to 2013!

CHIP TIME:  3:33:18  (Walk)

 (Stats provided by Active.com)