NYD5K

Wow.  It's been a while.

When I went to write about my latest run I discovered I couldn't even remember the location of my own blog... Ugghhh.  Yeah.  It's been too long.

Sooo...  now you might have guessed my New Year's Resolution - to get back into running. That being said, here we go!

This was an inaugural race.  I actually registered for it in 2019 and it was cancelled, presumably for low participation and planning details.  Thus, I got a deferment until 2020.

SWAG:  There was a goodie bag, lots of neat items included - a wooden bottle opener for one and a free day pass for the Lynx Train (CATS Pass app, promo code).

SHIRT:  Long sleeve cotton, light blue color, white lettering, logo on front, sponsors on back.

CHIP TIMING:  While there were bib chips for this race, it appeared the results were all gun time as there was not a start mat only a 5K split mat and a finish mat.

COURSE: Flat. Very Flat.  It begins at the Old Concord Rd Lynx Rail Station (right next to the Eastway and N Tryon St intersection) and is a straight line to the IHOP at WT Harris and N Tryon.  If you are familiar with Charlotte, the majority of this area is commercial - specifically - closed commercial.  Many business have moved, relocated or stopped doing business altogether, and some properties are not maintained for that reason.  It was not a bad route, per se, police had closed off an entire lane from beginning to end BUT it had challenges.  Not an out and back - one way route, thus the CATS pass for those parked at the START line (Old Concord Rd Lynx Station had free parking for the day).  It was not a 5K distance, it was actually 3.5 miles PLUS the walking distance to either of the LYNX stations near the Finish Line (McCollough and JW Clay).  Lynx was on a Sunday schedule due to the holiday so trains ran every 30 minutes.

POST RACE:  For an inaugural, post race was perfect!  Typical runner's gourmet - bananas, protein bars, water, oranges, muffins, etc.  There was catering - pancakes and hot chocolate - music, a VIP tent (for those that registered) and S2F did not disappoint with instant printouts of your race results!

AWARDS:  While I did not stay for awards, I know they were standard; overall, top three age group.

NOTES:  I would run this one again, the start time (10 AM) was perfect for New Year's Day.  Temps were good. Lots of police protection, very little traffic and a flat course.  I do hope the race directors up their game on the shirts in the future.  A Holiday race deserves a commemorative shirt that can be worn multiple times (my .02) with the preferred technical material for workouts and future races.

Much gratitude to the volunteers, the police effort, the sponsors/directors/organizers and to S2F for a lovely morning to start the New Year!

Kentucky Derby Festival Marathon

Savannah Women's Half

Shamrock 4 Miler

Gasparilla Half Marathon

I took my time... before sitting down to update my blog for this weekend's races.  Two new PRs (both the 5K and the Half) after taking a solid month off from running.  I am stoked!

OFFICIAL TIME:  3:07:50

I walked less and it felt good.  The time off helped as well as a new job which effectively forces me to work out muscle groups that I would not otherwise have exercised.

Life is good.

The Expo was phenomenal, as always.  Publix never fails to disappoint as a race sponsor.  Tech shirts were new colors for 2015, the 5K was a powder blue short sleeve and the Half Marathon was a bright yellow long sleeve.  Definitely keepers.

The event shirts (not the race shirts) were provided by Under Armour this year (sold only at the Expo).  While I am glad to see the upgrade in quality, I did not personally like the overall selection - male or female.  The styles leaned well towards trendy rather than practicality and for myself, it is a commemorative purchase meant to be comfortable more-so than anything else.  As a point in case, all of the 2014 / 2015 shirts that were leftover from prior races were offered for sale after the close of this year's race (website only) sold out.  No. Stock. Left.  A new design (I Ran For The Booty) was added to the website just as the prior year's stock depleted.  When I left the Expo mid-afternoon Saturday the Under Armour products seemed to be novel but not a 'fan hit' (full racks everywhere).  I love the Pirate themes and the logos for Gasparilla, again, the UA leaned towards trendy styles more than Gasparilla gear. Says a lot about "what people want". And we know...

It's all about the shirt...

The course was, as before, a TOTALLY FLAT, very doable route.  One of the many reasons I repeatedly return for this series of races. This year 6,305 persons crossed the Half Marathon Finish Line with a recorded time. 

AWESOME SAUCE!

The only challenge this year (change is a constant with a race size that is continually growing in numbers) was the post race meals provided for runners. I missed it both days... so did others.  To keep the Finish line corral from overcrowding (a good idea) the post everything (except water/bananas) was moved to the Party area, a hefty walk with an early close time.  It was the closing time that got most of us.  

 The Expo was between the Finish and the Post Race area, allowing the assumption that runners could find post race items at the Expo.  Once realizing that was incorrect, it was a bit of a hike to the meal area.  This would have worked if the area had remained open until all runners / walkers had exited the field, detoured the Expo and actually arrived in the Post Race Area.  Better signage (directions and time) for this change would have helped as well, but the closing time was what got many of us.  I know the race organizers will get feedback for this so I'm trusting next year this aspect will go smoother.  The line for the Sunday post race meal was absolutely unreal! I found it but refused to stand in line for an hour or more for 'rice and beans' (which I do not doubt was excellent!), it just did not move well enough to accommodate the number of persons present. Again, I expect nothing but more positive change in the future.  Gasparilla does not disappoint!

Looking forward to next year!

I RUN FOR THE BOOTY!

Gasparilla 5K

I took my time... before sitting down to update my blog for this weekend's races.  Two new PRs (both the 5K and the Half) after taking a solid month off from running.  I am stoked!

OFFICIAL TIME:  39:01

I walked less than one mile during the 5K.  Felt good.  The time off helped as well as a new job which effectively forces me to work out muscle groups that I would not otherwise have exercised.

Life is good.

The Expo was phenomenal, as always.  Publix never fails to disappoint as a race sponsor.  Tech shirts were new colors for 2015, the 5K was a powder blue short sleeve and the Half Marathon was a bright yellow long sleeve.  Definitely keepers.

The event shirts (not the race shirts) were provided by Under Armour this year (sold only at the Expo).  While I am glad to see the upgrade in quality, I did not personally like the overall selection - male or female.  The styles leaned well towards trendy rather than practicality and for myself, it is a commemorative purchase meant to be comfortable more-so than anything else.  As a point in case, all of the 2014 / 2015 shirts that were leftover from prior races were offered for sale after the close of this year's race (website only) sold out.  No. Stock. Left.  A new design (I Ran For The Booty) was added to the website just as the prior year's stock depleted.  When I left the Expo mid-afternoon Saturday the Under Armour products seemed to be novel but not a 'fan hit' (full racks everywhere).  I love the Pirate themes and the logos for Gasparilla, again, the UA leaned towards trendy styles more than Gasparilla gear. Says a lot about "what people want". And we know...

It's all about the shirt...

The course was, as before, an out and back, TOTALLY FLAT, very doable route.  One of the many reasons I repeatedly return for this series of races. This year 14,122 persons crossed the 5K Finish Line with a recorded time. AWESOME SAUCE!

The only challenge this year (change is a constant with a race size that is continually growing in numbers) was the post race meals provided for runners. I missed it both days... so did others.  To keep the Finish line corral from overcrowding (a good idea) the post everything (except water/bananas) was moved to the Party area, a hefty walk on Saturday with an early close time.  It was the closing time that got most of us.  The Expo was between the Finish and the Post Race area, allowing the assumption that runners could find post race items at the Expo.  Once realizing that was incorrect, it was a bit of a hike to the meal area.  This would have worked if the area had remained open until all runners / walkers had exited the field, detoured the Expo and actually arrived in the Post Race Area.  Better signage for this change would have helped as well, but the closing time was what got many of us.  I know the race organizers will get feedback for this so I'm trusting next year this aspect will go smoother.  The line for the Sunday post race meal was absolutely unreal! I found it but refused to stand in line for an hour or more for 'rice and beans' (which I do not doubt was excellent), it just did not move well enough to accommodate the number of persons present. Again, I expect nothing but more positive change in the future.  Gasparilla does not disappoint!

Looking forward to next year!

I RUN FOR THE BOOTY!

CRC Trail Race

Course Route:

Course Elevation:

Finisher Certificate:

RESULTS:

This is the third year in a row that I've participated in the Charlotte Running Company Trail Race(s). They offer three distances - 4 mile, 9 mile, 13 mile - and this year I stepped up and did the 9 mile race.  What a challenge!

1091 persons registered

984 Finishers (107 no-show or DNF)

566 4 Mile Runners

160 9 Mile Runners

258 13 Mile Runners

It was 30° when I got up Saturday morning.  There was frost and ice throughout most of the course right up until the finish. Trail shoes aren't much help on icy terrain. I only fell once - that was because of a very sharp, very muddy 4 foot decline just before the Finish Line. Since the 9/13 mile racers start at 9AM I got to see many of the 4 mile runners as they passed me after their start at 9:30AM.  Lots of slips and slides.  The course is filled with rocks, steep climbs and some flat areas. Not too rough but enough of a challenge to exercise caution which is verified by finish times in all three distances.

This race has shown a continual increase in participation since its inception. Charlotte Running Company partnered with Start2Finish to organize the event and it is quite successful. They offer a "hoodie" for the race shirt and it's a local favorite. I can wear it at other races (even out of state) and will always get comments about the race itself and how others love their hoodies.  

I'll openly admit, I sign up mostly for the shirts.. no lie.  I waited until last minute this year to register (Thursday before race) and discovered lots of others did the same. So many so that the race organizers (Start2Finish) ran out of hoodies on Wednesday before the race.  Major applause to Start2Finish for following up and placing a second order of shirts for all that did not receive one at packet pick up, especially given the hoodies are collectibles and not inexpensive to reprint.  *applause* They sent out an email on Sunday to let runners know how to request their hoodie and where it can be picked up. If you registered late, check your email for the link.

I timed this course with both my watch (Garmin) and my cellphone (Runkeeper) hoping to not get timed out or battery-ed out (freezing temps drain batteries very quickly) and discovered three difference trail distances, which is not unusual at Whitewater due to the trees and landscaping. The timing was on target but the distance varied due to product. Not a big deal as the course was mapped out extremely well with signs and caution tape to keep everyone on course. 

GUN TIME:  3:00:22 (distance 9 miles)

GARMIN TIME:  2:59:48 (distance 9.18)

RUNKEEEPER TIME:  3:00:19 (distance 8.85)

This event is a local favorite for me personally, even though I am not a fan of rugged trail races. I will mention there are parking fees ($5) at Whitewater (USNWC). The trails are widely used throughout the year and the event host maintains their ecosystem in part from the parking fees. USNWC & Start2Finish (timing company) are what makes this an incredible event!  Looking forward to next year.

Rural Hill First Footin' 5 Miler

Love this race!  

Wonderful way to start off the New Year!  It is a traditional Scottish event located in Huntersville, with a 5 mile Trail Race (or a 1 Mile walk) included.  There is a lunch served on the grounds and lots of Scottish folklore to keep it entertaining. This was my second year running the trail race and I very much enjoyed myself! We weren't able to stay for the luncheon this year as I had an introductory CrossFit session in a neighboring city to attend. (CrossFit is not for me, BTW).

60 runners in total, fantastic Brooks technical short sleeved t-shirts, double loop course and good company!  Definitely on my list of repeats. Course is very doable with a minimal number of hills and fantastic scenery!

GUNTIME:  1:26:04

ACC Fan 5K

Carolina Spartan Beast

MRT Fall Series 5K**

Race #2 in the McLelland's Racing Team Fall Championship Series, held at ESC Park in Troutman NC.  Early registration was $10, race day registration was $15 (shirts are extra). Great course, relatively flat, small turnout but worth the drive, temps were perfect! Race is chip-timed, two water stops, overall and age group awards as well as door prizes.  Hard to beat for the price!

32 runners total, including three children in the 1 Mile Fun Run.

CHIP TIME:  42:09

1st Place in Age Group

MRT Facebook Page

Race #3 Registration 
 

CRC Uptown Throwdown

You had to be there!

Lots of laughter and fun on Saturday! Gorgeous, gorgeous, gorgeous day in Freedom Park! Temps were perfect, route was fantastic and the company was stellar!

This was a club managed run, open to the public with discount rates for members. $15 for the public, $10 for members - shirts were an additional $15 if you wanted one.  Only eight of us bought the shirts.  They were light blue with dark blue printed logo on the front, blank on the back, Gildan Softstyle in both men's and women's cut crewnecks. By day's end about 25 runners total joined in on the festivities.

Food is a factor at this function!  You name it, it was probably on the table or in a cooler... doughnuts, M&Ms, pizza, Gatorade, Mtn Dew, Coke, Rootbeer, more doughnuts, baked goods, CheezIts, Doritoes, baked goods, cookies, trail mix, nuts, water, plenty of water, and the list goes on.  We lacked for nothing! Someone cranked up a Bose bluetooth speaker and the fun just kept coming.

The route differed for each runner depending on where he or she chose to turn around.  Bill, Club President, no doubt held the single record for the day with a total of 24 miles (non-stop) followed by many runners that did 5 laps (with breaks between).  I personally did three laps and averaged a distance of 3.68 per lap.  I ran with Team Happy Feet again this year (love those guys!) and decidedly it was not a competition for 2014 as there was only one other team listed.  All other runners ran solo, and listed their laps on the official Relay Tracking Board.

The route began at the Lake in Freedom Park, Shelter #6, turn right (running counter clockwise) around the lake back towards downtown on the Sugar Creek Greenway.  Runners were told to turn around at the 2nd water fountain and that meant different things to different people.  Not a drinking fountain but rather the fountain displays on S Kings Drive.  I personally turned around at the stone, freestanding restrooms (near Dunkin Donuts) just past the 2nd water fountain - made for an easy turn around and a good pit stop.  This course is also predominantly flat, as are most of the greenways in Charlotte. It was fully paved and family friendly during the morning and afternoon hours.  Great place to log some miles. 

The turnout numbers (people present) is not a reflection of the event itself but rather the weekend and it's activities.  Susan G Komen was also on Saturday (a few blocks away) as well as a nearby race in the Mountains.  Lots of runners have full schedules for the fall when temps are lower and running is so incredibly enjoyable. The date was simply the best choice available, all things considered.

I would recommend this event to anyone, as well as membership in the club.  Great group of runners, lots of activities and the t-shirts... don't forget those t-shirts! As of today's date, individual membership is only $20, family membership is $35.  If interested click here for more information:  Charlotte Running Club.

My personal times made me happy today. Not where I want to be but consistently improved.  My split averages per lap:  

1.   13:57 per mile
2.   14:34 per mile
3.   14:42 per mile

With the distance from the parking area to the shelter, I got in a total of 12 miles for the day.  Just a great run day overall. Hope to do this again soon!  Freedom Park is definitely on my list for long runs.

Early morning photo with runners on course and others arriving later in the day.

(photo courtesy of Tin Ha)

Showmars 5K

Last minute entry for this race.  My local running club, Charlotte Running Club (CRC) raffled off several entries to members and I won one of them.  Woot!  Great day for a race!  Temps in the low 60's, clear weather, easy course, and a free entry! The only thing better would have been a PR, LOL!

The t-shirts this year were also a big hit! Made by Next Apparel, red with white lettering, and a polyester / cotton / rayon blend.  Very comfortable shirt!

As in year's past, Mr C. (owner of Showmars Restaurant) was present for the festivities, greeting runners and offering non-stop smiles and support to all.  Post race amenities were great too.  Water, Gatorade, bananas, oranges and pancakes.  I also noticed at registration that a Groupon was listed for this race, $15 for one, $29 for two!

Race takes place in Pineville NC, just off of 485 beginning at the restaurant and running through surrounding neighborhoods.  There are no real steep hills other than the final .3 of a mile.  Lots of walkers at this race.

While my personal time was below a 14 mpm pace, I was more ecstatic about my running.  I cautioned myself not to go too hard and actually ran more in this race than any other I've done to date.  Today was a good day!

Official Time:  42:33

Results Posted Here:

River Jam 5K

Tonight's race was entirely in the rain.  

It was also the final race in the series.

The rain did not deter the dedicated runners but it truly did prevent the typical crowd that shows up for the music.  The rain itself was unexpected. Forecasts right up until 5pm did not predict rain  for our area, yet there it was.

We persevered. 

I broke in my new trail shoes and was quite pleased with the result, also very grateful to be wearing proper shoes on a run like today's.  Sloggy, slushy, slippery slopes.  I went slower to avoid injury and since I'm not aiming for a competitive time on this series.  I did not finish last. Yahoo!  Kudos however to the young man that did.  He earned it tonight!

OFFICIAL TIME:  54:25

Race Results and Series Information here:

Wintergreen Spartan Super

I completed the Sprint in March of this year.

This event was #2, my Super, heading for the Trifecta.

We chose this location because it was closest to us and the timing was right.

BIG MISTAKE!

This is the 2nd hardest event that Sparta does. Vermont is #1.  Both are set on ski resorts and the terrain is the primary obstacle overall.  I have NEVER competed in anything this grueling.  Had I known this beforehand, I definitely would have driven further to suffer less.  

Brutal.  

This word was repeated over and over by participants.  No other word fits as appropriately.

No.  This photograph is not Vietnam.  It is the barbed wire crawl (uphill) just before the Finish Line.

The fog was with us the entire race.  It rained also.  About 200 runners were given a shortcut around Mile 6 due to the weather.  Those of us just ahead of them stayed the course and EARNED our medals.  For most of us, there is no other time in our lives when we will persevere this hard, give this much and press beyond all comfort zones to Finish.  Without a doubt, this race is all about mental preparation moreso than physcial.  Very few will be physically prepared for the challenge, but anyone can Finish, if he or she CHOOSES to. Both of these courses (Wintergreen VA and Killington VT) have a high DNF rate and a high injury rate. The mandatory insurance is there for a reason.  Nearly 200 persons were treated by medical personnel on Saturday and the med crew will tell you blatantly "we don't do bandaids".  I know this because I asked... after falling multiple times and wishing I had something for my bloody hands.

I did complete.  Proud of myself.  Promised myself I'd never do it again, only to reconsider the following day at a friend's suggestion to "improve our finish times".  I'll debate it.  I'll contemplate it. I will only consider it if I'm 60 lbs lighter and in an improved upper body strength condition.

I did this race in running shoes. Nike Pegasus 29+ to be specific. 2nd mistake.  And a big mistake as well.  NO ONE should do this course in anything other than trail shoes or hiking boots. I actually completed most of Mile 7 backwards and downhill due to improper shoes. I watched runner after runner slide down the hillside, unable to stop, solely because their shoes could not grip the terrain.  The slopes were mud, rocks and overgrown grass/weeds.  It was the rain and grass that gave it a mega slide factor.  The mud... well it's just mud... you get what you get based on depth and liquidity.

Reebok came out with a shoe this year specifically for the Sparta races.  My running buddy was wearing a pair.  Amazing traction. Lots of participants bought the Reebok shoes to "test" them out and all sang the praises, even with the higher price tag.  As of today, there are two versions.  The All Terrain Sprint and the All Terrain Super. Multiple color choices.  The Super has a black and red version with the actual Spartan logo.  They retail for about $120.

 I bought the Sprints (post race) on sale for $80 less the welcome discount of 15% - so for $68 I am now the proud owner (belatedly, of course) of a pair of black / neon yellow Reebok All Terrain Sprint trail shoes.  I'm looking forward to suffering through the Beast in October, more prepared, and definitely on a less rigorous course. NOTE:  There are three significant differences between the Sprint shoe and the Super shoe; width (Sprint is very narrow), number of nobs on bottom (Sprint has less) and cushioning (Sprint has less).  I bought the men's to avoid the narrow but it was still a very trim fit.  Nobs and cushioning were more than fine.

This course finished out at about 8.3 miles.  The race planners list it as 8.1 because they do not measure the distance within the obstacles themselves. I will mention here, none of the obstacles are overwhelming, it is the terrain that is hardest. The atlas balls, inverse wall, monkey bars, log flip, log carry, all are doable.

You will read / hear warnings of the sixth mile (Black Diamond Slope).  It is a terror... the source of nightmares... and worthy of it's reputation. What you won't hear is that while this is the toughest mile on the course, that does NOT mean there are any easy miles on this course! 

There is no flat in Wintergreen.  None.  Nada. Deal with it.

You will cross the side of the mountain, more than once, climbing on rocks, hanging on to trees and plants.

You will struggle with altitude.  

You will walk amongst the mighty Spartans.

You will be certain of this when you reach a point in the terrain where your fellow warriors are all standing still, breathing, recuperating, before moving another 10-15 ft and repeating the process.  You will do this in absolute silence and you will feel at one with everyone around you.

This course levels the playing field for all. 

Love it. Hate it. But it takes a real Spartan to complete... REGARDLESS of finish time.

It's not about the battle, it's about the Victory.

Prepare for Glory!  Aroo!

OFFICIAL TIME:  8:29:08  

 (Elevation)

 (Mile 6)

River Jam 5K

My time has improved only slightly.  I have berated myself for not having a good pair of trail shoes.  I rarely do trail races, this year being an exception.  A really large exception.  First race of the year was a trail race.  Hmmm.  Definitely time for a good pair of trail shoes.

OFFICIAL TIME:  47:03

Race Results and Series Information here: 

River Jam 5K

Attendance was up for this particular event.  Really enjoyed the crowd, the enthusiasm, and of course, the music.  USNWC does a wonderful summertime community event on Thursday nights.  Lots of visitors there solely for the music and relaxation, most seated on the lawn watching a few continue through the waters or obstacles while most are there solely for the music, food, and fun!

OFFICIAL TIME:  47:25

Race Results and Series Information is here: 

River Jam 5K

THIS TIME I was on time.

THIS TIME I did not get lost.

THIS TIME was a really good workout through the USNWC.

OFFICIAL TIME:  48:54

Race Results and Series Information is here:

Asheville Half Marathon

Hills.
Hills.
Hills.

Enough said.

Overall, this race deserves a 10 rating.  Plenty of sponsors, well marked, ample water stops and porta pottys.  The only thing it did not have en route was GU (or similar) but it was being sold the day before at the Expo 5/$5 so it's shameful to complain.

I have never paused so many times when on a course as I did this one.  Admittedly, I was out of shape.  My world took a detour on May 21 as my Father (a local pastor) took ill, was admitted to the ER / ICU and passed on his 51st wedding anniversary (Memorial Day).  We hosted a funeral 6 days later to a standing room only congregation.  God is good.

This race was my first venture back into running and I was determined to cross the finish line regardless of my time.  Nothing but good to say about the course, the sponsors and the setup.  

Hope to see you all again next year!

CHIP TIME:  3:34:52

GOTR Iredell County 5K

I have checked another item off of my Bucket List.

I coached a group from Iredell County over a period of 12 weeks.  Eight very enthusiastic 3rd through 5th  grade girls showed up Tuesday and Friday afternoons beginning in March.  This was the Girls On the Run 2014 Spring Session (GOTR).

The original plan was to "help" a friend, co-coach the group with her at a location nearer to Hickory NC where my friend is located. Turns out the friend couldn't participate, her employer could not spare her the weekly two afternoons needed to fulfill the commitment. So... I became the coach.  Two local ROCKSTARS were able to join us last minute as my lifesavers and co-coaches.  Both also signed their daughters up for the session so we just had a wonderful time!

If you're unfamiliar with GOTR, it is an outstanding program for young girls.  There are two age groups (elementary, middle / junior levels) and the group size ranges based on the school's size.  Our group was smaller because it was a charter school with a lottery system for enrollment (limited class size).  I learned a lot about the Iredell County School system while there.  I live in Mecklenburg County so I missed the buses, the formality, the metal detectors, the stand-alone location, the full size athletic accommodations, etc.  The Charter school had only a McDonald's sized playground for the younger children... nothing else.  Most of our workouts took place at a grassy field belonging to a local church two blocks up the street from the school.  Yes.  My "city girl" was showing.  Our mock 5K took place on the same busy streets and through a huge graveyard in Statesville NC.  Beautiful location for a run, just not the expectation for an elementary school outing.  *chuckle*

The program itself is well organized, written by professionals and designed to build self esteem, broaden perspectives, welcome diversity and encourage a healthy lifestyle.  Coaches receive a canvas bag of goodies at the beginning of the season which includes a manual with each lesson outlined in detail.  At present, there are three variations of the manual so that if a child chooses to repeat GOTR she won't get the same lessons each time.

The race itself took place at Lowe's Home Improvement Corporate Offices in Mooresville NC.  We did a double loop around their vast property Saturday morning, complete with hills and bridges.  Lots of volunteers and fan support. Four water stops throughout the course and Teal / Purple shirts for the runners.  Teal for those that are active in GOTR and purple for those that were there to race or run with a racer.  This race (as all GOTR races) is open to the public.  

The race is a timed event, per se, but there is no official listing of finish times.  You simply see your time on the digital clock when you cross the finish line.  I was a running buddy for an adorable home-schooled 3rd grader.  Very fast runner. Very slow walker.  We finished in 46 min, two minutes faster than her last race.  She was ecstatic!  All GOTR runners wear the same running bib, they are all #1.  There are no chips and no professional photographers (online sales of race photos) but lots and lots of cheering and family / friend photos.

I would encourage any parent or guardian to sign their child up, at least once, for this event.  It offers lots of positive support for young ladies at a time when it is so critically needed.  Kudos to our group for all finishing under 1 hour, and more importantly, for having tons of FUN while doing it!

Unofficial Time:  46:00