Since it’s Tuesday, I’m joining the link-up organized by Zenaida and Kim (Kooky Runner)
My Topic today is: Skirt Sports
In case you haven’t heard, after 15 years, Skirt Sports is closing its doors.
Many of my friends have asked me why? They wondered if it was because of the pandemic. I’ll just post here part of what Nicole and Noelle wrote on their site:
This could be the end of the Skirt road…Unfortunately the current economic climate has dictated that we must consider closing our doors even as we continue to search for a new owner…
Over the coming weeks, we need to sell all of our inventory…
Let us reassure you that no matter what happens in the coming months, our community will live on…
This is very sad for many reasons:
This was a woman-owned and run company.
Their clothes were for ALL women of ALL ages and ALL sizes.
They did not just sell skirts but also tops, capris, tights, jackets, hats, dresses, bathing suits, etc.
They offered sales, discounts, used items to make their clothes affordable.
They created a community of women not just clothes.
They sponsored races and retreats.
They inspired women to be healthy and fit.
I could go on and on.
glad to have kept ALL my ambassador shirts
Five years ago, I was lucky to be selected as an Ambassador Captain. It was then a small group which has grown immensely in subsequent years.
I personally benefited greatly from this company:
I wore cute clothes and always felt good in them when running (no matter how hard the race was.)
My clothes always felt comfortable in ALL seasons.
I have worn Skirt Sports not just for running but also for hiking, tennis and even going out.
Most important are those friends that I would never have met if it weren’t for Skirt Sports. ❤ ❤ ❤
with Elizabeth
with Kim
with El
So thank Nicole for what you have added to my life. And Good Luck in your future endeavors.
Since it’s Tuesday, I’m joining the link-up organized by Zenaida and Kim (Kooky Runner)
My Topic today is: My New Goal (inspired by the pandemic)
If you read my blog, you may remember that my goal for 2020 was to run ONE half marathon EACH MONTH.
I even signed up for 7 out 12 races before the year even began.
First there was the foot injury and so I limped through January and February’s.
Fred Lebow (in NYC)
ZOOMA Half (in Bermuda)
Then this pandemic!! My March’s was cancelled and April and May’s have been postponed. I have already run two uninspired virtual ones with many more to come, I’m sure.
NYC HM
2020 – Virtual H2H HM
I am not sure at this point if any of my half marathons this year will be real ones.
So onto a new goal.
Visit ALL the LOCAL 25 NEW NATURE TRAILS. (I realize that ALL is a little vague. So is the word “local.” I am going to change it to 25 as my goal.)
In addition to these preserves, there are many parks with trails, arboretums, and nature sanctuaries. Plenty to keep me busy. I have visited 6 already.
Five Rivers Environmental Center
Peebles Island State Park
Elm Ave Park Fit Trails
Pine Hollow Arboretum
Tivoli Lake Preserve
Hollyhock Hollow Sanctuary
So why is this goal and why visit these areas now?
They are free.
They are scenic.
They have varied terrain.
They are well marked and maintained.
You can walk them.
The trails are looped and of varying distances.
You can go when sunny, windy or even rainy.
NO ONE ELSE is there!!
Yes, I feel safe and wear a mask (actually a buff). I have barely run into a person (and if so, they are surprised and polite and friendly.)
But of course, many of you would not feel comfortable with this goal. I am not being critical of anyone who is self isolating.
You can follow my progress with this new goal and view the gazmillion pics through my IG posts (@dsc59).
It seems like I’ve been planning this race forever. As with all my big races, I impulsively sign up way in advance (and then often regret it LOL).
So I signed up for Helderberg to Hudson Half Marathon as my 43rd Half Marathon (and 4th of 2020) for several reasons:
FOMO. Most of my running friends were doing it.
It’s local. I can sleep in my own bed.
I am familiar with the course. I run on it often.
It’s a downhill course. (470 ft elevation loss)
It is close after my previous half (20 days) so I would be sorta already trained for it.
I ran it last year and enjoyed it.
My finish time for this race qualified me for the NYC Half and full marathons.
Half Marathon Training:
If you follow my posts, you also know that I am not strict about following a training plan. I ran my last half marathon on March 14 (a virtual version of the NYC Half that was cancelled.)
During my first two 2020 Half Marathons, I experienced a lot of foot pain. I ran them but truthfully it was not fun at the time. (Don’t let that smile below fool you!!)
ZOOMA Bermuda Half
I tried all kinds of treatments for 12 weeks and finally, the pain seemed to dissipate.
Would it come back? Would I be able to run 13.1 miles without any foot pain?
And then this half marathon was postponed until August!!!
Who wants to do long runs in July and August??? So would I run this race? Would my friends?
So I cautiously trained for a virtual version of the half marathon. And at the same time, I signed up for a Virtual Race (as an additional motivator).
I did my long runs on the weekends…and my weekdays runs as well. I ran alone due the “social distancing” requirement.
I admit that my runs were not as enjoyable as before. Slow and easy with tons of walking (and photo stops.)
So unfortunately, again my goal for this “race” was just finishing and not re-injuring my foot (or any other part of my body)!!
And then a week or two before, ARE decided to offer a FREE virtual option.
You got a bib and you could run any distance that weekend anywhere.
Pre-Race Activities and Preparations:
Well, since this was a local race and work days were at my home, there was not much movement the days before. As I normally do before a big race, I ate pizza for dinner the night before. Not being a “real” race, I had some wine too!!
I checked the weather. SNOW!!!! WTF??
I got up and yes, it was snowing!!
Ok. Plan B. The good thing about a VIRTUAL race is that you can run whenever you want.
I quickly decided to postpone this half marathon until Sunday when the weather was supposed to be dry and 60 degrees.
Race Day:
I ate my usual breakfast – oatmeal and coffee.
OOPS. Another wrench in my plan.
When I had originally planned to run this race on April 18, I had scheduled a college reunion in NYC for Sunday. This now was a ZOOM chat from 10am- 1pm!!
original outfit but I ditched the gloves and the long sleeve shirt.
So I got dressed for the race, ZOOMED with my college friends, had lunch and then took off.
The real course had you take a bus to the start and then run to the finish.
Not having this option, I chose to start at my free gym lot, run to the end of the rail trail in Voorheesville (the start of the actual race) and then turn around and run until I hit 13.1.
Anyway, here’s how it went:
Miles 1-6.5:
Here are a few pictures from previous runs on this same trail:
this one I took today!
AM is my ideal time to run. Not mid afternoon. (I didn’t start until almost 2 pm.) Plus it was already warm (not summer warm but April warm). So I started casually running the uphill portion, stopping to walk when I felt the whim to.
Almost instantly, I felt off and had a sneaky suspicion that this was gong to be torturous.
And it was. By mile 4, I wanted to quit. But I am stubborn and I could not.
My foot started to hurt and I feared that the neuroma pain had returned. Nope, the pain went away. But both of feet that I had taped so I wouldn’t get blisters were starting to get blisters. Ouchy!
But onward I went. I can run through pain. I just felt like my legs were lead and I had never run before.
There was no way I was quitting so I just focused on moving and walking when I felt that I had to. I had to a lot or at least it felt that way.
And during this time of isolation, there were many bikers on the path and a few runners and walkers.
It was actually nice. I waved and smiled. Bikers were riding in the opposite direction, single file and never too close. I never felt that my health was compromised.
The weather was beautiful (well, maybe a tad too warm and I could have used some water) and there were many painted rocks and rainbow signs.
Miles 6.5-13.1:
Eventually you arrive at the end of the trail which is an old train station. This was my turn around. I was never so glad to get there.
I had planned to turn around and then run until I reached 13.1 but I was afraid that I wouldn’t. So I ran/walked around until I hit 6.55 miles. Then I turned off my Apple watch and continued on my merry (not no merry) way.
The scenery was the same as above but it was now slightly downhill. My legs were tired and I was warm so it didn’t feel as welcoming as I was hoping.
Now bikers were behind me but they always announced themselves and I moved out of the way.
My body was rebelling. It was yelling at me to stop this nonsense. I had considered walking the second half but it would take too long (and I wanted my ice cream lol).
Eventually I got to my car. I wanted to kiss the ground.
I’ve never felt so beat up after a race (not even after my full marathon.)
Since I was running alone, I did not TIME my race. I did not care if if I finished in 2 hours or 3 hours. I think it was closer to 3 hours LOL.
And after, I had my chocolate milk AND ice cream cone.
Additional Race Reflections:
Sorry this is such a Debbie Downer race recap.
As with every race, you learn something.
I learned that I am STRONG. I will not give up. My feet suck (and I need to pay more attention to socks and shoes). I am glad that I did it and I am grateful that I did not pay money for this one!!
The Good:
The weather
Flexible start time
Downhill course the 2nd half
Slept in my own bed the night before
No clock, no pressure.
Great post race food
Bib and virtual support
The Bad:
Tired legs
No water stops
No crowd support
Running alone
No mojo to run fast
My achy feet
The Ugly:
Everything listed in Bad
Would I recommend this race?
Yes. But the real thing would have been a lot more fun. Or if I could have run it with friends.
Next Up:
May 17 or so
Yes, another virtual half marathon. Maybe with some company, maybe solo. My next REAL half marathon will not be until August 29 most likely.
Happy Running! Have you been training for a big race? Are you running it as an unofficial virtual race? Have you done any Virtual Races? If so, how did they go? Please share.
** Today is your last chance!!!
If you haven’t done so yet, enter my giveaway for a free entry to the Freihofer Run for Women Virtual 5k.
Since it’s Tuesday, I’m joining the link-up organized by Zenaida and Kim (Kooky Runner)
My Topic today is: Pandemic Good News
It is so easy to think about how awful these times are for runners and everyone else.
Don’t kid yourself. It is bad. We cannot see our family and friends. We are stuck in our houses. People have lost their jobs and can’t support themselves and even worse, people are sick or dying.
So here are some good things to ponder (related to running):
More new runners. Some bloggers have mentioned that being cooped up in our homes has prompted an increased interest in becoming a runner. Kudos to anyone who has started running and I hope you continue even after this is over.
More Online Options for training, working out, yoga, etc.. ZOOM is free and easy to use. There’s FB live. There have been so many opportunities to remain active even if your gym or yoga studio is closed.
Connecting More with your Running Friends. One Thursday night, my running friends and I chatted for TWO hours via ZOOM. One mentioned that it was better than post run brunches when we only chat with the person next to or across from us. And when we run together, it’s often hard to chat.
Increased Participation in Virtual Races. There are so many out there. Some even send you a bib and a medal (and the fee often supports a charity). You don’t even have run an “official” virtual race. You can just pick a race and a distance and then run it.
a great one for April
Plus there are so many FREE ones, Why not??
Run the Edge – a different color each week and you can pic your distance – FREE!!
Increased Flexibility. Working from home may allow you more time to squeeze in a run, such as before work, during lunch or after work.
lunch run in the ‘hood
With everyone working from home, there is less traffic. This gives you the opportunity to seek out a new place to run.
drive to Colonie Town Park for an after work run
More Late Summer/Fall Race Opportunities. Many spring races have been postponed. There will be quite a selection to choose from. And you’re had all this time to train. LOL
August 29, 2020
This will end. And if we come out of it healthy, that’s the best thing ever.
Looking forward to seeing these smiling faces in person.
Since it’s Tuesday, I’m joining the link-up organized by Zenaida and Kim (Kooky Runner)
My Topic today is: How to Support Your Friends While Running Alone
Now more than ever, runners need support.
I know, you may think this doesn’t apply to you. You mostly run alone. You follow your own plan and run whenever you choose and wherever. You pretty much worry about your own running concerns, needs and goals.
I bet at one time or another, another runner has helped you at a race, a run or even provided online support.
I know when I was training for my marathon, I was very lucky to have friends who cared about and supported me. They offered to run parts of my long runs, cheered me on at the end my 20 miler and even tracked me during the big race.
And although my friends and I are currently not running together, I want to still support them, encourage them to keep running and make sure they know I care about them.
So here are some ideas that you can use to support your friends even if you are now running alone:
Text them. Ask them how they are? What they are doing? How they are keeping active?
Set up Video Chats. ZOOM is free and easy to use. You can discuss running, of course (or anything else) and it’s nice to see their faces and hear their voices.
Organize Virtual Running Dates. You can run at the same time but in different places. You can even text each other pictures from the run.
Cari and I even planned our outfits for an after work run.
Participate with them in Virtual Races. There are so many out there. Some even send you a bib and a medal (and the fee often supports a charity). You don’t even have run an “official” virtual race. You can just pick a race and a distance and then run it.
a great one for April
Post Your Scheduled Runs (when and when). Your friends will know where and when you are running. They may even choose to run WITH you (but of course, 6 feet apart.)
3-21 – 8 am at Peebles Island
Encourage Signing Up for Summer or Fall Races. Always motivating to have something to look forward to together.
August 29, 2020
We may feel alone. We may feel isolated. Some of us even may feel depressed and unmotivated due to so many races being cancelled.
But we are really in it together. We can help each get through these difficult times.
Since today is Tuesday, I’m linking up with Zenaida and Kim (Kooky Runner) and you should too.
My Topic today is: Spring Racing 2020
So what HAD I planned for this spring? (Now most are cancelled or postponed…)
Some of my Tried and True Races:
03-29-20 – Shamrock Shuffle – it’s a fun 5 mile local race that I have run several times. Hoping for dry weather this year.
POSTPONED UNTIL 2021
04-18-20 – Helderberg to Hudson Half Marathon – It will be my 2nd time running this popular downhill local race. Most of my friends will be running it.
it hasn’t officially announced but I’m sure that it will be cancelled.
05-03-20 – Tropicool 5k – I have run this one several times while on my tennis vacation in Fl. It’s a HOT one but still fun.
DATE CHANGED to when I’m not there…
05-09-20 – Summer Smith Memorial 5k – This is a race I run because it is organized by Summer’s mother – Summer died of a drug overdose after her first 5k. And it’s on my BIRTHDAY!! I have to do it, right?
POSTPONED UNTIL???
05-17-20 – Steel Rail Half Marathon – This will be my 2nd time for this one – It’s my current HM PR from 2017. Can I recapture some of that old speed???
still on for now…
05-21-20 – Workforce Challenge– I will run this 3.5 mile crowded race to bond with some of my co-workers. Always a good time at least for the post-race eating and drinking.
I am scheduled to work in Buffalo that day…
05-30-20 – Freihofer Run for Women – This is my favorite 5k – I have run it EVERY year since I started running. And this year for the first time, I am an Ambassador. You shoild use AMBSS5 for $5 off when you sign up.
still on…for now…
06-14-20 – Betar Byway 5k and Moreau Mile – It’s on the way to our boat so I usually stop off and run both of them.
this conflicts with the NYC mini weekend
Some Possible New Ones:
04-03-20 – SalemApril Fool’s Day Race– This would be just for something different. Most likely the I’d run the 10k as a training run for my April half.
CANCELLED
04-26-20 – Sasha’s Super Hero Run– My friends talked me into this 5k. It’s for a good cause.
POSTPONED to the weekend I’m in NYC for the MINI
6-13-20 – NY Mini 10k – When the NYC Half Marathon got cancelled, on an impulse I signed up for this women’s only race in Central Park.
should be on!!!!!!!!!!
So as you can see, my busy spring racing schedule is pretty bare.
Happy Running! Any exciting racing plans for spring 2020 or 2021? Which ones are you looking forward to? Do you have a lot of cancelled races? How are you are feeling about it? Please share.
Since today is Tuesday, I’m linking up with Zenaida and Kim (Kooky Runner) and you should too.
My Topic today is: Taking Time Off From Running – Yes or No?
Obviously there are many reasons to take time off.
Injuries – Unfortunately they happen. Some are just niggles. And others are serious and require a good deal of time off.
just a few days here and there
5 months off
Busy Schedule (Work/Travel/Family) – Yes, there are other things in life that come before running.
I so wanted to run but then they’re my tennis friends….
Weather Conditions – Especially if you live in the NE, weather can get in the way. No one wants to run when it is sub zero or icy. And not everyone will or has access to run on a treadmill.
brrrrr
Loss of Running Mojo – You just do not feel like running. You may feel burned out. You dread getting out the door. So you skip or shorten runs. You may even stop running for a period of time.
Sickness – No fun running with a cold. Probably not capable of running with the flu and definitely not with any kind of stomach-related sickness.
Recovery – Too many miles on the legs such as after a long run or a big race. You need to rest so you don’t end up injured.
I rarely take time off unless I HAVE to. “Have to” means to me ice, rain, or broken bones. I don’t need a lot of sleep and knock on wood, I rarely get sick or feel rundown. I credit running… for my being healthy.
Guilty. I’ve run with injuries.
ouchy…sore foot
Guilty. I run when I am busy. I make time for running whereas I will be too busy for other things like strength training or yoga or stretching.
I look forward to running after work and with my friends on the weekend. It brightens up even the dreariest of days!
I had enough frequent flyer miles for a free flight.
Only 1 1/2 hour flight from JFK.
It was held on Presidents Day weekend (one less day to take off from work)
I found out that fellow bloggers Erika and Marcia were also running it. And I’ve never met Erika.
It was advertised as a scenic course with ocean views.
An all women race… who can argue with that?
I’ve never been to Bermuda.
Two races = 3 medals (BLING!)
Half Marathon Training:
If you follow my posts, you also know that I am not strict about following a training plan. I ran my last half marathon several weeks before in NYC…with foot pain. The foot pain continued and I considered downgrading to the 10k. But I am stubborn and decided to tough it out. (I mean I just ran a HILLY half in NYC in the freezing cold…)
As with all my half marathon training, I did not really care about my week day runs. They were usually 3 miles. However, I do try to do longer runs on the weekend.
So after 13.1 miles on January 19, I did manage to complete 11 mile and 9 mile training runs. I skipped the 12 miler in favor of a 4 mile race + 5 more miles after.
Polar Cap Run
The goal for this half marathon was finishing!! Not to race it, not to get injured and not to make my foot pain worse!!!
Pre-Race Activities and Preparations:
Although the half marathon was scheduled for Sunday morning, Cari and I arrived (with no flight drama) late Wednesday night.
We had planned to stretch the legs and get used to the hills and humidity on Thursday morning. But instead we mostly walked the beach, the hilly railway trail and climbed to the top of a light house. Not much running but lots of steps!
The rest of the day was spent reading and relaxing at the hotel pool
HEATED!!
sun+book=heaven
and exploring Royal Naval Dockyard in the evening.
On Friday, both Cari and I got itchy to run. Finding a non-hilly route was a challenge. We tried the golf course. NOPE! And then we finally settled for looping the hotel.
Thanks to a ZOOMA Bermuda FB group, we able to communicate with many of the runners who shared their plans and ideas for their stay on the island. We decided to take a ferry after our run and spend Valentine’s Day touring Hamilton.
catching the ferry
runners on the ferry
Valentine’s Day
our postcard
city hall
moon gate
We returned in time for the first race event – the Welcome Party (at our hotel):
Pick up your race bib plus your welcome gifts!
Attend the course talk with ZOOMA race staff
Drinks, music and appetizers courtesy of the Bermuda Tourism Authority
We met some familiar faces and lots of new ones. Sara, the ZOOMA Race Series Owner, gave us tips on running the race. She warned us about the hills and the narrow winding roads and reminded us to run with traffic on the LEFT side of the road. (Yes, this is a British island.)
We also met the pacers for the race (many of whom were on our flight.) They made sure to chat with every runner in order to help them finish at their desired pace. (My pace = ????)
blogger meet-up with Marcia
welcome gift = all the makings of a Dark n Stormy
half zip and tank + a bag
Unfortunately our beautiful Bermuda weather ended. We woke up to wind, rain and chilly temps on Saturday. But it didn’t really matter because we had the OFFICIAL GROUP EXCURSION scheduled:
Round trip transportation from hotel to Crystal Caves + Swizzle Inn
Entry to both of the Crystal Caves
Lunch reservation at Swizzle Inn
Both Crystal and Fantasy Caves were breathtaking and our lunch delish.
Crystal Cave
lots of stairs in Fantasy Cave
After our trip to the caves, we hung out in the hotel and relaxed before getting ready for the Lighthouse Run.
walking up the hill to the Lighthouse
not raining…yet!
a brief moment of sunshine…very brief
we twinned!!
The 2 mile course got changed to 1.5 miles and the rain and wind lessened as we walked up to the Lighthouse start but then re-started with a vengeance.
The race started at Gibb’s Lighthouse and ended at Horseshoe Beach.
Brr!!!
With a half marathon the next day, we decided to walk the race. And we got soaked.
running in the rain is better with friends
Still we had fun.
took off my poncho to sprint through the finish line…followed by Cari & Marcia (and a few others)
We ate some popcorn but didn’t stay too long at the beach (even though there were FREE drinks.)
We’re done!!!
1.5 miles. PR since I have never done this distance LOL (FYI: Barbara is from NYC and a Skirt Sports ambassador)
After the race, we took the shuttle back to the hotel from the beach, changed our clothes and had dinner in the hotel – Pizza for me, as usual. Carb loading complete!
first medal of the weekend!
I organized my usual race outfit (tank, skirt, compression calf sleeves, cap) and went to bed around 10 pm.
Race Day:
I brought my oatmeal and coffee from home with me and got up around 4:30 am to get ready and have breakfast in my hotel room..
It was NOT raining…hooray but still dark and a little chilly. I put on some throw aways and packed a bag for after and headed to the shuttle.
The shuttle left promptly at 6 am and we arrived in Hamilton at 6:30…still an hour to wander, take pics use port-a-potties.
foil sheet and throw away shirt did not last long.
I checked a bag with those throw aways, a down jacket and flip flops)
Before we knew it, it was time to walk UP to the start.
It was a small race (110 or so) so no corrals. The Half Marathoners lined up first so we had to say good bye to Marcia.
DIY arm warmers did not last either
As I mentioned, we had met all of the pacers at the Welcome Party. Now was the time to confirm whom we wanted to run with and line up with them.
so supportive and helpful…more like friends than pacers
I initially thought about running with the 2:15 pacers but as I told them, I was not running for pace and would most likely finish around 2:30.
I’ll do my best to recap the race below. (Warning: it’ll be long…)
My plan, as usual, was to stop and walk briefly at every water stop (so I wouldn’t get dehydrated) and to stop and walk longer to eat a GU at every other water stop. I planned to walk whenever necessary and NOT RACE it.
As always, I felt more energetic during the beginning miles. I started running with the 2:15 pacers. Unfortunately, my foot hurt from the first step to the last. I was disappointed but prepared for the pain.
Because I knew that I would slow down, I was actually (as you can see from the photo) ahead of the pacers.
smiling (not sure why) and ahead of the 2:15 pacers
There were hills from beginning to end. No road is flat on this island. No road is straight. Curve after curve…blind curves but we ran single file and with traffic. It was a little scary at times but the drivers were very courteous and moved over for all runners.
still ahead…
I stopped at each water stop as planned. I drank my water quickly because I did not want to litter on this beautiful island.
From mile 2 to 3, I think, it was starting to drizzle and then the rain got harder and harder. I was thinking that it would be a repeat of the night before but I wasn’t prepared for the rain. There was NO rain in the forecast.
Luckily it stopped. I was soaked which turned out to be a blessing. The sun came out, the humidity rose and the air got warmer and heavier.
And wet socks = blisters (I got a big one that didn’t hurt and a small one that did.)
Miles 5-8:
10:58, 10:17, 10:22, 11:14
The biggest hill was at mile 4. I walked/ran up all the hills (which I guess was the whole race lol). I finally ate my first one of the three gels. I followed what worked in my last half and full. Different brand of gel for each stop. (Honey stinger, e-gel, Gu)
they’re gaining on me lol
and the pacer passes me
I did smile every time I saw a photographer…even if I was running in pain.
I’m sure I’ve lost them by now
Foot pain continued but I focused on the course which was breath-taking. I lost the 2:15 pacer which was to be expected.
However, my other foot started to hurt (It has in the past = bunion!)
Miles 9-13.23:
11:03, 11:40, 11:42, 12:19, 11:30, (.23 -11:00)
I continued the same pattern except that my hill walking got longer and longer. I started to feel the humidity and almost wished that it would rain again.
My calves started cramping. This has NEVER happened to me before. Very painful!!
I could NOT sprint across the finish line.
I crossed at 2:23:21. (2:23:16 -Garmin time)
I was immediately handed water and two big medals and luggage tag.
I grabbed a needed drink (or two).
Dark n Stormy = my new favorite drink
Then headed to get some food to go along with my drink(s). Then off to bag check to retrieve my flip flops for my poor feet. (Down jacket?? What was I thinking??)
there were also tuna & egg salad sandwiches
They gave out age group awards but only to FIRST place in 10 year groups.
8 out of 9 – no chance even if I was not hurting
I met up with Marcia and then Cari. Everyone was happy with how the race turned out. Kudos to ZOOMA (and the ONPace runners!!)
We had planned on heading right back to the hotel (on the shuttle) but they encouraged us to stay for the Gombay dancers.
Then we chatted with RD, Erika. and watched the Pacers and last runner finish.
first time meeting a blogger that I have followed for years
Of course, no race would be complete without goofy beach/medal pictures.
Additional Race Reflections:
The Good:
Half Zip, Tank, Bag and map mailed to runners ahead of time.
Excellent communication about every aspect of the race before, during and after the race.
Transportation and excursions organized by ZOOMA
Easy packet pick-up at the hotel.
Welcome gifts. Luggage tags & makings for a Dark & Stormy drink, key chain.
Welcome party with appetizers and opportunity to meet the other runners and pacers.
Shuttle to and from the start
Sufficient number of port-a-potties at start/finish and along the course
Sufficient number of water/Gatorade stops (7) – 1 had Gels (I think) but I missed it.
Bag Check. Easy drop off and pick up.
Well marked course – mile markers and police directing traffic.
Free Massages at the finish.
Pacers. Great group. Personal attention given to each runner.
Planks given as awards.
Very cool medal(s) (and luggage tag).
Soup, sandwiches, popcorn, bars, fruit at the finish.
Gombay Dancers entertaining at the finish.
Lots of photographers on the course (ZOOMA and Professional)
FREE photos. Many many of each runner. In the FB group and on results page of web site.
Open bar…unlimited drinks at the finish.
Great weather. (except for the 1.5 mile run and one mile of the half/10k)
My First 5K and More... 