Cornerstone Peach Run 5K Race Recap

June 16, 2018

This was my second year running the Cornerstone Peach Run in Clanton, AL. This race offers 5K and 10K divisions. I stuck with the 5K again this year. I didn't have any time goals for this race, but deep down I hoped to improve my time from last year.

I started out way too fast as usual. I ran the entire first mile. Then I started using 2:00 run/30 sec walk intervals. I was passed by someone who looked to be in my age group during the third mile. I passed her during my run intervals and she passed me during my walk intervals. We were neck and neck going into the final turn to the finish. I gave it one final kick at the end and passed her just before crossing the finish line.

Mile 1- 8:14

Mile 2- 9:44

Mile 3- 9:53

I finished barely under 30 minutes in 29:56. It wasn't enough to beat my time from last year, but I hoped it was enough to place first in my age group. Unfortunately there was someone way ahead of me that I didn't realize was in the 30-39 age group. I placed 2nd, but they only award first place finishers with a basket of peaches. There's always next year.

 

It was great to catch up with my friend Dee (@deerenn) at this race. She ran the 10K and placed first in her age group.

Me and Dee (@deerenn)

It was also nice to finally meet Stephanie (@swimst0807). I follow her on Instagram and noticed she did the race last year too. She was first overall female in the 10K with an impressive time of 42:55.

Me and Stephanie (@swimst0807)

Blue Marlin Miler 5K Race Recap

July 14, 2018

I was extremely busy this summer with teaching summer school, getting in hours for my school psychometry internship, and taking three classes. I didn't prioritize running, and I only logged four runs in June and three in July.

Michael and I planned a beach trip in July. When I saw this run was the same weekend I couldn't resist signing up even though I was really unprepared. I love any run that benefits St.Jude Children's Research Hospital. This was an inaugural race that took place at The Wharf in Orange Beach during the Blue Marlin Grand Championship weekend. They had a decent turnout for an inaugural race with almost 200 participants.

I saw Mindy (roadrunnergirl) at the start line. We follow each other on Instagram. I haven't seen her since we first met in Mandeville a few years ago. It was great to catch up with her.

It was great to see Mindy (roadrunnergirl) at this race

A St.Jude family gave their testament before the race started. St.Jude Children's Research Hospital helps many families like this one to ensure that their child receives the best care at no cost.

St.Jude family

The race started at 7:45. It was already sunny and 80 degrees. We ran a loop around the Wharf. There were signs on the course that featured St.Jude patients and facts.

 

 

I ran the first mile and a half. Then I started using 2:00 run/30 sec walk intervals for the remainder of the race.

Several volunteers commented on my St. Jude Hero's singlet at the water stations. I felt like I was back in Memphis for the St.Jude marathon. This race really made me want to go back.

The heat was really starting to get to me in the last mile. I was hoping to finish under 30 minutes, but that goal was farther and farther out of reach.

There were several spectators when we made our way back to the center of the Wharf with all the shops. I didn't want to be seen walking this close to the finish, so I ran the rest of the way to the finish.

Mile 1- 9:05

Mile 2- 9:48

Mile 3- 10:11

 

I finished in 31:24. I was a little disappointed that sub 30 minute 5K's don't come easy to me anymore, but the heat and lack of consistency didn't help matters. I still had a great time supporting one of my favorite charities.

They gave all of the participants a St. Jude pin when they crossed the finish line. There was free beer and snacks after the race. Michael and I didn't stick around long because we wanted to go fishing.

 

This was a well organized inaugural race for a very worthy cause. I would definitely do this race again.

Blue Ridge Turkey Trot 5K Race Recap

November 22, 2018

My in-laws planned a trip to Blue Ridge, GA for Thanksgiving over a year ago. I knew right away that I wanted to participate in my first Turkey Trot in downtown Blue Ridge on Thanksgiving Day. I tried to recruit my nieces to run with me, but they opted to stay in bed. I can't blame them.

It was a cold race (28 degrees at the start). I was glad that I picked up my bib and t-shirt the day before the race. There was a long line of people waiting, and the race was ten minutes late starting as a result.

They gave out prizes to the best dressed person or group. Several people were dressed in the usual turkey trot attire. One group was dressed as Where's Waldo characters including their dog. I wish I had gotten a picture. I ordered a singlet from Gone for a Run that said "Run Now" on the front and
"Gobble Later" on the back.

Proceeds from the race benefitted Mountain Area Christian Academy and organizations that are close to the school's heart such as Fellowship of Christian Athletes and Cure Childhood Cancer. Participants were asked to bring canned food items for the Good Samaritans food pantry.

I didn't have any time goals for this race. Turkey Trots are for fun, so that was my main focus for this race. We started at the children's park and did a loop around downtown Blue Ridge.

I spent most of the first mile weaving my way in and out of the crowd of runners. The narrow road was a little tight in the beginning.

 Mile 1- 9:37

We encountered a big hill early in the second mile followed by a long downhill stretch. I walked the entire uphill climb.

 Mile 2- 10:12

Around 2.5 miles we passed right by the finish line where I could see several of the front of the pack runners finishing. We turned around just over a quarter mile later back towards the finish line. I don't know if or how this could be rerouted, but it was a bit discouraging passing the finish line with over half a mile to go.

 Mile 3- 9:31

The run was supposed to be chip timed, but my official time was 31:28 which must have been gun time. I didn't start my Garmin until I crossed the timing mat and I clocked 30:37.

They had granola bars, bananas, oranges, and bottled water at the finish line. We didn't stick around because it was so cold, and we had family waiting for us back at the cabin. The results were tabulated quickly and they were getting ready to begin awards when we left.

This may have been my first Turkey Trot, but it certainly won't be my last. If you're ever in Blue Ridge, GA for Thanksgiving, I would highly recommend this race.