In or Out

May 28, 2013 by bec2point0

From the moment I sent off my lottery entry for the Falmouth Road Race, I basically thought of nothing else. I mean, I didn’t sit by my computer, clicking the refresh button on my email like a lab rat trying to get a treat. I wanted to. Believe me, I wanted to. But this job and these kids and this life had demands on me, and I shoved the lottery as far back in my mind as I could.

It wasn’t very far.

In quiet moments, I would think about whether or not I’d get in… sometimes hoping against hope that I’d get picked and sometimes wondering what on Earth had compelled me to enter in the first place and praying they’d pass on me.

The closer it got, the more I panicked. What if I got in? That heat… all those people… THOSE HILLS.

So, by the time the 23rd rolled around, I had myself pretty worked up about the idea of getting in. I sent my friend Anne many texts about how scared I was, which she returned, because she’s good like that.

And then, I got a text from her. “Falmouth doesn’t want us.”

I checked my email. Nothing. We were registered as a team, so if she wasn’t in, I wasn’t in. But without an official “sorry, better luck next time” email, I couldn’t process it. What if it was a mistake? What if somehow they didn’t have us as a team and she didn’t get in and I did??

What if I had to run this alone? WHAT IF I HAD TO RUN THIS PERIOD?

I was beyond freaking out at this point. I am in no shape to be running that far, in that competitive a race, in the next 80 days. And the idea of getting in became more petrifying by the second.

And then I got the email.

And then I cried. Like, legit cried, right at my desk at work.

I’m still not sure if it was relief or disappointment that had me in tears. Probably some of both.

I didn’t realize until I truly wasn’t in, just how much I wanted to be. In the days between registration and rejection, I’d gotten attached to the idea of running this race. And suddenly, it was just… over.

I know it’s not personal. I know I wasn’t rejected based on my merits. I know so many other people got that email that day.

Still, it stung.

With some time to process, I’ve gotten okay with it. Because there are other races. Because I think it would have been a physical challenge beyond my capability right now. BECAUSE THOSE HILLS. DAMN.

And because there’s always next year. If I chose to enter, that is.

(I’m totally entering).

So, to my fellow Falmouth rejects, let’s hug it out. And to those that got in, go kick a little Cape Cod butt! I’ll be cheering you on. From my couch. Don’t hate.

So, lotteries. What do you think? And please feel free to give Bec your recs for a 10-15K type race sometime this fall, because she’s got a half to train for and if she thinks that Meri is going to let her rest on her…laurels… she’s got another thing coming.

What to do with retired running shoes

May 24, 2013 by vfreile

If your house is anything like mine, piles of running shoes are everywhere.

You have retired sneakers too worn out to run in, but great for yard work. There’s the castaway stash, which never quite felt right, but you can’t bring yourself to ditch.

Then there’s the complete reject pile, only good for activities like beach combing or boating. Ya know, where you will barely use said dead sneakers.

Ultimately, you use ’em one last time at a mud run, or donate the shoes at running expo. Or, you toss them in the bin.

Here’s a new organization we have proudly partnered with – Kindrunner.com

May we introduce you to Kindrunner! The scooters are proud to partner with the fab folks at Kindrunner, where patrons can trade in old, used running shoes for new shoes.

Runners receive “Kindness Cash Rewards” for every old pair they send in. The old shoes are then shipped to donation charity partners, including Soles 4 Souls, to assist people in need. That’s right, your discarded sneakers get a second life outside your closet or a landfill.

Kindrunner will officially launch on June 1. So we will have more details on how you can participate and join the movement then.

In the meantime, check out Kindrunner.com, as they are currently holding a contest to giveaway free running shoes for you and a partner for one year. Sign me up!

In the meantime, here they are online!

– Facebook: http://facebook.com/kindrunner
– Twitter: https://twitter.com/beAkindrunner
– Instagram: http://instagram.com/beakindrunner
– Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/user/Kindrunner

What do you do with your old running shoes? Tell us in the comments.

Road Tested: Injinji Socks

May 23, 2013 by writeitdownjess

We love trying new things, and we love them even more when they’re free! Hey, we’re easy. So when Outside PR gave us the chance to try Injinji Performance Toesocks, we said “you betcha!”

According to their website, Injinji Performance Toesocks have an anatomical 5 toe sleeve design to properly align your toes, prevent blisters, and promote proper posture and balance, among other benefits. They looked cool and very unique, but did they deliver?

Curious? Read on to see our road-tested results.

Brooke

I tried the Run 2.0 mid-weight crew sock and for me, the best thing about these socks is how incredible they are at wicking away sweat. I’m in Florida, where it’s hot and hotter, and my socks and feet usually feel wet and gross after a run. Not so with these! I’m happy to report that the sock was damp but my foot felt pretty dry, even after an outdoor run.

It took some toe-wiggling, but I quickly adjusted to the shape of these socks. I am prone to toe blisters, so I think they would be awesome for a longer run.

Vic

My toes were confused. They didn’t know what to think. But honestly, they got over it pretty quickly.

I took the socks on a test run (ha!) a few times last week. Each time I thought there would be no way my toes would adjust. But they always did – and in the first mile. Instead of thinking about the socks and how each toe was cushioned by fabric, sort of like a glove, I found my mind wandering.

Ouch, my legs are tight. Damn, it was 35 degrees yesterday and 75 degrees today. What’s THAT all about? The new neighbors are building a hideous trellis. OK mister motorist! Don’t. Hit. Me.

Since I wasn’t thinking about my socks, that means nothing nagging my tootsies. And that’s a compliment. They were comfortable and cushy and my toes felt protected. The trickiest part was putting them on, as you need to guide each toe into its sleeve and my toes are – um – flawed.

Long story short. I like them.

Meri

“Those are some fancy socks.” Pooks was eying up my Injinji socks from the moment they arrived.

“They sure are,” I replied.

He picked the package up and investigated, curiously looking at the toes. “So they’re like gloves for your feet?”

“Very much like that.”

A bit later, I put the socks on, preparing for my run. He silently (which is a rarity) eyed me up in them. “Your baby toe doesn’t fill up the sock.” Way to make the little guy feel inadequate, kid. But it was true; genetically, my toes might not be as long as others. I’ve come to accept that.

Once I put my sneakers on, he looked somewhat disappointed.

“What?”

“Oh, they look like regular socks now. Do they feel like regular socks?”

“Well, no. My toes are separated, which is a bit different. I’m going for a run to try them out.”

Once I ran far away from my child and his probing questions, I have to say that I forgot about the toes being separated and just enjoyed my run (as much as I ever enjoy a run!). The material of the Injinjis was the biggest draw for me, light and breathable. They also washed well.

When I returned from my run, Pooks was waiting by the door. I was gross and sweaty and he watched as I kicked off my shoes, anxious to see the socks once more.

“Can I have fancy socks like that?”

I won’t be at all surprised if the Injinji socks disappear from my sock drawer and wind up in my eight year olds. We might just have to get him a pair, too!

Cam

I found the socks pretty comfortable when I first put them on. I’ve never worn toe shoes or socks before, so it was a little tricky at first. They fit pretty well, there wasn’t any loose fabric bunched around my feet or toes. I really liked the feel of the fabric and the fit through the middle of my foot.

When I put my shoes on, they felt a little bit too snug in the toe box. My toes were being pressed apart more than normal, which is expected given the nature of the sock. During my first run, I started cramping in the balls of my feet. I’m assuming this is due to the adjustment that my feet were making because my toes were now in a different place and different muscles were having to work harder than normal. I couldn’t wear them for very long.

The second time I wore them, I used them for my boxing class. Boxing requires a lot of shuffling around on your toes and jumping rope, and I wear a different, wider and flatter shoe for this class. I didn’t have as much cramping as during my run, and I did like how the socks allowed for easier balance.

I’m thinking these socks might be something I have to train my feet for, but I like the idea of running with a more natural foot. I’m going to continue wearing them for short runs and workouts in the hope that my feet will acclimate.

Jess

I’ve always been a fan of toe socks. In fact, I rocked some pretty stylish rainbow ones in high school (only at home. My parents didn’t judge, bless them). So, I was pretty excited to try these out. Who doesn’t love the idea of sliding each of their toes into little toe sleeping bags?

I received the no-show style, which is my favorite kind of running sock. I want people to see my flashy shoes, not my socks. But I’m forever and ever and ever adjusting them because normally they slide down while I’m exercising and bunch up at the bottom of my heel. The Injinji socks didn’t move. Not an inch. They conformed beautifully to my foot and felt super secure. I was a little worried at first that they might have felt too secure to the point of constriction, but that feeling went away within a minute or so. I just wasn’t used to having a sock that fit nice and snug.

Overall, the socks fit my feet really well, stayed where they were supposed to, and felt lightweight enough that I didn’t really feel them after a while. They were super comfortable and as a cherry on top of the sock sundae, my feet weren’t a sweaty mess when all was said and done. Very impressed with Injinji, even if I can’t say it!

Bec

I expected to hate these socks, honestly. Stuff between my toes is NOT my favorite thing. Plus, I have pudgy pork sausage toes, so I fully anticipated pinky toe strangulation. But, I actually found these pretty comfy! They are super soft and they stretch well. So, while they won’t replace my beloved race day socks, they’ll totally go into my rotation.

Running naked

May 20, 2013 by vfreile

I ran naked this weekend and it felt great.

Now don’t get the wrong idea. I wasn’t in my birthday suit!! Inspired in part by blooming, aromatic flowers in my community and my friend Cori, I decided to run watch-free this weekend.

Let me explain.

Spring finally arrived here in Rochester, NY, which means the lilacs are in bloom. Rochester’s climate is ideal for lilacs, and my county’s oldest park has more than 500 varieties and 1,200 lilac bushes on the slope in Highland Park. They smell amazing!

Lilacs in bloom! Pic by Chick Vic

When I headed out the door for a run this week, I found myself stopping repeatedly to smell the flowers. That’s right. I literally paused at each and every lilac bush along my route and shoved my nose into the buds.

After several 3-ish-mile loops on my road this week, I realized:
1. I really do love the scent of lilacs
2. I enjoyed pausing mid-run for a fun reason
3. I often out too much pressure on myself mid-run, to run on pace and not stop.

So. I decided Saturday morning to add another fun factor. I left my Garmin on the nightstand and went for a run.

Ahhh! I felt free! I ran until I felt like walking. Then I walked a for about a minute and continued on my way. I turned off on a side street I had never ventured down before. Then I stopped at another lilac bush and drank in the scent. By the time I got home, thoughts were whirling in my head.

What if I run my Sunday morning 10k race without my Garmin? How nice would that be? Heck – I could stop and smell the lilacs for the Lilac 10k!

So I did. When I headed out the door Sunday, I left my Garmin behind. A few running pals saw I was sans watch and offered to tell me the pace as we ran.

“No need,” I responded. “I’m going without a watch.”

“What?!” Running pal Ray answered. “No. That’s nuts. That would drive me crazy.”

Normally it would drive me mad as well. But not this week!

We reached Highland Park early since much of our group was running the 5k AND the 10k. Since I registered for the race Tuesday, I was fine running a mere 6.2 miles through Rochester and adjacent suburb Brighton. While the others ran, several of us explored lilac hill.

Soon enough, the rest of the crew was back and we lined up to race. Much of our group ran as part of Team Red, White and Blue, a group running to raise support and awareness for our veterans.

Meet Mike, team organizer, who ran Sunday with an American flag.

I took off with Traci and Ray. And boy was the crowd thick! We weaved and bobbed for the first mile. Lots of people were running the popular 10k! Soon enough, we turned our first corner and hit our stride. Ray found his rhythm and pulled away. About a mile later, Traci moved ahead as well.

I cheered them along and settled in for my second half of the course, I ran through neighborhoods, up and down hills and smiled at cheering residents and fans. I thanked officers and volunteers as I ran along he course.

Soon enough, I rounded my last turn, pushed myself up a hill and set my sights on the finish line.

I spotted the clock as I crossed in the Low 59s. Instinctively, I looked at my wrist for my own time. Ha! No watch!

Overall, the experiment was a success. Yes, I started out too fast by keeping up with Ray. But would I have done the same if I’d worn my watch? Probably. Would knowing my pace change my race plan? Doubtful.

But I led the event and I actually liked not knowing how I fared. It was sort of like playing the lottery.

Last night, I finally looked up my race time – 58.16 – which over a minute slower than my 10K PR. I was completely fine with my showing and loved running naked.

I will admit, I don’t plan to run without my Garmin for a big race, but running naked was a nice change of pace.

From left: Katie, Traci, Ray, Vic and Aaron post-race.

Have you run without a watch or Garmin recently? Are you a slave to your pacesetter? What’s the silliest things you’ve done mid-run? Tell us in the comments!

Runners – they’re everywhere!

May 18, 2013 by Meridith

While at Kohl’s this morning, I saw a guy in a Broad Street Run shirt. Naturally, I had to approach him.

I mean, right? This is natural. Everyone does this. And if you don’t, you totally should. (Similar to the runner’s wave. If you don’t know about it, check out Ashley at RatherBeRunnin’s post.)

Approaching other runners while in a non-running setting can be a bit tricky.

Bound: Bounding up to them like a puppy off-leash for the first time is an option, but the potential to scare them off is high. I usually only bound if I know the person and they are already well aware of my brand of crazy.

Direct approach: Less scary than the Bound for the recipient. Simply walk up a person and say “Love the Broad Street Run – it was my first time running this year. Have you run it more than once?”

Sidle: The word sidle is a bit off-putting because I always picture a shady person in a trench coat sliding up next to you and offering some illegal substance.

However, in this case, it’s running and so it takes on a more casual, less Shady McShadester connotation.

Find them in an aisle. Ideally, aim for one that’s not, like, underwear or Imodium. “So, hey, I see you were at Broad Street on May 5^th. Funnily enough, so was I.” (As were 39,998 others. It’s actually not that rare – I’ve seen three people wearing these shirts in the past three days.)

Mutual wearing: The best is when you’re wearing the same shirt at the same time and place. Serendipitous!

There’s that mutual recognition: you both look at the other person’s shirt, look down at your own shirt and then say something witty like “Nice shirt, where’d you get it?”

It’s absolutely glorious.

During an event: Okay, so this is a bit different because obviously at race events, you’re going to see race shirts of races past. However, I got super excited (it doesn’t take much, you’ve probably figured this out by now) during Broad Street when I saw a cheering guy on the median wearing one of these:

I felt like he was there specifically for me. As I got my high five from him I yelled out something like “Yeah, AC April Fools!” Because I’m limited to four or five word sentences while I’m running. But we totally would have been besties were I not in the middle of a race. I’m sure of it.

When I was younger, my mom talked to everyone. At the supermarket (aka the “stupidmarket” as we so brilliantly called it) she chatted it up with the people at the deli counter, in the aisles, on the checkout line – everyone. I was mortified. Do you know that person? “No,” she’d reply more often than not. “I’m just being friendly.”

Pooks is not nearly as timid as I was when I was a kid; when I approach a runner and he’s with me, he’ll chime in with his thoughts. As we walk away, he always asks if I knew the person. And I can say, with great authority, “Well, of course! We ran a race together.”

Am I missing any ways to approach a runner? Have any fun stories to share?

PRO Compression Giveaway and Coupon Code

May 16, 2013 by scootadoot

pro1 Marathon compression socks. Photo from PRO Compression

Hey Scooters! We’ve got another fabulous opportunity for you. We have partnered with the fine folks at PRO Compression for a giveaway!

The California-based company makes socks for endurance athletes, to be used before, during or after exercise such as running or golf. The idea is for enhanced blood flow in your lower extremities.

What’s all that fancy talk?

Here’s the skinny: The socks make your legs feel great during or after a long run.

Chick Vic’s first PRO Compression socks.

We’ve been fans for a few months over here at Scoot Central. Chick Vic ordered some Marathon socks in March, after hearing friends rave about them. At first, she wore the socks only for recovery.

Vic wore the socks while doing yard work, after a long run. She also wore them to her cousin’s bridal shower last month, held hours after she ran a hilly half-marathon.

Vic’s cousin Kristen gets a Harry Potter-style broom as a shower gift. Vic (on right) is hiding her PRO Compression socks under skinny jeans.

Earlier this month, several Scoot chicks ran the Broad Street Run in Philadelphia. And when we heard that race organizers wanted participants to wear red socks, as a loving nod to our friends in Boston, we immediately ordered ours from PRO Compression.

Some of PRO Compression red socks at the Broad Street Run.

The company offers three running styles – Marathon (our fave), PC Racer and Trainer Low – in a variety of colors. For folks who prefer calf sleeves, PRO Compression has those too!

Brandi, Sean and Vic display their socks post-race

Thanks to the generosity of PRO Compression, Scoot a Doot has two great items to share with our readers! We will be giving away one pair of sleeves and one pair compression socks (winner can choose what style he or she wants).

How do I enter, you ask? Click on the photos below to enter the giveaway of your choice. Or enter both! Note: winners can only win one prize. If the same person comes up twice, we’ll pick a second winner for the second giveaway. And we’ll advise you to play the lottery!

If you can’t wait to get your hands (and feet) on some PRO Compression gear, coupon code PCBLG will give you 40% off and free shipping on purchases of Marathon Socks and Sleeves. (Free shipping applies to US sales only.)

Click the pic to enter to win PRO Compression socks

Click the pic to enter to win PRO Compression sleeves

*Winners will be required to share their full name, address and sock or sleeve size so we can share the details with PRO Compression. Sock winner will also be required to pick a sock style.

Whole Lotta Waiting Going On

May 16, 2013 by bec2point0

Waiting…sucks. I tried to think of a way to put it nicely, but really, it just sucks. I know, patience is a virtue, yada yada. I have no patience. None. I don’t enter contests. I don’t know what date movies are scheduled to come out. I don’t play the lottery. I’m an immediate gratification kind of girl and I DO NOT like to wait.

Yet, here, I am, impatiently waiting.

For what? Why, I’m waiting to for the chance to run seven miles, of course.

With hills, of course.

In August, OF COURSE.

Speaking of the course…

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=52wRx7DkjS0&w=560&h=315]

Yeah, those were hills you just saw.

Including this one, right at the end.

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YnBG-VNIZww&w=560&h=315]

I’m officially entered into the lottery for the 2013 Falmouth Road Race. And clearly, I’m insane because I’m actually hoping to get in.

I entered on the opening day of the lottery, which was a week ago, May 8th. They will notified the people that got in on May 24th.

I’ll do the math for you. That’s sixteen days of pulling my hair out. I’m going to (maybe) run (run/walk, let’s not kid ourselves) this thing bald at this rate.

This is my first lottery, and I kind of love/hate it. I know that there’s a good chance I won’t get in, being that it’s my first year and all. And I hate that, because I’m already attached to the race, in a way. But, IF I do get in, that’s going to feel so cool. And scary. Scarycool. Still, there’s a lot of ‘if’.

BUT…

IF I get in, my girl Anne is going to come run with me. (We registered as a team, so it both of us or neither of us). She has plans to time her collapse on Ben Affleck’s lawn. Clearly, she is the brains of this operation.

IF I get in, I’m going to have to train all summer. In the disgusting humidity instead of my air conditioned gym.

IF I get in, I’m probably going to have a full blown panic attack and wish it had gone the other way, at least for a couple of minutes.

But IF I get in, I’m going to run Falmouth, one of this country’s premier races, which since its initial run in 1973 with 100 people, has grown to over 10,000 runners per year.

And I might be one of them. That’s nuts.

Since I’m a total newb at race lotteries, I asked a couple of my fellow Scooters about their experience with them.

Vic: More often than not, I’m a lottery loser. I’ve thrown my hat in the ring at least half a dozen times and was only accepted once (thank you Broad Street Run for picking me so I don’t have a complete complex). But New York City Marathon rejected me three straight years. The only positive from that denial was that it ultimately gave me guaranteed entry to the road race this year.

I’m not a fan of lotteries because they toy with my emotions. Lotteries build me up and fill me with hope, then usually dash my dreams and continue to send me charity and race emails to mock me.

Yep. I’d rather just register.

Meri: Generally speaking, I’m not a huge fan of lotteries. A dollar and a dream? How about work hard and get things done! I’m not a gambling type of girl so I have a love/hate relationship with running lotteries. I love them when I get in (Broad Street Run). I hate them when I don’t (Nike Women’s Half DC).

I understand that lotteries even the playing field for runners who are unable to sign up at a specific date and time but I suppose since I’m always able to make that happen with other races, I just feel bitter and resentful when I don’t get into a race via lottery.

Also, I don’t like waiting. I need instant gratification. Don’t toy with my emotions, running lotteries!

I think Meri is my spirit animal. And clearly, Vic and Meri have both been through this enough to make an informed opinion. I still have that babe-in-the-woods, hearts and flowers, ‘of course I’ll get in and I’ll finish in amazing time and I won’t even break a sweat’ newbie hope. Ask me how I feel if I don’t get in. (Don’t ask unless you want to hear curse words).

So, if you need me for the next 9 days, I’ll be sitting here wringing my hands, hoping the running gods smile down and let me in.

What shall I do to pass the time?

Freaking out will work quite nicely, I think.

Have you ever entered a race lottery? Did you get in? Did the waiting nearly kill you? Are you in the lottery for Falmouth this year? Tell us about it!

A little bit of this…

May 14, 2013 by vfreile

I’m the first to admit it. I love sample packs. Some might even say I collect them. There’s something about trying new products that you never even knew existed.

After all, that’s how I found my hot iron gel.

Lately, I’ve been hearing rumblings about niche sample boxes. They’re actually a new spin on an old classic, sort of like your modern wine, cheese or beer-of-the-month club, but with a bit more packaged flair.

Today’s specialty boxes feature samples in just about every genre – from beauty products to vitamins to canine treats.

So when I heard about StrideBox, a sample boxes filled with running accessories, gear and snacks last month, I was intrigued. My friend Cori had previously purchased (and loved) the box. She assured me I wouldn’t be disappointed by the product inside.

I plunked down my money ($15 per month) and ordered the May box. Two weeks later, a cardboard box stuffed with products any runner would desire arrived in my mailbox.

I danced a jig after I brought the box into my house. Really, I tore it open, eyed the contents and swirled in a circle, box in arms. There wasn’t one item I didn’t want to try inside.

Here’s what I found inside the May StrideBox:

My StrideBox!

The Klitch – a clip that attaches your (sometimes dirty) sneakers to the outside of your gym bag. Nifty and handy.

Honey Stinger Energy Chews – fuel for a long run. My running partner Gary swears by these when he ups his distance. I’ve been meaning to try them and now I will – in cherry cola flavor.

VFuel endurance gel – I’m always looking for a new gel! I’m traditionally a GU girl, but will always try new gels.

Betty Lou’s Just Great Stuff bar – the name alone wins me over. This is a vegan, gluten free, organic recovery snack bar. While I’m not on a restricted diet, I appreciate that there are fuel options for athletes dealing with this hurdle. Note: I just ate it and it was rather tasty!

Bonk Breaker Bites – a peanut butter and jelly flavored energy bar. I scarfed this mini bar down on day 1. Delicious!

Perfect Fit protein powder– vanilla (my flavor!) vegan protein powder. I’ll be trying this in my next banana berry smoothie.

Sports Beans – carbs and electrolytes in a jelly bean. Yes please! I’ve had these before, but only in rather odd-flavored sample packs received with race swag.

Clean Ethics Bottle Bright – water bottle cleaner tablet. My fuel belt is in dire need of this product.

Pro-Tec Athletics Blister Bands – I totally could’ve used this item last week, right after my 10-mile race. But I can always use these after future longer races.

The catch? You don’t know what you’ll be getting before the box arrives. That said, you know that when you sign up and pay for your box. That’s part of the allure. In turn, you receive a box full of goodies which is akin to digging into your stocking Christmas morning!

I should note, my StrideBox purchase was my second attempt in as many months in the subscription box craze. My first box came from a different company and I wasn’t impressed with its contents. But I learned from that experience. I later realized that I wasn’t completely interested in the products I was signing up for, just the idea of the sample box.

My advice? When selecting a subscription box, make sure you’re in love with the genre or you will never use the enclosed items.

According to StrideBox, the idea is to help runners try new products without having to commit to large purchases or the legwork of finding those products.

Each box also comes with an online shopping and price guide, to help you find the (and purchase) the products you’ve tested.

Or, if you’re obsessed with samples like me, you can simply wait for your next box to arrive!

Have you tried any type of subscription box? What did you think? What sort of samples would you want delivered to your door? Have you later purchased items you first tested in a subscription box?

BA5k – Mother’s Day Run with family

May 12, 2013 by Meridith

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lFcHk-fAEGw&feature=youtu.be]

Have you ever ran in formation? Because after today’s 8th annual BA5k, I can now say that I have… well, at least for a hot second! I mean, I was next to them so that sort of counts. A little. Pooks, Jay and I were very impressed with the police academy runners.

The BA5k is a local-to-us race to honor the memory of Brian Anderson, a young man who passed at age 21 from an undiagnosed heart arrhythmia on Mother’s Day in 2005. The 5k walk/run started the following year and this year was the 8th annual memorial run.

Last year, Pooks ran a quarter mile race and was looking to “up his distance” (I’m not kidding – that’s the phrasing he used). He was seven at the time and I was thrilled that he was so interested so we chose to participate in this race. It’s always held at the local park that we consider “ours” – it’s where we’ve played since he was born!

2012 Mother’s Day 5k

This year, we were able to talk Jay into joining us. Maybe talking him into joining us is a bit too liberal of a phrase… I signed us up as a family team and told him that we were going to run it together. You might recall he ran his first 5k in March so he felt fairly confident that he’d be good to go for this race.

Yes, my eight year old will be taller than me. Probably sooner rather than later.

We’d signed up as a family team but somehow there was a glitch with their system because they only had me listed under participants. After getting bibs and shirts sorted out, we were once again on the way to the start! The race began at 9am; thankfully that time wasn’t hard and fast this morning because the boys both needed to stop at the porta-potties before we lined up.

At the start line, they didn’t really have clear markers or anyone with a megaphone directing runners or walkers. The runners logically should’ve started first but that’s not really how it went down. There was a lot of bobbing and weaving for the first minute.

But once we got past that, it was smooth sailing and we fell into a nice, comfortable pace. I asked Pooks if he had a plan for this 5k, since he was setting the pace. He told me that he wanted to take it easy the first mile, speed up the second mile, and sprint at the end.

Is that what happened?

I’ll give you one guess…

NOPE!

Right out of the gate, he was hyped up and going too fast. Which I mentioned, but what eight year old wants to hear that? Or thirty-something year old, for that matter? So I tapped into this enthusiasm, knowing eventually he’d simmer down.

Dude and Pooks – holding strong at almost a mile.

Looking at pictures from last year, I found one of Pooks at nearly the exact same spot.

BA5k 2012

If I were to guess, I’d say there were about 1,000 runners and walkers present. The course wound through the park so you were able to see other runners and the walkers throughout the race.

Just past the mile mark, Pooks asked for a short walking break so we slowed to a fast walk and continued with intervals through the rest of the course. He was happy to see the water station at the halfway point and more than happy when we made our way to the finish line.

Of course he was an absolute stinker at the end. “Mom, wait for me so we can cross the line together!” Pulls up next to me, asks if I’m ready to sprint, and as I’m answering him he TAKES OFF.

Last year we finished in 49:59. This year? 39:56. The kiddo bested himself by 10:03!

“Mom, I beat you!” Uh huh. You sure did, kid.

Have you ran with your family before? Did they pull the old “let’s cross the finish line together” and then leave you in the dust?

Race Shirt Superlatives

May 11, 2013 by Meridith

Who doesn’t love a good race shirt?

I wear them to the gym, to Target, basically everywhere I can get away with it. They’ve become a staple of my wardrobe because they’re included with the race registration (hi, I paid for it, I want to wear it!) and because that means less shopping for me (and I’m lazy and don’t like to shop).

For the record, I’ve gone so far as Googling for recaps to see what other people say about the fit and sizing of shirts. Yes, I’m that serious.

Without further ado, here are some of my favorites. And not so favorites. Don’t worry, I’ll tell you why!

Oldie But Goodie

This is the back (because it has the hand print that always inspires “You’ve got a dirty hand print on your shirt” comments) but the front is similar, sans date and place, so you get the idea. My very first race shirt, it’s the oldster of the group. The shirt is a Merrell tech-t and I’m a fan because of the quality and fit. Two very important factors!

Mas o Menos

The good: It’s from my first half marathon. And the word “princess” is on it, which is very fitting for me.

The not so good: Well, it’s white. And I definitely got caught in the rain in it. Spring Break wet t-shirt contest, anyone?

Itsy Bitsy Teeny Weeny

I wanted so very badly to like this shirt. After all, I dressed up like Katniss from the Hunger Games and ran with some of my favorite people for this race. However, the shirt is small. Not like, a little small… a lot small. I wear it on the treadmill occasionally but never outside of the house.

To be fair, the race coordinators did say that the shirts ran small. So rather than ordering a medium, I went with the large.

No dice. Win some, lose some!

Double Vision

These Brooks tech shirts from the Haddonfield Adrenaline 5k are LOUD and I like them like that.

I wear these when I’m running, especially in the early morning hours. My trainer encourages us to do the “Wawa run” – a run to the nearest Wawa store and back, about a 1.65 loop on a busy road.

I want people to see me (and avoid becoming road kill). With these shirts, there’s no missing me.

Don’t Call It a Tech-T (I’m still earwormed from Bec’s post.)

Runners of the Broad Street Run had the option to upgrade to a tech-t for an additional cost but I personally am a big fan of this cotton t-shirt. They run slightly large but it’s a good quality shirt (Hanes) and I appreciate the fact that the sponsors are kept to the sleeves of the shirt.

This is the baby of my shirts, only a week old. Isn’t it cute?

I don’t usually wear t-shirts to work out in so it won’t be used for that but you ~~might~~ will find me wandering Target or the grocery store in it. In fact, I’m sporting this one today.

Baby, It’s Cold Outside

Friends, meet my favorite long-sleeved race shirt (these are much more rare than the short-sleeved t-shirt, which makes sense). This ranks up there as one of my best races I’ve done so I think that there’s a certain amount of sentimental value that comes along with this shirt.

It has sponsors all over the back but when a run is held as a fundraising event, I have no issues with that.

Miss Congeniality

This shirt wins top honors in my closet! It’s a ladies Brooks tech-t and I love both the fit and the feel. There are no sponsors on this shirt; it has a nice, clean look and it’s from the City of Brotherly Love.

I keep waiting for another race shirt to come along and steal my heart but so far, this one is it for me.

Also, it looks like blue is a popular race shirt color, eh?

When my family asked me what I wanted for Mother’s Day, I told them another race t-shirt. Kidding! But I did request that we run a 5k together (I really and truly did) and they agreed.

I’ll be getting another cotton t-shirt tomorrow, matching with Dude and Pooks (we’ll be so cool). (Don’t worry, we won’t wear it at the 5k.)

Littleberry has to sit this one out because a) he’s four and wouldn’t be down for 3.1 miles and b) he broke his foot about a week ago. But no worries, I’ll get my fair share of him, too!

Happy almost Mother’s Day to all the moms out there. And the Aunts. And the Grandmas. And the “Aunts” who let my children dump all their toys on the floor and play “volcano”.

How are you spending Mother’s Day? What’s your favorite race shirt? Bonus points if you post a picture in the comments (I don’t even know if you can do that!).

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