29 July - Running Free 4Miler
12 Aug - Derby Dolls Dash
20 August - Skinny Raven 1/2 Marathon and Anchorage Mile (19 Aug)
23 Nov - Turkey Trot
9 Dec - Colony 5Kish
31 Dec - Resolution Run
Running Free 4 Miler....Hills and a Little Off Roading
Late July Race and still fighting through some plantar fasciitis. This was a smaller race in Eagle River starting at the high school and running around the women's correctional facility. The road into the high school was completely torn up and so we were diverted onto the shoulder for the first portion of the race. Once on the road again it was a nice gentle down hill to the entrance of the correctional facility. This section parallels the highway so it's scenery isn't the greatest. The loop around the facility involves a slight climb followed by another descent. The prisoners come out to the yard and cheer you around the loop (understandably there is no photography permitted around the perimeter). I recently upgraded my phone...and forget that there is no head phone jack. Therefore, no tunes to keep me going in this race. |
Derby Doll Dash 5K
Skinny Raven 1/2 Marathon and One Miler
This day just seemed a little off. Packet pick up was nearly empty and I got there way earlier than I needed, but 1 mile around Delaney Park....yes! I ran in the slow heat, which felt like the right placement for me. It was great to meet and reassure other runners who were running their first long races the next day. I ran one of my fastest miles, probably something to do with people watching you run the whole way and/or just being relaxed. By the time I got home my foot was seething in pain from the plantar fasciitis. I could barely walk, but made the decision to go back and run the half the next day. I added new orthotics to my shoes to see if it would help. This was also my first race to start to get plugged in with the RWB chapter. I met Tina at packet pick up and she saw my RWB headband and introduced herself.
Best port-o-potty line EVER. After years of DC area races and never knowing if you are going to make it through the line before the race starts. The lack of line for this port-of-potty caused me to fall in love with Alaska races all over again. I have been stuck in that line or in the potty when the National Anthem started on multiple occasions so this is a much welcomed difference. The National Anthem was sung by an RWB member and then we started off on this chilly rainy day. Race conditions had been near perfect for the miles, for the half, not so much and my motivation quickly weaned. My foot, however, felt better after some icing and the half than it did from the mile...so that's a promising sign. I ran a while with a fellow Back of the Packer and then met another Back of the Packer (FB group) at the finish, who wouldn't let me give up and pushed me through.
The race includes a marathon, half marathon, 49K and 5K. The half marathon winds through Anchorage and down to the Coastal Trail before turning on to the Chester Creek Trail. You reach a turn around point on the Chester Creek Trail and then retrace your path. Because all the races are going on at the same time, you get passed (if you are slow like me) by marathoners and a 49Ker or two. I know this is a little frustrating for them but since I run solo and stay as far as I can to one side, I feel like they should be able to pass me easily. I don't know if this race is just small or if it had low turn out this year, but the race spacing was fairly sparse for the bulk of the race. It is so nice to run on trails and not have to worry about crossing traffic. Although you do have to worry about animal sightings, but alas there weren't any today. I am not sure if it was the dwindling crowd, the weather, or my foot but I was just meh about the race itself and glad that I finished. |
Turkey Trot - Alaska Style
Colony Christmas 5kish
Celebrating perfectly timed holiday events, even though the race itself was not timed and the course was not marked. I didn't wear my running watch so I have no idea how far I actually ran. It was nice to see G waiting for me at the finish. We ducked inside the Alaska Pickers in time to through an extra layer on and step outside to seeing the first ever lighting of the Palmer water tower. From there, events flowed right into the parade and then the post parade fireworks. Everything was great with that lovely small town feel that Palmer always has. |
Northern Lights Resolution Run
Oh and today I am so sore, running through snow at the back of the pack is tough. I missed my New Year's Day work out.