Tuvizo Reflective Vest Review

If you're keeping up with me on Instagram, you may have noticed I've been sporting a highly reflective vest while out on my night runs. The company it's from is called Tuvizo and it's a small family run business whose goal is to help athletes be seen. Whether you're a cyclist or a runner, if you're on the roads or around traffic, Tuvizo should be on your body.

Logo from website

I had been looking at the Tuvizo running vest on Amazon and was planning to get it, I just needed to talk about it with my husband. I couldn't think for the life of me where I had seen the vest or why the name stuck out to me, but it did. Then one day, as I was scrolling through my Instagram feed, I came across the abi_tuvizo account, and it suddenly clicked! I had been following their account, I had seen the vest, and it had stuck out in my mind! I also found out later that my running partner, Brecka, had one! That means we'll be twinning when we get to run together! I mentioned to them I was planning to get one and they reached out to me asking if I'd do an honest review for them in exchange for a vest. Of course I would! All thoughts and opinions here are my own.

Front and Back view from Amazon

When I received the vest I could tell right away it was highly reflective. When it caught the lights in the house, it just glowed! The straps are slightly elastic, but not so much where you loose control of them, I hope that makes sense. I strapped it on that night for a quick (slow) 6 miles through my neighborhood. It took a bit to get the straps just right across my body. I noticed right away it was brushing my neck. I tried to tighten them on the shoulders hoping it would stop the rubbing, but it felt more like squeezing (a gentle hug, not a suffocating squeeze), I did not like that at all! I managed to get them just right, making peace with the slight rub that was happening (it's no longer noticeable, and I've never come home with any kind of rub marks, chafing, or rashes from it. Fit may be different for other wearers, this is just something I noticed on myself). There is also an adjustment around the lower rib cage area. That one was easier to find a good fit. The straps are not hard to move and I was able to do it while running, though I suggest making the adjustments on a slower, more insignificant run instead of one where you're running for pace.

Unboxed. Two colors available. Yellow and Pink.

As I made my way through the neighborhood I noticed right away... people could see me! I run about 3 ft away from the sidewalk, on the road, but drivers were giving me extra room and swinging wide when they would, or I would, come around the corner. That was unexpected. I generally operate on stealth mode in my neighborhood. I like not being seen in there; here and gone before anyone has time to really notice, which can be an advantage in there. It was a bizarre feeling to have people notice me for a change.

I'm not afraid to ask random people random questions, so I stopped a couple people who had seen me running right then and asked what they thought. Here's what they had to say:

Lady from the cul-de-sac: I stopped to talk with her as she got out of the car. I asked how the vest looked as a driver. She said she saw me right away. She wondered why a construction worker was running down the road that late (8:30pm). She said that some of her friends mentioned they've not seen her before coming around a corner when she's running at night. She was gonna stop and ask me about the vest, if I hadn't stopped. She said tell them they did a great job!

Man in the other cul-de-sac: he said he was just walking down the sidewalk and saw me coming. The reflective part wasn't lit up cause he wasn't in a car, but he said he saw the glittery from the pink right away when I was under the street lights.

Friends driving in their van came around the corner a ways down the street, rolled down their window as they passed and shouted "I really like that vest!!" Later I texted to find out more. The wife said she and her husband noticed me right away! The vest was REALLY bright!

Now, I wanted to see just how reflective this Tuvizo vest really was, so I asked my husband to come with me later at night, into the dark corners of the neighborhood and test out the reflectivity of the vest. First I had him take pictures with the flash on in one of the darkest corners, just to see how bright it lit up. Boy were we surprised! I mean really, look at this thing!! My friend joked that I could land an aircraft with it on!! 

Next I had him drop me off in the back corner of a cul-de-sac and drive down the road, flip around, and come towards me, then call as soon as he could see the vest in the headlights. I stood at the end, hoping no one would come out and ask me what I was doing, haha! After he called I ran to where he was, measuring the distance with my Garmin. A quarter of a mile,  .25!!! WOW!!! I mean, that seems pretty far to me! He said if I was bigger it would probably be further, but the surface area is limited on a person's body.

I think my favorite experience was on my 16 miler. The later it got (I was running on main surface roads most of this run), the more anxious I got. Could people really see me? I had forgotten my lights... I soon noticed drivers signaling to their passengers and making "suspender-like" gestures that would suggest they were talking about me! If there wasn't a passenger, I'd watch their gaze go from staring forward out of the windshield at a light, to tracking me as I passed. That has never happened to me before. Yeah. They saw me alright!

I was so impressed with the Tuvizo vest. It's light, it's easy to manage, as far as adjustment goes. I'll be able to fit it around my hydration pack and any winter clothing I have to wear. Even for you colder weather folks (because AZ only gets so cold) putting this around a couple of layers is going to be no problem. I think what I love most is that it's not a jacket. They call it a vest, but it's really more like suspenders. It doesn't flop around like I've seen reflective vests do. It pretty much just stays put.

I've taken this vest out for different lengths and speeds as well, a really long run, some short runs, slow runs, medium speed, and as fast as my legs can take me. No problems with any of them. No chafing, no rashes, no flopping, nothing. I will admit, I was skeptical, but it was the perfect match for me. This has easily become an essential running item. I run mostly in the dark, either early mornings on the weekend, or dusk/evening runs, it's going to be really nice to be seen. I like it so much, I plan to outfit my children with some as well. Now that it's getting darker earlier and staying dark later, I would highly recommend checking out Tuvizo reflective vests! Head to their website where they'll link you to their Amazon post. Your safety is worth the very small investment that these vests are!

Cocogo Review and Discount Code

I finally got around to adding my Cocogo Ambassador badge to the blog!  Check it out to the right of the page! If you click on it, you'll go to their website where you can order if you'd like. Use code RUNLIKETHEWINDED at checkout to save 20% through the end of Oct.

Ambassador Swag delivery day!

What is Cocogo exactly?  It's an all natural sports drink (though I also use it to also flavor my water when I want something a little different).  It's made with Coconut water and flash dried fruit bits.  It comes in three flavors; Lemon Lime, Grape, Raspberry Passion Fruit.  I love all three, but Grape is my favorite!  Because it's a natural drink, I don't mind sharing with my children (my boys beg me every single day for some!)  It comes in easy 'to go' sticks making using it on the run so easy.  I had it with me when I was running my second half marathon ever.  It was right at the beginning of our hot Arizona summer and it was already so warm!  I kept Cocogo flowing in my water bottle and stopped at the aide stations for water cups, and despite the heat, finished just 4 min off from my first half marathon!!  I know Cocogo helped keep me going that day!

Race day Flat Runner. 3 packets of Cocogo to get through this race!

I was introduced to Cocogo just a little over a year ago after a run meet up with a local running group.  It had been used as a giveaway and from there it was shared with anyone who wanted to try it.  I came home, added a stick of Raspberry Passion Fruit to my water...and from that moment on, I was hooked.

I got really lucky and won a box in a giveaway just a few months after that and boy was I in heaven!  I rationed that out, saving it for my hardest running workouts, knowing I wouldn't be able to purchase any for a few months.

It was a very good mail day!

During one of the holidays I was able to take advantage of a free shipping offer and finally bought a couple of boxes.  I knew right away I wanted to be able to represent Cocogo as an ambassador.  There's nothing like enjoying a product so much that you want to be able to share that with everyone.  I talk to everyone about Cocogo and how much I love it.  I'm grateful for the opportunity to represent them and support a product I believe in.

Mailman decided to cram it into my mailbox.. seriously!

What sets Cocogo apart from other drinks for me?  It's got a smooth light flavor.  I have tried a few other hydration products available for athletes, and I like them a couple of them, but they've been an acquired taste for me.  Some are fizzy which causes all kinds of problems while I'm running.  I have discovered this past year that I have a very sensitive stomach and can't use strong products while running long, far or fast!

 

There was no acquired taste for Cocogo for me.  I liked it right away! It has never ever caused a problem for me.  I've never felt sick after drinking it out on a run, I've never come home with stomach cramps.  My stomach never feels bloated.  I'm so thankful I was given a chance to try this drink.  I'm glad I'm able to incorporate it into my current half marathon training, gym workouts, swim workouts, hiking with the family, and general just sipping on when I want more than just regular water.

 

Want to try it for yourself?  Head over to cocogo.com and don't forget to use code RUNLIKETHEWINDED at checkout to save 20% until the end of Oct!!  I'd love your feedback, let me know what you think of it!!

Cocogo mail day is one of my favorite mail days!

What the Heck is Challengeville?

So...what's the big whoop about these silly little e-certificates that show up all over Instagram and sometimes on Facebook? Why would someone ever run 48, 93.3, 150, 200+ miles just to earn an intangible award? Why do runners have a mileage ticker at the end of their instagram post with the weird #oldguyrunning hashtag?

Graphic from Old Guy Running

Well, I'll tell you what it means to me, and likely what it means for a handful or more of the Challengeville participants. 

I'm a little more than a recreational runner. I don't just put on some Target running shoes and head out the door for a jaunt around the neighborhood. I love me some gear! I love reading people's reviews about their favorite running/compression socks, why they can't live without their GPS/heart rate watch and strap, their opinions on the very best hydration system, whether it be a handheld bottle, a fuel belt, the perfect hydration pack, or just hiding water bottles in discreet locations. I read about their preferred fuel and hydration sources...  the list of these options could go on forever!! I read about shorts and tanks....and shoes, oh my goodness the shoes! And then I shop. I buy what I've decided is the very best for me! I use training plans to give me some direction... long runs, short runs, speed work, whatever the case may be. There is some very dedicated planning to the type of running I do.

But, on the same coin, I'm not an avid racer. This past year I've been blessed with opportunities to run a handful of races. I've enjoyed them, and I'll always race some of my favorites or hit up a bucket list race, or try out a new one with a friend for fun, but as far as chasing down some serious time goals and earning all the bling... I don't think that's for me. That may change down the road, but for now, 5 or so races in a calendar year may be just about right!

That's where Challengeville comes into play.

Graphic from Old Guy Running

I heard about this freaking awesome group over a year ago while following a girl on Instagram. She was logging 150 miles for the title of Bigfoot! It was amazing to watch, and I wanted in on this. I started stalking the hashtags used and uncovered this wonderful community of runners just plugging away on the streets, trails, track, and treadmills trying to "claim their fame" in the form of an e-certificate. I'll admit, I thought it was a bit goofy at first and I considered not doing it, or at least not posting the cert when I was done. I chose the Tinman challenge first. 93.3 miles for the month and aiming for an even 100. I was sure I could do it, my training plan mileage suggested, it was in the bag with a little dedication. At the time I was training for a race I wasn't even sure I'd be able to do, but just in case, I was going to work for it.

The last day of July rolled around and I had spent nearly every other morning running the streets of my neighborhood and the local high school track and I chased down my first Tinman and locked in my 100 miles. Holy. Crap. I did it!!! I have never been so proud of myself as I was in that moment. Then I understood the draw to these little certificates that are lovingly generated by Old Guy Running himself. He is proud of his program, and he should be.

Each certificate I've been able to earn and July 2015 mileage goal met... and June goal failed!

See, Challengeville isn't about speed or crowds, although you can make it about that. It's not necessarily about PRs and tec shirts and medals (though maybe one day a component of this may be included =D). Challengeville was created to be better for yourself, push yourself, drive yourself. Do something maybe you've never done before. It's perfect for the recreational runner just looking for the motivation to push themselves out the door each day. It's perfect for the racer, who will be running the miles anyway, so may as well reward yourself during the months leading up to the big day. It's also perfect for someone like me, who dabbles a little in the racing scene, but enjoys a challenge that makes me better for just me (and let's be real, it's FREE!) I almost enjoy a mileage challenge better than a PR goal.

Graphic from Old Guy Running

In Challengeville I can run a 17:00 mile if I want/need to and plug away, not worrying about being the very last person coming into the finish. There won't be any police cars behind me and clean up crews picking up the course as I determinedly make my way to the finish of my goal. Racers and walkers alike, tend to finish the "race" within the same days as one another. In Challengeville I can also be the fastest runner that ever lived, and the end success, I would imagine, still feels the same. I consider myself a "middle of the pack" runner and I'm elated at the completion of each challenge!

 BUT WAIT

There's more to Challengeville than a mileage goal. It's the community. I mentioned within the hashtags lies one of the most supportive online running communities you'll ever find. Within these hashtags I have found friendships that I hold dear. Comradeship of like minded people after the same goals as me, though we may get there differently. They have acted as my mentors, my guides, my friends, and my family for more than a year. They have given to me more than I will ever be able to pay back. I hope to inspire people the way they have inspired me. Long before I joined Run Eat Tweet AZ, before I met up with Aravaipa trail running group, before I finally agreed to an MRTT run, and before I was paired up with my sweet buddy Jaylee through the I Run 4 Michael program, I had Challengeville. They were my very first running family.

Graphic from Old Guy Running

Would you like to join this amazing group on instagram? Would you like to see just how far you can take your goals? Do you just need a little more motivation to get you moving? I promise you, you won't regret this decision. You won't regret this goal. Even if you don't complete it (heaven knows how many months I didn't quite get done in time) there's still more benefits to joining than not. So in the words of my friend Barto, Old Guy Running, "How much can you run in a month?"

Are you just not a runner, or you're not quite there yet? No problem, walk those miles with pride. The distance is the same whether you walk it or run it. Just get up, get out, and move! Go check out the website, look at the challenges, look through the hashtags, sign up for September! I think you'll be glad that you did!

Graphic from Old Guy Running

Clif Bar Organic Energy Food Review

As a Chief Running Officer for my run group Run Eat Tweet AZ, I had the opportunity to try out Clif Bar Company organic energy food pouches.

All of these opinions are my own.

I apparently have a very sensitive stomach when it comes to running fuel. I haven't found much yet that doesn't make it upset, so I was pretty excited to give these a try and see how they worked for me.

There are 4 flavors available and I received 2 of each. The fruit ones are smaller than the other two, but with both sizes, you need to have a reasonable sized pocket to put them in to take on a run with you. I'm injured so I've been running shorter loops in order to come home and stop running if I needed to, so I never had to carry one with me.

The first one I tried was the Banana Mango with Coconut. I was running in the heat of the Arizona morning sun at 10:00! Not my smartest plan. I looped home every 2 miles, and thankfully I did so I was able to refill my water. I was trying to decide what kind of fuel I was going to use, the sun was sapping everything out of me and I new I needed something. I remembered I had the food pouches in the fridge, so I pulled out the Banana Mango with Coconut to fuel up. It was so good! It hit the spot big time, nice and cold with a light flavor. I only used half and figured I'd finish the other half after my next loop home. I started off for another two miles. After the first mile I felt a little discomfort in my stomach, but figured it was probably just the heat getting to me. I looped home and finished off the pouch and then went back out for my last mile. Overall I enjoyed that one. I ended with a little discomfort, but I really think that all had more to do with the heat. I'd probably have no problem using this flavor on a regular basis.

The next one I tried was the Pizza Margherita. I had just come home from a double workout, a quick 800 meters in the pool and a 5 mile run. I reached for this pouch thinking it would be a perfect end to the workout. This flavor just wasn't for me.

The next week I was up extra early for a morning run. I did a similar run, 2 miles, pit stop at home, then back out and so on. This time I took out the Banana Beet with Ginger pouch. I really enjoyed this one too. I was anxious about the beet flavor, but it was pretty good. It was a slightly stronger flavor, so for me it wouldn't work as a mid run fuel, but it would be great for a post run. This is my situation, but take a look at the other CRO reviews, because they may have a different take. Like I said before, my stomach is very sensitive while running and doesn't respond well to very much.

The last one I tried was the Sweet Potato with Sea Salt flavor. I had just come back from a 7 mile run and was starving! While I was getting breakfast ready I pulled out the sweet potato pouch and gave it a try. Again, just not a flavor for me, a little too salty I think and not quite my taste.

I'm glad I got a chance to try all the flavors. It helped me figure out which ones would possibly work for my pre/mid/post run fuel. Overall I'm pleased with the product. It's easy to pack and easy to store. I love that it's resealable for later use. The fruit ones were definitely my favorite and I could probably use one of them post run/workout and the other mid run!

Would you like to try Clif Bar Organic energy food pouches for yourself? Head over to Run Eat Tweet AZ Facebook page to enter to win. Good Luck!

Healing from Injury and Refocusing

Gettin' real for a minute. I've been a bit of a hot mess for a couple weeks now. Not everyone believes in stored/trapped/stuffed emotions and their effects on the body presenting in illness/injury, but I actually do. I was introduced to the idea about 4-5 years ago, and it just clicked.

For anyone who may not know, I have been dealing with intense pain in my upper back/shoulder area. I finally went to the chiropractor and discovered my rib heads were out of place back there. I cannot for the life of me, think of when I got injured, what would've made my ribs move out of place. But I know when I finally started noticing the pain and it lines up perfectly with when some things got exponentially more difficult....possibly sooner, but I know for sure it started in May. Life, work, family... Since going in for chiropractic adjustments, I've been kind of an emotional wreck. Laughing and crying in the office during treatment, then going home and riding the waves of emotion, scattered all over, from happy to sad to grumpy to excited to anxious...you name it, I've probably felt it. It has made me so frustrated (anger).

I finally reopened a book I hadn't looked at in a while, that I was told about by another friend called "Heal Your Body" by Louise Hay. I went through all the symptoms I've been experiencing in the past couple weeks and the spinal misalignments page as well trying to pinpoint what emotions are surfacing, and what they're tied to, and how to release them. Fear and anger are the two the most high on the list. Of course they are. Feeling left out, not belonging, feeling not good enough, not measuring up, resentment, too much on my mind... it goes on and on. I'm working through some of those problems and trying to recognize what's triggering the emotion so I can deal with it in a healthy way. Thank goodness for the support of my husband.

What does any of this have to do with running? Well...I always talk about how I use running as a means to clear my head, refocus and come home refreshed, and then exercise second. Well, I think I've been using running as a way to escape the things I couldn't deal with at the time. I just kept stuffing the emotions and would run to "run away from the problem" which is probably why the runs have felt so disconnected, frustrating, not cleansing, cluttered....I would come home jumbled and sometimes more of a mess. They certainly weren't fun. I'm hoping that this is the case and working through stuff will help solve the loss of love for running, the physical ailments in my back/shoulder/ribs/hip/neck, and the illnesses that have accompanied them.

I realize I probably sound like a crazy person to some, but for me, it makes complete sense. Maybe it'll resonate with someone else as well.

In the process of relearning how to take better care of my body, I guess I also need to remember to take better care of my mind as well. What our minds say, our bodies feel.

I guess what I'm saying is, I'm glad I decided to finally go to a chiropractor. I'm glad that the pain is leaving my body, I'm not excited about all the emotions it's evoked, but in the end, it'll make me healthier and stronger, and gentler.

Does anyone else believe in whole body healing? Do you have similar experiences when getting chiropractic work done, or even from a massage?

GoMacro Macro Bar Review

Thanks to my awesome run group Run Eat Tweet AZ, I was able to test out, for review, the GoMacro Bar!  Thanks Run Eat Tweet AZ and GoMacro for the opportunity!

For me testing out "health foods" has an acquired taste.  That's not the case for everyone, but I guess my taste buds are always surprised, not sure what to expect.  So it always takes me more than one taste test before I can really make a decision how I feel about it.  Thankfully, GoMacro made that easy for me.  I mean...holy big box, and all the flavors!  What an awesome company!  I received a box of mini bars as samples.  For me this is perfect!  They sell full sized ones, but the minis are more my speed. 

A quick view about the bars and company per their Facebook page:

• Short Description

  USDA Organic, Gluten-Free Certified, Kosher Certified, Non-GMO Project Verified, Vegan Certified, Soy Free & Macrobiotic energy bars.
  
• Company Overview

  GoMacro believes in feeling good about what we eat- how it tastes, how it’s made, and how it sustains the environment. Family owned and based in a small rural community, our wholesome food maintains goodness on all levels. Small in size but big on impact, we are a big picture company. GoMacro.

The first bar I tried I thought I couldn't go wrong with.  Peanut Butter and chocolate seems to be a go to, even for me with my distaste for peanut butter!  I gobbled one down for breakfast as I was heading out for an early morning movie with the kids.  This was not my favorite.  I was so bummed.  I'm not sure what I was expecting I guess, but it just didn't suit my flavor.  Never fear, that was just my first taste.

Quick breakfast

I decided to head towards fruity next, so before a double workout I went for the apple and walnut one.  Ahhh, much better.  I REALLY enjoyed that bar and several others since the first initial choice.  I've tried a few other flavors, most of them I like a lot.  There was only one other so far that wasn't my favorite, but still not bad, just not my taste.

There were plenty of quick "on the go" breakfasts when I didn't have time to whip something up, so having the GoMacro bar around has been a very handy thing.  You can pair it with just about anything and have a winning combination!  Fruit, eggs, smoothie, (ice cream) whatever your heart desires!  I've used them for before workouts when it's been a couple hours since I've had a meal, but it's still too early to eat another meal, but I also just need a little fuel, nothing super major.  I've also used them as an after workout snack, especially when it's later at night and I don't want to fill up.  Seriously, having this box around has been so great!

Just before heading out for a double workout.

Extra early morning on the trails.

My children have been begging to try them out as well.  I haven't shared with them yet because I was working my way through each flavor to find the ones they'd like better (they're pretty picky, I ease them in gently) I can update this as they give some a try in the next couple of weeks.

What I like about these best is I know what food is in them.  There's no words/ingredients I can't pronounce, the ingredients are natural and it's a good family company which is always nice.

I'm grateful I've had the opportunity to test drive these bars.  I've enjoyed that they're so easy to pack away and snack on when needed, and with all natural ingredients, they're a win every time!

Would you like to have the chance to win a box of your very own?  Well thanks to GoMacro and Run Eat Tweet AZ, you can!!  Head on over to Run Eat Tweet AZ Facebook page to get the details!  Wait!  There's more!  GoMacro has also provided a code "BLOGGER" for 40% off your first purchase!!  How great is that!  Head over now and take a look, and happy munching!

The Night Run Recap

I've been really awful about getting this review up, sorry about that. Two weeks ago I was able to run in The Night Run thanks to my local run group Run Eat Tweet AZ! 

Packet Pickup at iRun

Ran into fellow Run Eat Tweet AZ CRO Jaime! We're pretty excited for race day!

Initially I was pretty excited about this run. I've only just begun racing this year and was looking for something fun to run, and I run way better at night than I do in the morning, so this seemed to fit the bill. Throw in glow in the dark medals and a cool shirt, I'm game! The other great thing was that it was super local for me, just down the street 10 miles or so in a new location. I have anxiety driving to places I don't know very well, so this is a big deal to me.

Shirt design 2015 taken from The Night Run website

Medals 2015 taken from The Night Run Facebook page

But seriously, they glow in the dark!

There were two distance options an 8k and a 5k. I've raced a handful of 5k's so I decided to register for the 8k this time and found out all of the Run Eat Tweet AZ crew who would be there were running the same distance, so that was fun, they're much faster than me, but it's still fun to know we're doing the same thing.

That evening I drove down about an hour before the start of the race and found the FREE parking garage very easily, score one for the girl with anxiety. I just followed the other racers in the direction they were all headed and got myself to the expo easily, score two for the girl with anxiety. I'm telling you, the easier the better for me.

As I was walking, the crew was messaging one another where everyone was and I quickly found everyone within just a few minutes after arriving. Most of us snagged some group shot or another with each other as we waited for the race to start. I thought it was going to be much more crowded than it was, so it was easy to spot people.

Sporting Run Eat Tweet AZ Gear with fellow CRO Rosario!

The Night Run also put on a kids 50m dash that I got there just in time for, so I stepped over to watch for a few minutes. I was able to catch fellow Run Eat Tweet AZ CRO Amy Ruble's little guy all lined up to race, pumping himself up with his cute little game face on! Can a game face be considered cute? Well anyway, he was adorable and so were the rest of the kids! Each of them earned their own medal!

I really love our shirts! Before race time with Rosario and Emily

It was the "big kids" turn to race so we all headed over to the startline. The 5k and 8k all started together, which I thought seemed a little weird that it wasn't separated with different start times, but what do I know, it was only like, my third race or something. It was pretty crowded, but it seemed like it was going to be okay, so you know...just go with it right!

Before race time with the Owl!  From right to left Amy, Jeremy, Rosario, Jaime

I really love this shirt!

We would run the same course together, the 5k and 8k, but the 8k racers would have to do a second loop of the bridges on the course, so we doubled back a bit.

The start wasn't too bad, it was definitely crowded and took a min or two to get going. I got stuck behind a handful of groups of people going slower than I wanted, but with some patience and carefully timed bolts and weaves, I was able to get myself through most of them. By the time I got to the first bridge I was running with a steady flow of people going mostly my pace, so it was nice. I made my way across the bridge and down the sidewalk, up the one hill, across the second bridge and down the second hill.

Then the other thing that was causing me some anxiety, the split where the 5k and 8k sorta separated. I was worried I'd follow the wrong group, but it was very clearly marked and the volunteers were very vocal about which direction to go (I heard them through my blaring music) so I calmed down once I noticed that. I followed the path through lots of spectators and general park goers, most of whom stayed out of the way (I heard this was not the case for other racers) and made my way back to the first bridge for my second loop. Here's where the trouble started...

I was racing much faster than I had originally thought for myself, according to my Garmin, but I felt surprisingly strong and relatively comfortable, although sucking air (asthma), so I was riding it out. I made it over the bridge the second time and then HUGE snag! I had run right into the 5k and 8k walkers! Far be it from me to be upset at someone who has challenged themselves to come out and walk/run/race, it makes me so excited to see people who continually push themselves like that, but they were spread from one side of the sidewalk, to the other, with no gaps, no spaces, no way to get around them unless to shout and hope they hear me in time, or to run off the sidewalk into the dirt/gravel/rocks and pray I didn't twist and ankle.

It wasn't just one group, it was one after another after another...you get the idea. I opted for running into the rocks. I don't think I ever shout loud enough, and I was worried about making people upset, and let's face it, I was out of breath and shouting was sort of out of the question. There was a group of about 5-6 women running about as fast as me and we all kind of divided and conquered each group as they came. I stuck close behind one of them and paced behind her the rest of the race. When she dodged I dodged, when she went off the sidewalk, I went off the sidewalk, I put my trust in her feet, and she really came through for me. I'm super grateful. I made sure to thank her after the race! I made my way up the hill a second time and then ran into park goers who actually seemed to not understand what was happening and got in the way walking to the park, I dodged out of the way and almost into a sizeable rock, but maneuvered decently and got back on track.

The end of the race was a bit of a blur. I was desperately out of breath and fighting my brain which was telling me to slow down/walk and catch my breath, but I knew I was almost done, and my sights were on the lady in front of me and staying right by her. I had hoped to catch her in the end, but she really kicked it in gear, she creamed me across the finish line! What I didn't notice was the two guys hot on my tail, I kinda hope I actually beat them across hahaha! I ruined their finish line picture with my race face, so if not, that's their payback..JK, not really (except for my face, that was ridiculous, I gotta work on that).

I was a bit delirious crossing the finish line I wasn't really focusing on much. I was struggling to breathe but managed to reach out and take a water bottle from a volunteer who seemed like she was holding them hostage (maybe she didn't see me) and a kid who was wagging something in a baggie at me, I snagged whatever that was too and made my way to the Muscle Milk tent. I chugged down some water and the Muscle Milk and then went to grab some food, I was finally breathing better and realized how hungry I was. Next I made my way to the results TV's to check my official time and place.

 

I started getting messages from the CROs who raced, again, so I knew they were all done. Next thing I hear, they're out of medals! I suddenly realized I didn't have one either. I quickly scanned the stuff in my hands and realized the baggie the kid was shaking at me was the medal, I had gotten lucky and gotten one. I went down to meet up with Jeremy who hadn't gotten his and was standing around with him when the race director told him to be sure to email her and they would be mailing them to the people who hadn't received one. What a bummer for those who didn't get one on race day though!

Overall I enjoyed myself. The race was fun, in a very accessible place for me and glow gear is always fun. I'm not entirely sure I'd run this again. Maybe one more year to see the improvements made since this was the first year in this location. But I would struggle trying to decide for sure.

I would love to see the course separated differently for each distance. I'm not sure if this is a possibility, that would involve needing more space, maybe separate start times for the 5k amd 8k would help? I'm not even sure. The finish line was awfully dark, maybe some lights at the finish line? Volunteers to hand out opened medals, not just in the baggies. Is there a way to rope off where park goers/spectators are allowed to walk? This way they're not walking in between runners. I was lucky and never needed to use the Porta Johns, but I heard over and over how there just weren't enough for the number of people who were there.

I believe this could be a great race, I've heard that in the past it was lots of fun in its old location, so I'm sure it could be great in the new location. It certainly was a beautiful spot to do it. With all new things comes a learning curve, hopefully the lessons have been learned and some corrections can be made.

My own race, overall, wasn't too bad. For some reason the chronos chip time (9:18/avg mi) and my Garmin (9:08/avg mi) were significantly off from one another. That has never happened to me before, the time completed was merely seconds off, but my overall pace has a difference of 10 sec per mile overall, which is quite large. Based on the way I felt and what my training runs have felt like, I'm choosing to use my Garmin posted times, they seem to fit better how I performed out there. Kinda weird how that worked out, but that is not something that would shy me away from the race.