Miles For Mitchell 5k

Miles for Mitchell was held on May 3, 2014 in Herriman, Utah.  This was an amazing community event to be a part of.  This race was not competitive and is more of a journey to be the best that you can be.  It was a great run for me after having a baby a few months ago and not being in the best of shape.  This race had every shape, size, age, babies in strollers, families running together, dogs, and even two boys with the same disease as Mitchell in their wheelchairs.  The organizers and volunteers were so encouraging as well as runners (and walkers) cheering each other on.  The race was timed and even had pace runners but had a very relaxing feel to just finish.

An email was sent out a few days before about packet pick up and times for the race.  I wish they would have included the route.  I tried to find it online and could not.  I figured knowing the area and living close by that it would run around the neighborhood by the park.  But I would have felt more comfortable if I had known for sure where I was going.

Race packet pick up was super fast.  I walked into the RunGr8 store, told them my name, and walked out.  It is so nice to pick up packets during store hours so you can go when it is convenient for you.  The packet had so many free things that I wouldn’t expect for a fundraiser run.  I was very impressed with the coupons and free things that I can use.

The park was busy the day of the race.  My only complaint on race day was that we started about 15 minutes late.  Mr. Jones gave a few words of thanks and then we were off. The course was great.  There were three water stations with cheering volunteers.  There were also lots of officers to help with traffic and keep us safe.  At the finish line there were oranges and water for the runners.

When the race was over they did the raffle and then there were tables for the silent auction to browse through. My family came to see me finish and get a waffle from Waffle Love.  Everyone should be rewarded with a waffle after running.

There was not a medal for finishing.  The reward (besides the waffle) was helping to raise money for a great cause.  I did take the Miles for Mitchell lanyard that was in my swag bag to hang on my medal board to remind me that I did this race.

As I checked Facebook today and looked at the pictures of the race it was so fun to see pictures from around the world of people dedicating their runs for the day to Mitchell and DMD Awareness.  There is even a touching video found at http://vimeo.com/93898951 of race day.

I give this race 4 shoes.

Thankful13 Half Marathon

 

It was a blustery day in Lehi, Utah for the Thankful 13 Half Marathon! I am not a huge cold weather fan so I was a bit worried about signing up for this race. But I knew I needed something before I could eat Thanksgiving dinner. 

Thankful 13 Half Marathon

This was a well put together race. Emails were received before the race that detailed what we needed to do and where to park. The parking lot was small but right by the start/finish line, after the race it was perfect! Their website has all the information you need for the race and packet pick up. The hubby did packet pick up for me on this one, but he reported that the line was small and he got through quickly. And yes, my bag had everything I needed for the race the next morning.

If you have read my reviews before, you know I am not a big fan of hills. I guess when the race director said it was a flat course what he meant was, there are some small hills here and there. He also probably should have said, when you are just about done, you will encounter the biggest hill on the course. In retrospect, the hill was not that bad, but at mile 12.82 making me go uphill is like asking me to run another mile! I started talking to myself to get up that hill, and yes I was talking out loud! The runners passing me probably thought I was having mental issues (which wouldn’t have been far off).

I loved the medal and t-shirt! The shirt is unlike any other race shirt I have. It’s a tech hoodie and the turkey on the front, very cute. The medal was, of course, a turkey and makes a great addition to my collection. By far the best part of this half marathon were the signs put up along the course of things people were thankful for. They were funny, heartfelt, encouraging, and powerful!

The down side was the after race support. There was no bottled water! They had water in big jugs, but that water tasted funny! (I know I am picky about everything.)They offered hot chocolate and pumpkin pie. Nothing beyond that. I thought that because of my love of chocolate and desserts that I would love that after a race. But I wasn’t feeling it!

Overall it was a good race, but just was not exceptional. It was a great way to spend my Thanksgiving morning and as far as races on that day, there are not a lot of options. So do it for the shirt and the medal and the calories that you burn! But if you are limiting your races for the year (injury, funds, whatever else), there are better races out there. Thankful13 gets 3 shoes.

Herriman Step Rock Run

Herriman Step Rock Run is held as part of Fort Herriman Days in Herriman, Utah. It is priced just right for the features that they offer. It is more of a fun community activity with little extras, and not a more competitive race. The shirts are just normal T-shirts and not the cutest race shirts we have. The medals are very simple. 

My husband and I have done this race twice, once for the 5k and once for 10k. Both courses are full of hills. There are a few water stations on the course that help get you through the run but nothing extra.

They have a mile fun run for the kids and the non-runners. The fun run goes on the same course as the 5k and 10k, so you can run part of the way together if you are all doing different races.  

Packet pick up is held the morning of the race. The pickup line goes really fast. Both years we have done this race, the after race celebration has been different. The first year we did this race they had a pancake breakfast, the second time fruit and yogurts. They also do a drawing for some of the Fort Herriman Days events. After the race stay the day for the parade and games, rides, and activities held at Butterfield Park.

This race gets 3.5 shoes.