Adjusting Distance to Meet the HeatI'm jealous when I see people posting cool temperatures in northern states. Here in Florida it's still Summer. This morning was the Celma Mastry Ovarian Cancer Foundation's One Step Closer to the Cure 5K and 10K. I consider the One Step race an unofficial kickoff to my Fall racing schedule. Not that it EVER feels like Fall! This morning it was 79 degrees with 87% humidity at the starting line. This race is special for lots of reasons. I think my favorite part is when ovarian cancer survivors walk while holding teal helium balloons. It's moving when you see someone out on the course with a balloon. And, it's touching to read the shirts racers wear to honor people they love. It all tugs at my heart. Switching to a 5KEarly in the race I decided to run a 5K, rather than the 10K. It gave me a chance to test my race pace in the heat and humidity. The 5K was flat, but still a challenge: because high temps. My pace was faster than expected. Now, I have a starting point for this half marathon training cycle. Target Heart RatesI wanted to keep my heart rate at the low end of Zone 4 for the entire race. My average was 145 BPM, except for the final kick at 167 BPM. So, that was on point. It feels like my summer training is working. Below is a heart rate chart from the American Heart Association. This chart shows AVERAGES. You'll see acceptable heart rates differ by age. Other factors like medications and weight come into play, too. I'm still learning about running by heart rate. It's been a useful guide in the heat and humidity of Summer. You can learn more about heart rate training and it's purpose by reading this Runner's World heart rate training article or reviewing the heart rate calculator info on Active.com. Charming Race for a Good CauseOverall, the One Step Closer to the Cure is a charming race. Both the 5K and 10K start and end on St. Pete's waterfront at Albert Whitted Park. It's always a good view when you run around #dtsp. So much is changing downtown, it's good to get a foot level tour of the changes.
Thanks for a good race, CMOCF.org —see you again next year! Does Running Make You Hungry?If you're like me, then you're hungry after you run. Okay, okay, I admit sometimes I'm hungry before and during the run, too! Well, there's no reason to run hungry with the line up of races offered this September around Tampa Bay. I've compiled a list of some delicious options below. You'll find new races and returning favorites. Enjoy! 5 September Races with Food Themes + a Bonus 1. Chick-fil-A Tampa Bay Fall Stampede 5K, 1 Mile Walk
Chick-fil-A cows will be available for photos. There's a post-race party in the Family Fun Zone including Chick-fil-A food, games, and prizes. Chick-fil-A has sponsored the event since it began in 2012. The Fall Stampede had over 1,500 runners last year. The event has raised about $307, 500 in net proceeds. Packet Pickup at the Children's Cancer Center, 4901 West Cypress St., Tampa Thursday, September 7th from 4PM to 8PM Friday, September 8th from 8AM to 2PM 5K and 1 Mile races are $35; Virtual Race Available for $30 Register: Tampa/ChickfilAFallStampede 2. Fit Foodie Festival & 5K in Clearwater
The full name of this event is: John Hancock Hosts The Cooking Light & Health Fit Foodie Festival & 5K. Now that's a mouthful! After the 5K timed race, runners are invited to taste a variety of delicious foods and beverages in the post race Vitality Village. Last year's runners reported the tastings and giveaways were generous. There were food demos and workouts, too. It's a family friendly event. Every 5K runner receives a medal. Goodie bags include samples from sponsors. Race shirts aren't included with registration, but branded apparel is for sale on race day. Packet Pickup at Fit2Run 2223 N. Westshore Blvd., Tampa Happy Hour at Fit2Run - International Plaza Friday, September 8th from 4-7 PM 5K is $45; increases to $55 on 9/8/17 Register: Clearwater Fit Foodie Festival & 5K 3. Hooters to Hooters 10K and 5K
The race begins and ends at the original Hooters location in Clearwater, FL. The 10K course is a mix of road and paved trails. The 5K course is all road running. Both races are chip timed. Awards are 3 deep in age group categories starting at 9 and under. Packet Pickup at American Running Company, 26024 US Hwy 19 North, Clearwater Saturday, September 9 from Noon-4:30 pm Race morning beginning at 6 am
4. Thin Mint Sprint 5K and Tagalong Trot 1 Miler
No strollers allowed in the 5K race. Stroller are permitted in the 1 mile Tagalong Trot. No pets allowed in either race. All registered Girl Scouts in grades K-12 will receive a FREE Patch! This race benefits the Girl Scouts of West Central Florida. After the races, there will be an awards ceremony and post-race celebration that includes unlimited Girl Scout cookies. Top three 5K males and females in each standard age group will be awarded their favorite box of cookies. Additional awards for overall 5K and 1-mile male and female. All 5K and 1 Mile racers receive a shirt, goodie bag and finisher medal. Virtual racers receive a shirt and bib only; no medal. Packet Pickup Thursday, Sept. 14. 12-6pm: Girl Scout Leadership Center, 4610 Eisenhower Blvd., Tampa Friday, Sept. 15. 12-6 pm American Running Company, 26024 US Hwy 19 North, Clearwater Race Morning: on site before the races 5K is $30; 1 Miler is $15; Virtual is $10; Samoa Challenge is $35 Register: Thin Mint Sprint or Tagalong Trot or Samoa Challenge 5. PB & J Run 10K 5K and 15K Challenge
All 15K runners must register online by 9/1/17 to receive an extra perk: Zensha socks! Take a look below at the PB&J sandwich medal and race shirt. The first 100 finishers in the 5K and 10K races will receive the cooler bag. The closed-course, chip-timed PB&J 5K/10K will kick-off from beautiful Coachman Park. The event includes a post-race expo with interactive vendors, music, and complimentary food and drinks for all runners. 100% of proceeds from the race will benefit Pinellas County children through the services of local 501(c)(3) non-profit Directions for Living. I couldn't find the packet pickup info. You can check their Facebook page, or PBJRun.com for more information. 5K is $20; 10K is $25; 15K Challenge is $35 Register: PB&J 5K 10K and 15K Challenge Bonus Cookie Round!
Cookies for the Cure – 1 Mile Fun Run/Walk
There is a 5K, 10K, 15K Challenge and Virtual Race: $15-$55. Ovarian Cancer survivors race for free. Youth entries are discounted. Register: Step Closer to the Cure 5K 10K 1Miler or 15K Challenge
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Yesterday, I picked up my runner packet for this Saturday's One Step Closer to the Cure 10K in St. Petersburg. Tuesday's pickup was available at the St. Pete Running Company from 4:30 to 6:30 pm. I arrived at 4:31 and was surprised to see a line already. A few minutes in, the line was moving. We were handed our goodie bags while in line, then got our bib and shirt at the check in table. Onsite registration was also available.
This is one of the better goodie bags I've seen lately. I really, really like the hat and shirt. Lots of sponsors contributed so runners received a purple drawstring bag, pens, notepads, water bottle, samples, coolie, wristband, pillbox, samples, literature and my favorite — a bright green stick on pocket for the back of your phone to hold your ID and credit cards. |