This Old Runner Writes About Running

One Step Closer to the Cure 10K 5K

9/22/2018

Adjusting Distance to Meet the Heat

I'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.

St Pete's downtown waterfront never disappoints. It was a beautiful sunrise before the race today. In the distance you can see the new pier in progress. (Photo credit: This Old Runner)

2018 One Step Closer to the Cure Medal for 5K race.

Early in the race I decided to shorten my run to the 5K. It was a good test for the 2nd week of half marathon training. (Photo credit: This Old Runner)

Switching to a 5K

Early 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 Rates

I 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.

Chart from American Heart Association

Charming Race for a Good Cause

Overall, 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!

Run All the Miles. Eat All the Food.

8/28/2017

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

No medals, but plenty of chicken sandwiches!

September 9, 2017 • 8 AM
Chick-fil-A Stampede
Curtis Hixon Hall, Tampa, FL
6th Annual race benefits the Children's Cancer Center

The event includes a 5K, 1 Mile Family Fun Run/Walk, and a Mascot Race.

No pets allowed on the course.

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

Fit Foodie 5K Medal in shape of a Pineapple.

It's a pineapple medal, people!

September 9, 2017 • 8 AM
Fit Foodie Festival & 5K
Coachman Park, Clearwater
Benefits: No Kid Hungry

The 2nd annual festival in Clearwater will feature elite runners, Meb Keflezighi, Caroline Rotich, and executive chefs Rene Marquis and Barry Reid.

The event includes a 5K, with bites to eat on the course, followed by a food festival in the park.

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

Sunday, September 10, 2017 • 7:30 AM
Hooters to Hooters 10K, 5K
2800 Gulf to Bay, Clearwater

All pre-registered runners receive a pair of Wright socks, plus free beer and wings after the races.

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

10K is $30 until 9/1;
$35 from 92-9/9; $40 on race day

5K is $22 until 9/1;
$25 from 9/2-9/9; $30 on race day

Register: Hooters to Hooters 10K 5K

4. Thin Mint Sprint 5K and Tagalong Trot 1 Miler

September 16, 2017 • 8 AM
5th Annual Thin Mint Sprint and Tagalong Trot
Safety Harbor Marina
Benefits Girl Scouts WCFL

RETURNING IN 2017:
The Samoa Challenge participants run both the 5K and 1 Miler at a discounted price.

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

September 23, 2017 • 8 AM
PB&J Run 10K 5K and 15K Challenge
Coachman Park, Clearwater
Benefits children via Directions for Living

There is a 15K, 10K and 5K race during this jam-packed event!

Online registration for the 5K and 10K races closes at midnight 9/20/17.

15K registration closes 9/1/17.
NO race day registration available.

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.

2017 PB&J medal, shirt, socks and 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!

September 30, 2017 • 7 AM
One Step Closer to the Cure
Albert Whitted Park, St. Petersburg
Benefits Celma Mastry Ovarian Cancer Foundation

The One Step Closer to the Cure Race updated their 1-miler this year to a Cookie for the Cure race!

The event has a 5K, 10K and 15K Challenge and a Virtual Race option.

Cookies for the Cure – 1 Mile Fun Run/Walk

An un-timed fun run and walk to provide an opportunity for nearly anyone to participate and support our support Ovarian Cancer survivors and patients.
All participants receive a special Ovarian Cancer cookie donated by Margaret Ann’s Catering and Cookies.

1 Mile Fun Run/Walk is $25 until 9/16. $30 from 9/17-9/30.
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

See you at the food, I mean finish lines!

One Step Closer to the Cure Packet Pickup

9/14/2016

Sweet SWAG

SWAG bag for the Celma Mastry One Step Closer to the Cure 10K, 5K and 1 Miler has a variety of items.

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.

Racers picking up at the St. Pete Running Company received a $10 off coupon.

The race number bib is also a coupon, worth 10% off a purchase at Fit2Run St. Pete.

Ovarian Cancer survivors receive free registration and are honored during the race. Races include a 10K, 5K and 1 Mile Fun Run.

Visit the Celma Mastry Ovarian Cancer website for more details.

See you Saturday morning for the sunrise!