Hi, friends! Here is my first race recap!
On Saturday morning, we all woke up bright and early and ready to run! Thank goodness, the hotel had complimentary coffee!
Here we are waiting for the shuffle bus that Runner’s World provided from the hotel to the start line, which was about 20 minutes away. FYI: We stayed at the Courtyard Bethlehem.
Both the 5K and 10K races were held on Saturday morning. The 5K started at 8:00 AM and the 10K at 9:30 AM. I liked that the races were back-to-back, so you weren’t waiting around for hours and hours to run again. I felt like I had time to recover, but I wasn’t totally stiff and mentally out of it when it was time for the 10K.
It was cold at the start of the race. When we left the hotel, it was 39 degrees and warmed up to about 42 degrees when the gun went off for the 5K. There was a bag check at the event (it was super efficient, no lines), so most of us waited until the very last minute to take off our warm clothes and ready to run.
credit: Skinny Runner
I ended up wearing a short sleeve shirt, workout capris, and gloves, which ended up being the perfect gear. I was chilly at the start, but once I started running, I was fine.
I ran the majority of the 5K with Monica. We started out slow and steady and then picked up the pace toward the end. I was all about saving my legs for the half marathon, so I challenged myself, but I definitely didn’t go all out. I finished in 26:17 (8:26). Race #1 done!
Between the 5K and 10K, I grabbed my stuff from the bag check and went inside one of the nearby buildings to keep warm with the other bloggers.
The start of the 10K was a lot more enthusiastic (I think we were all half asleep at the start of the 5K) with rocking music, cheering, and fist pumping. It was a fun way to start race #2!
Again, I wanted to save my legs, so I kept a slow and steady pace for the 10K. The course started and finished along the same route as the 5K, but the rest of it took us through the streets of Bethlehem. It was gorgeous! I didn’t think we’d run the 5K route twice, but I was still thankful for the change of scenery.
I had some nice negative splits on the 10K, so I was happy with my performance. I finished in 55:33 (8:56).
Two down, one to go!
Lunch
After the 5K and 10K, I headed back to the hotel, showered up, and then headed to Panera for lunch. I refueled with creamy chicken and rice soup, half of a grilled cheese and tomato sandwich, chips, and an apple. Oh, how I love Panera! (FYI: Immediately after the 10K, I ate an apple, banana, and mini Larabar.)
I finished off lunch with a huge chocolate chip cookie that I split with Monica.
I spent the rest of the afternoon relaxing and blogging.
Dinner
Before I knew it, it was time for dinner with the editors!
A delicious, carb-tastic meal was served, and a number of the recipes were from the Runner’s World Cookbook.
FYI: The Kale and Almond Pesto was awesome! I also really liked the Turkey and Feta meatballs.
I loaded up my plate with a little bit of everything. Yum!
Dessert was also fabulous””check out the spread!
I went with the chocolate mousse and a cupcake. Yay, double dessert!
After dinner, we heard Dave McGillivray speak. Haven’t heard of him? Well, he is an incredible person. I still remember reading the article about him in Runner’s World earlier this year and being blown away by his accomplishments. It was even more amazing hearing him talk about them in person. FYI: Dave has a book, which I JUST bought on Amazon, if you want to read his story.
Dave is an incredibly humble guy, so his presentation was intended to be a teaching opportunity (he titled it “Defining Moments”) instead of a bragging session about his accomplishments, which he could have easily done. I am still in awe of what he has achieved in his life.
Some fun facts about Dave McGillivray:
- He’s run 126 marathons
- He ran a 2:29 marathon
- He’s a running philanthropist, who has raised over $100 million for various charities. (RW calculated this number because Dave is too humble to put a number on it.)
- He’s the original Forrest Gump. In 1978, he ran across the country””from Medford, Oregon to Medford, Massachusetts. He average 45-50 miles every day for 80 days with no rest!
- He’s run 41 consecutive Boston Marathons. He directs the race during the day and then runs it at night. He’s the last one to finish every year.
- Each year on his birthday, he runs his age. Last August, he ran 59 miles on his 59th birthday.
I’m actually planning to write another post about Dave McGillivray (he’s so inspiring), so here’s just a summary of a few things/lessons he shared during his talk that really resonated with me.
My game, my rules! Basically, don’t let anyone dictate how you should live your life. Love this!
My GREATEST accomplishment is always my NEXT one! Dave explained that you need to keep looking forward with regard to your goals. He said he couldn’t run a 2:29 marathon anymore, but it doesn’t mean he can’t still have marathon or running goals.
Personally, I really needed to hear this because I was getting kind of down on myself for not being able to run like I used to. It also made me think about my running goals moving forward.
Success is not the key to happiness. Happiness is the key to success. Do what you love; success will follow. So true.
Dave only briefly talked about what happened at the Boston Marathon last year. He was actually out in Hopkinton about to start his marathon when he was notified about the bombs, so he high-tailed it back to the finish. When he arrived, the Boston police basically told him it wasn’t his race anymore and took over. David said he did everything in his power to help those in need at the finish line and arrived home to his family two days later. He concluded on a positive note and said he’s looking forward to next year’s race.
Questions of the Day
Which do you like better: 5K or 10K?
What’s your favorite distance to race?
Who is the most motivational speaker you’ve ever heard?
Wow! That’s cool that he runs his age in miles on his birthday every year. What an accomplishment.
Lunch from Panera and the cupcakes later on, look great and definitely tasty! The best motivational speaker I ever heard was at a training I attended for work almost three years ago. He had overcome a life-threatening disease and now inspires and supports others who are battling similar diseases. When he spoke, his words were honest, candid and from the heart and it made the training all the more meaningful.
Nice runs! It seemed like a such a fun weekend, but holy cow, you must be exhausted — 3 races in 3 days!
“My GREATEST accomplishment is always my NEXT one!” That may be my new life motto!
I too thought that this was very inspiring. Keep looking forward to the next goal is a great idea.
what an inspiring guy.
Haha. The Long Run cupcakes are awesome!!
I prefer 10k as it can take me 20 minutes to get in to a groove!!! Nice times! Can’t wait to hear how the half went!
I like 5k’s better. Favorite race distance is the half marathon. I have heard Dave speak before and he is great.
I read Dave McGillivray’s book and loved it. I’ve never heard him speak though. I bet it was awesome!
I love that those cupcakes were called The Long Run! I have a workout specifically titled “I <3 Cupcakes" similar concept. Really gets you motivated!
My favorite distance is 6-7 miles, but my favorite race is the marathon.
I love motivational speakers and quotes. Sometimes just reading them online is enough to get me pumped up for my next goal.
Mmmmm Panera is so yummy!!
He sounds like such a neat guy–what an inspiration, for sure. Love those quotes!
Wow-what an inspiration! Sounds like one cool dude! Glad you had a fun and good runs.
oh that food looks delicious! And those are great times for taking it easy, good job!
Congratulations on 3 great races! I have loved reading all the recaps – I’m super jealous of the experience :).
Awesome job!!! I’d be so pumped to run a whole race in under 9 minute miles – I hope you feel proud!
Where’d you get your headband? I love it. Thanks!
Thanks! It’s from JUNK!
@Tina: I was thinking the same thing! Thanks!
That will be pretty hard when he turns 90 …
What a fun weekend. I love panera too! All my favorite bloggers in one spot!
Looks like so much fun! I would seriously LOVE to do the hat trick some time! What a fun way to challenge your body and mind!
SO FUN!!! I kept seeing IG pics & then came the cupcake IG pics from everyone! 😉
That looks amazing! i can’t wait to hear your new running goals!
I do crossfit and run. I just did my second half marathon in Melbourne. I love CrossFit and I love running!
I want to do a full marathon next year but I just can’t give up CrossFit so will be interesting to see how I go!
What a fun weekend!!! I would rather run a 10k over a 5k and my favorite race distance is the half marathon. I’m going to definitely put this cookbook on the christmas list…all these recipes sound amazing!
I loved your review!! I would reallllly like to try and make it up to the festival one year, it looks like a blast!! Way to go on your races!!
I like a 10K distance- get into the groove and be able to push yourself without dying!
Which do you like better: 5K or 10K?
I’ve done mostly 5Ks and one half that went pretty bad. But I’m pretty much starting from the beginning again. I couldn’t run when I was pregnant (doc’s orders) so now it’s trying to accept that I’m not going to be where I was before and that’s hard.
I haven’t really gotten to hear motivational people, but I love stories of long time loves, the elderly couple in the new swiffer commercials were on Ellen last week and it was amazing listening to them! The husband was hilarious.
Read more at http://carrotsncake.com/2013/10/runners-world-festival-5k-10k.html#dB3pqsDJCRdp4jDb.99
Dave is the Race Director for our race the Run for the Dream (you were so gracious to do a giveaway earlier this year!) — he is an absolute pleasure to work with and an amazing motivator!
Dave sounds so inspiring! 59 miles?….yeah…wow, that’s pretty amazing!
I don’t think I’ll EVER get to running my age each year, but I am certainly pleased with a marathon length!
I like 5 milers and longer. I have such a hard time getting into my run in the first 2 miles that by the time I am into a 5k, it is over. I like the distance runs for sure.
Totally not on the subject but I saw this and thought you’d like this! http://www.pinterest.com/pin/232709505719283068/
Haha! Love it!
Okay, I NEED that striped headband. Cough it up!
I love all the neon running clothes! I’ve read everyone’s recaps so far and it looks like yall had such a great time. Paner has the best cookies, right?!
Man -I needed to hear that… my body, after turning 40 has been a battle & I cant do what I used to… perfect advice on goals!
I’ve never heard of Dave McGillivray, but wow. What an amazing man.
Glad you had fun at the festival!
Tough question for me. I’ve run 2 half marathons and I’ve lost count of the 5k’s I’ve done. I still want to do a 10k and see if I like it but now I’ve only been running 3 miles when I do run, and then other cardio/strength workouts mixed in. 1/2’s are so much fun but the time required to train is the hardest commitment, so on that note I guess I’d say I like 5k’s the best now because I can just decide to do one and go do it. I surprised myself at the last one I ran with an unintentional PR!
I would rather run a 10K over a 5K, but I love the half marathon. I’m training for my first marathon in December, but I think the half will always have my heart!
I have chills just reading your recap. I can’t even imagine hearing him speak. Truly amazing.
Since I’m definitely NOT fast, I prefer half marathons
I just finished my first 10K on Columbus day and I was in love! It was the Tufts Healthcare Plan 10k for Women in Boston… I highly recommend it! Out of the 10k and 5k I think I like the 10k better because its a bit more challenging!
Sara
Major case of food envy right now!
I think I like 10Ks better than 5Ks… but my favorite difference is still 13.1!
I used to say 5ks were my favorite now of the 2 5k or 10k I’d pick 10 🙂
I love half marathons BUT I did the baa half and did not enjoy it at all so it’s making me rethink my love of halfs (or at least that one)
And the most motivational speaker I’ve ever heard was a YouTube video randy pausch the last lecture it’s amazing!
Oh my goodness, those long run cupcakes look amazing! What an inspiration to have such an amazing runner speak on the eve of your Half!
Great times, really well done!