This weekend I am running half marathon #10 for 2014! Only 3 more to go after this. This race was supposed to be my “A” race for the spring. I had big hopes of pushing for a sub-2:10. While I haven’t ruled it out, I’m thinking it’s not likely. Why? Because Mother Nature has decided to go straight from soup weather to hot weather. And I don’t deal well with the heat at the beginning of the summer. So, I guess I’ll make a game day decisions as to how to handle the race.
So, in keeping with Mar, Courtney, and Cynthia’s theme:
5 Things I Love about the Frederick Running Festival
1. The location – Frederick is only about an hour from where I live in Virginia, so it’s super easy to get to. I love that it’s close and accessible, but has a much more “small town” feel than the very urban area I live in.
2. The packet pickup – There are lots of options for packet pickup for this race. You can pick up at multiple locations in the days leading up to the race and then there is an expo on the day before the race. Last year, I was in and out in a matter of minutes on Saturday afternoon.
3. The course – Last year I LOVED this course. It’s got a bunch of small rolling hills and only one big hill. I run best on rolling hills as it seems to keep my legs fresher and break things up. The scenery varies quite a bit as you move from the start, through the downtown, out into some other neighborhoods, and then finish at the track.
4. The bling options – Why just get one medal with you can get extras? Want the Nut Job? Run the 5k the night before. Want Titanium Girl? Run Iron Girl (it was last weekend) and Frederick. Want the Maryland Double? Run Frederick and the Baltimore half. They even have a new one this year: King Crab. Run Frederick, the Baltimore 10 miler, and the Baltimore half. The swag for that is pretty sweet! I’m only running the Frederick half this year, but last year I did the Nut Job and had a blast. Maybe next year I’ll go for Titanium Girl…
5. The size – With 5000 runners, Frederick feels about perfect to me. It doesn’t take long to get out of the start pack, but at the same time, you are never really by yourself. Other than my teeny tiny loop races, this is the size race I prefer most. As Goldilocks would say, this one is “just right”.
Bonus: I have a bonus reason for loving this race. One of our closest friends lives practically on the course. This provides me with a free place to stay and an easy commute to the start/finish line (I can walk there!). For the second year in a row, the boys are not going with us because they have sleep overs. Woot!
Carb loading last year after the 5K the night before the half:
Are you running Frederick? I’ll be the girl in the skirt and compression socks. Say hi if you see me.
And don’t forget to enter the Lift Your Sole giveaway! A new giveaway starts next week!
Good luck and have fun this weekend. I’m sooooo bummed that I had to defer, but my body thanks me 🙂 Can’t wait to hear about it!
Thanks! I can’t wait. Love this race.
See you there! I am excited for this race. The info we’ve gotten electronically is amazing! I’m going to get my packet tomorrow and glad to hear you got in/out quickly. I have limited time.
See you Sunday!
Cynthia @ You Signed Up For What?! recently posted…Friday Five: 5 Things I Love About Morning Workouts
Hope pickup goes well for you. It was great last year. I plan to run it every year, as long as my boss doesn’t move LOL.
Good luck! This sounds like a great race weekend 🙂 I’ll have to add it to my list for next year.
Chaitali recently posted…Friday Five – MCRRC beginning runner training program
I’ll be there!
Jealous that they have so many cool options for medals! I am a huge sucker for being able to bring home as much bling as possible! I am the same way when it comes to running a course with some hills. Some of my best times have been courses with rolling hills. If it is flat I just can’t go that fast! Good luck this weekend and have a great race!
Michelle @Baby Blues to Running Shoes recently posted…Friday Five: things I love about the running community
Yeah, I love me some bling!
Jealous!!! I LOVED this race last year. For my first, I could not have picked a better half marathon to run. LOVED the crowd support, the size of the race was perfect for me, everything was just great. Except the hill around mile 12.5 or whatever (before you run around the track to the finish line). That was not my idea of a good time. LOL
I hope you have a fantastic time! Wish I could be there. Maybe I’ll run it again next year.
Diana recently posted…Do You Sweat Pink?
I’m planning to be there again next year – we’ll have to meet up if we both do it.
Have a great race this weekend! I’ve never done Frederick perhaps you can talk me into it next year.
Deborah Brooks recently posted…Friday Five things I love about indoor cycling (and Quinoa cakes)
I plan to keep doing it as long as my boss lives there…
I’ve heard some good things about this race. Good luck and have fun!
Meranda@fairytalesandfitness recently posted…All the Extra Things to Love about the Big Sur Marathon
It.was.awesome! I plan to do it again!
I’m not running Fredrick so enjoy the run for me!
jill conyers recently posted…The Ultimate Coffee Date #2
I did enjoy it! You need to come out for some East Coast running.
Hope you had a great race! I’ll definitely have to consider running Frederick in the future.
Kathryn @ Dancing to Running recently posted…Friday Five – May 2nd – Five Things I Love About My Dog
Yes! Join me next year!
hope you had a great race! i’m getting married right outside of frederick (middletown) next month so i’ve spent a bunch of time in the area! 🙂 can’t wait for your race recap!
Courtney @ Eat Pray Run, DC recently posted…The Anatomy of a Great Run
I love that area. Too bad it’s a long commute to DC.
I hope you had a great race and I look forward to reading a recap (if you decide to write one).
Jenn@Mark My Miles! recently posted…MOM Month:Month of Mileage!
It was a great race. The recap is on the blog now.