Racing Again... with cows

I can't believe that we are half way through 2011 and have only done one race. At this point last year, I had already ran 3 marathons, 2 50k's and participated in a 199-mile relay... and that was in the first 6 months of 2010.

This year has been very different. I've been running consistently, but not training to reach peak performance for any goal in particular. I have been debating what my next race would be after the Oakland Half Marathon in March. I was eyeing a night race in Davis in Mid-July and hesitated signing up for it. Well, it's done. Consider me an official entrant.

The Change of Pace Moo-nlight Half Marathon starts in Davis, Ca at 7pm and will be a new experience for me and several friends running it as well. We've run at night during the relay... and by at night, I mean at 1 in the morning with a headlamp on the side of a hill. So I'm hoping that this partially lit course at 8:30 pm should be manageable. 

It's also part of the Nor Cal Half Series. If you complete 4 races of the series (and the last is Walnut Creek), you earn an extra medal. And I'm all about the medals.

The good thing is that having this race on my radar has helped me focus more on training. I may have waited until 2 weeks before to register, but having a date and distance to focus on has really helped me get the gears rolling again. 

Thoughts?

Facebook Challenge: Volunteer

I'd like to welcome a guest blogger, Elaine Smith. She has started a wonderful challenge that I want to share...

Marathons give me goosebumps... I've helped organize them, I've waited at 2 a.m. for the port a pottie deliveries, I've run one, I've lost a toenail training and I've cheered on friends. What gives me goosebumps is volunteers. They arrive early, they set everything out and then all day from the fastest runner to the slowest they give their heart, enthusiasm and hard work to make the day special. For the Providence Rock 'n' Roll 1/2 marathon I get to organize and recruit the volunteers, it's an honor! 

I was on facebook and thought how many people are like me? How many people love giving back, seeing individuals set their mind to a life goal and go for it? How many people drag family and friends out to do the right thing before enjoying a fun night out? How many people would volunteer for the marathon if I asked?

I created the FACEBOOK CHALLENGE to answer those questions and to find those people. I will be in Rhode Island working every shift from Thursday set up until the last water cup is cleaned on Sunday afternoon, August 4-7, 2010 but I want to challenge everyone reading this to friend "Elaine Smith" of Gilbert, AZ on facebook (or click here to view her page) and join the challenge or just go to the link below and sign up for the Saturday afternoon shift at the expo:

Click here or visit http://runrocknroll.competitor.com/providence/volunteer

If you have feedback, want to volunteer as a group or any ideas on contacting larger groups in Providence that may want to be a part of this please email me at 

Elaine Smith
eventsandvolunteers@gmail.com

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Thanks Elaine. I helped volunteer at the SF marathon for a friend (before I started running) and have been running marathons ever since. It's a great way to give back, a great way to participate on race day and is always needed and appreciated by the runners. Please feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below. Have you ever volunteered?