Last year was my first year doing this race and I got really sick if you remember-the heat, the humidity followed by finding out a week later that I had cancer. So, I was a bit anxious about the race this year as I didn't have fond memories of it.
The B10 starts and ends at the Baltimore Zoo. The first two miles are downhill and it's an up and back course so the last two miles are uphill. I'm saying this so I remember this next year-Hills,hills followed by more hills! Here's the elevation chart.
I went to packet pick up on Global Running Day at the local Dick's Sporting Store since it was convenient to me. The line was short; just pick up your bib since you don't receive a shirt and there really isn't an expo for this race. I was able to snap a quick picture!
The night before I laid out my outfit since it was supposed to be hot and humid again along with my prayers. This is a race tradition for me to do since I started running. I love my flat me's and my prayers! :)
The alarm went off early, snapped a quick picture and off to meet friends to carpool!
We arrived at the zoo, parked and walked toward the runner's village and start line. I love these ladies and have been extremely blessed to have run several races with them this spring and will continue to run races with them into the summer months! I couldn't have asked for more better running friends who help keep me motivated, laugh and smile and have fun with our adventures! Thank you, Christina and Tammy-I love you dearly!
I also ran into Sparkle Sisters who were wearing their skirts along with a friend from the Princess Posse. These ladies are wonderful friends and it was lovely to see them again! I love Sparkle Skirts and really don't like to run in anything but the skirts due to all the pockets and storage space available!
I also ran into another dear friend, Holly who is the thrifty runner. Check out her blog as every week she finds great deals on running clothes and accessories!
We started towards the start line and who showed up in a truck but "Blue" the Mascot. Tammy started to run after him to take a picture and so I decided to join the fun! I'm sure that it looked crazy as the truck was trying to make its way through the crowd of runners as I was running after it trying to take a picture. I did manage a picture!
The race started and we were off. As I stated earlier,the first part of the race is downhill. This race is very well supported with water stops every two miles along with police and volunteers. My favorite water stop was the one with Girls on the Run. These girls were extremely supportive both at the beginning and end of the race. They made me so proud of them and their wonderful way to give back to the running community-THANK YOU!
The race winds around Lake Montbello and back towards the zoo. I was a bit disappointed as last year I remember that the water stop had chips, granola bars along with great community support and this year none of that was there. I also remember getting really sick around the lake last year and not sure if I could finish but realizing that if I could (and I did) that I was half done with the race. The hardest part of the race is the hills at the end and seeing/hearing the finish line only to realize that you have a mile before the race ends! Tammy got a great picture of me heading towards the finish line; thank you!
I crossed the finish line and was handed a cold towel along with my medal. There were tables of bananas, watermelon, apples, granola bars, bottles of water and crab chips! This is one of the reasons why I love this race-the stuff that you receive at the end! Again, followed by quick pictures of finishing and then off to get the best part-a jacket! Yes, you receive a great jacket as your swag for this race! I didn't get the beers in the runners' village as we were going to lunch but you also receive two free beers!
For lunch, we decided to go to a local restaurant, Paper moon diner. The girls had never been there while being close to the race and it is just fun. Very eccentric, eclectic and technicolor as their webpage states! Here's one picture from inside. If you are ever in Baltimore, it's a must visit! Great food and atmosphere and the milkshakes are to die for!
Yes, we did get milkshakes. We deserved them after 10 miles of hills, heat and humidity! Runner's worse enemies! LOL!
Again, I love running with these ladies and sharing our adventures after our races! Will I do this race next year? Yes but I will remember those hills!
I wanted to say thank you to all the race personal, the police and EMTS who were along the course keeping us safe along with all the volunteers! You make the races for us and we wouldn't be able to enjoy our running adventures without you! THANK YOU!
Till next time and remember, my journey continues...If you can dream it, you can do it as Walt Disney said!
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