January Virtual Race Recap

January's race is done! I was worried when I looked at the month of January I wouldn't be able to find a local race that fit into my schedule. Luckily Katie spotted this twitter road race and today, after Addison's 1st birthday party, I headed out. It felt good to stretch my legs, to zone out for thirty minutes, and to get my sweat on. However, this was not my best race for a coupla reasons. 

1. It was windy. No matter where I turned the wind seemed to be in my face, slowing me down, pushing against me, tiring me out. 

2. My pants kept slipping down to an uncomfortably low position. I probably stopped to hike them up ten times. For passerbyers that got to see my crack...you're welcome.

3. I ran with  music today, and usually that works for me for a short race. But it had been awhile and the music seemed distracting...and not in a good way. 

4. I messed up my splits on the Garmin while I was only ten minutes in and that always drives me nuts. 

I tried out the Nike sleeves and really liked them, they didn't budge the entire run. I have been wanting to try them to see if they'd be  a good race day option and I definitely think I will be trying them on my next race (non-virtual race that is).

So for all those negatives I listed above, I have to balance it out with a list of why I love a virtual race. For those of you new to the term "virtual race" it is simply a race someone in the bloggy world (usually) organizes. There are even bib numbers you can download if you want. Often they are in support, memory, or honor of something or someone. All you have to do to participate is sign up and run! Easy. 

I love virtual races because:

1. Free, that is a great price. 

2. When you are busy- you get to pick when "race time" is. 

3. Home course advantage. 

4. The shower is about 3 minutes after the finish line... talk about convenient! 

Thanks http://www.dougcassaro.com for organizing the race!

My final time was 30.55 or 9:58 minute miles. I'll take it.