Great Bling for ALL RACES

Having run the half marathon for this event last year, I was excited to see what improvements would be made this year. Inaugural events, by their very nature, have hick-ups. If you’ve raced for any time at all, you know that and run such an event at your own peril;). Last year, there were definitely some issues but nothing serious enough to discourage me from signing up again! And I’m so glad I did!

First off, the move to the Irving Convention Center was genius. It’s a great place to start a race and I felt the morning was very organized. There was no question of where to go and what to do. It was very chilly and it would have been great for the convention center to have allowed people to wait indoors for the start. Having said that, having the indoor restrooms to use before the race start was LOVELY. Much better than using a porta-potty!

All races started on time and were well organized including the corrals based on pace.

Me and Tisha (she’s a coach for Luke’s Locker and did a great job coaching me and being my friend!)

The 10K course is HILLY and was quite challenging for me (a girl who doesn’t do much hill work). I loved that about it, though, and was very proud of my PR considering the hill situation. My great friend Tisha (pic above) really did coach me and I have her to thank for keeping me strong even on those hills! Oh, and unlike last year, the turn arounds were VERY WELL MARKED with at least 2 volunteers ensuring that folks knew exactly where to turn for the various distances.

Me and my friend, Julie, who came in 2nd in her age group for the 10K! WTG, Julie!

After the race, there was great food and swag (as a vegetarian I didn’t get the free Chik-Fil-A but it was plentiful!) and if it had been a touch warmer would have been a lovely after party with the band and all my favorite people milling about. Who would have thought it would be 52 and windy the second week of April in TX??

Having not run the half or full course I can’t tell you about those, but every other aspect was improved over last year and it was a great event.

Irving Bible’s Small But Mighty 5K Corporate Team! (Scott, Jodie, Michelle and Bryan). Michelle placed 3rd in her age group! WOOHOO!

For next year, the only thing I would say is an Expo would have been awesome. If it continues to grow like I think it will, seems like that’s justifiable and just brings it into that much more prominence as a big deal race in Irving. Thanks to Ronnie and all the amazing organizers and, as always, THE VOLUNTEERS, who make these events what they are. Our church (which had a small team for the 5K) is already brainstorming how to get more of us running next year!! See you then.

Oh, and if you were there, I would love to hear about your experience! Please comment and share!

Happy Running,

Jen