Saturday morning I began the first of three races for the Runner's World Hat Trick. The Hat Trick, attempted by 800 runners this weekend, included three races (a 5K, 10K and a half marathon) in an approximate 27 hour period. I've never done anything like that before, but I'm always down to push myself in a physical challenge. In addition, I'm currently training for the Walt Disney World full marathon - my first full - in January 2013, so I figured the Hat Trick would be good training.
I got to rock some amazing Oakley Women's apparel Saturday thanks to Oakley Ambassador, Amanda. My favorite piece of clothing was the Shine Support Tank - hands down! It has a super cute back that I haven't seen before with any other fitness apparel.
I got to wear the pink top, but I will be purchasing the black and green tanks ASAP! I received so many compliments on it Saturday from other runners and spectators. I also wore the Oakley Speed Burst Tights. The leggings have a zipper pocket in the back; I put chapstick in mine during the race.
The Start was right in the middle of the Bethlehem Steel Stacks. It was a really neat location with a lot of history. I didn't really have an official goal for this race for many reasons: 1) I was running three races, 2) I haven't been able to beat my May PR of 28:30 except on a treadmill, and 3) Bethlehem has some crazy hills!
Once I crossed the Start line, I just kept running - even up the hills. The 5K was the first time I got to see Lehigh University. If you were ever a fan of American Dreams back in the day then you know JJ Pryor talked about Lehigh all the time until he joined the Marines. *sigh* The campus was absolutely breathtaking especially with the fall foliage giving it some pops of color. It definitely rivals Yale for best college campus I've ever seen (Lehigh post soon)!
Once I got closer to mile 3 I realized I could actually PR during this race which was crazy because it wasn't the easiest course. I ended up finishing in 26:33 which is still shocking to me! I got my medal and went off in search of my fellow FitFluential Ambassador buddies.
Overall, I would say the Runner's World 5K was a great race! I can't even hate on the hills that much. I was a little confused about the water stations because I couldn't figure out if stations were setting up for the 5K or 10K. I didn't end up getting water in the end anyway though. My second recommendation for Runner's World is that they set out all the medals in advance next year because they ran out, and there was a slight crowd forming when I crossed. I didn't have to wait long though until they restocked. I just think it's awesome that they even had medals for the 5K. I give 5 stars to Runner's World magazine's first race ever!
Be sure to check out my post on the Runner's World Half and Festival Blogger Event and check back tomorrow for more!
Stay fit and fabulous,
A
Disclaimer: I was given free race registration through FitFluential and Runner's World. I was given the Oakley clothes as well. I am not compensated for these posts. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Awesome PR, and what a course to do it on! I forgot all about American Dreams, omg that was my favorite show for a while. I'm sad with how it ended.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad I'm not the only one that watched it - I have Season 1 on DVD and the soundtrack!
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