Lessons Learned

Here are the top 20 in no particular order:

1. It's not cheap. In retrospect, I could've committed to 10 marathons, gained all the benefits and saved a bundle.
2. It's ok to walk. So many have finished races ahead of me after walking a lot, and taking selfies.
3. Fast runners come in all shapes and sizes, with capes and strollers, etc. 
4. Racing frequently takes the fun away. 8 in 18 days was too much for me. 4 in 4 weeks is healthy.  
5. Practice good sportsmanship. I make more friends and learn more by staying for the awarding, even if I don't win anything.
6. Running in the rain is fun.

A 50K was not part of the plan but I did it anyway

Crossing the finish line with Jennifer Palmer (left). 
Photo courtesy of Virginia Beach Distance Races

Yay! I'm an ultramarathoner. What does that even mean? First, a 50K is not ten 5Ks, although it is equivalent to it. It is hundreds of training miles, countless hours of running (and walking), aches and pains, strength training, and a lot of work that all came together to help me cross the finish line of the Virginia Beach Distance Races afoot on Sunday, Feb 8, 2015.

My first experience of a race does not happen at the starting line, it begins with the event website

First, I'd like to thank organizers of races everywhere. I can only imagine how much work is involved: soliciting sponsors, getting volunteers and training them, marketing, producing shirts to give away, securing a safe route, and more.

I have never organized a race myself, but I have participated in many. I am a strong supporter of various causes. In choosing a race, however, the cause is not my number one consideration.

#18 - Firecracker 5K, an explosive race

Susan and me

No, there weren't any fireworks, but this race was just as entertaining as if there had actually been fireworks.

Race #18 was a very well organized event that was held on Saturday, July 5 in Shillington, Pennsylvania. The race promptly began at 9:15 and by 11 am, I was already on my way home with my lovely trophy and a new personal record (PR). For me, the most exciting part was meeting fellow runners.

#14 - Run for Life

I finished this race in 23:56. I was dumbfounded. That's 3 minutes faster than my best time which happened 3 weeks earlier.  It usually takes me months of training to improve running speed, even by just a single minute.  How is this even possible?

#13 - Appalachian Aquathlon, 5K, & Kid's Triathlon

I participated in this event with my daughter, Michelle. It's the smallest race I've finished so far but the camaraderie among runners and volunteers was amazing. Everyone was a stranger at the starting line, but not after the finish.

#11 - Tortoise and the Hare

5K race #11 happened on Memorial Day Monday, May 26, 2014 in Wind Gap, PA - Tortoise and the Hare.   No awards here (maybe), but I might have broken my personal record.  I really cannot say for sure. 

#12 - Kreidersville Covered Bridge 5K Challenge

Corn galore

This is one of the most beautiful, well organized, and thoughtful 5K races I've finished. It was 3.1 miles of refreshing landscape.