After hot yoga on Thursday I was sore in my t-rex arms but my legs were ready to go. I needed to run. I hadn’t officially signed up for a Gasparilla weekend race but it worked out since my friend V decided not to run the 5+3K. This was the first year for the 5+3K, sponsored by Fifth Third Bank, get it? Five plus three. Clever, clever.
Anyway, the Gasparilla race weekend had four events: a 15K, a 5K, a half marathon, and the 5+3K. You could run any of the races and some chose to do 3 as a challenge or the full Monty – all 4. I call those people crazy. (Again, I won’t knock them too much since I can see me thinking this is a good idea next year…)
Since so many of my running group peeps were racing I decided to head out on both Saturday and Sunday. I watched the races on both days, except for the 5+3K that I ran. I can’t believe the volume of runners at the 5K on Saturday. There were 12,200 runners and walkers for the 5K. It was amazing, as evidenced by the photo below. I believe it’s safe to say that the running boom is upon us. Let it be noted that I was running before it was cool to run. Just sayin.
Both days were gorgeous for being outside. They were warm but it was worth it to see and cheer all of my friends on. The Lazy Runner came out for the 5K and he and Caribbean Steve posed for this shot.
And my little P-Funk ran a great race during her 15K. I love me some P-Funk!
As for my 5+3K, it went well. I wasn’t really “racing” per se, but I didn’t exactly jog it either. My legs felt pretty good considering I hadn’t used them in a full week. I held 8:30’s for the race and enjoyed running this new distance. It was a PR since I’ve never even heard of an 8K before this. I’ll take it!
Looks like everyone had a blast and ran well! I still can't believe it's been a year since our epic Gasparilla Final Voyage!!! Miss you Boo!!!
Awesome weekend! Sounds like a really fun event!
OHH is Ben The Lazy Runner? Looks like you all had such a great time!
The hills miss you too!
Looks like a good time!!
I don't think I have ever been in the mood for hills. Can you send me some of your motivation?!?
What a fun weekend! I run an 8k in March every year and I love that distance.
I got my Arctic Ease goodies in the mail this weekend, thanks!!! 🙂
That looks so fun! All 4?! That would be crazy!I'm running my first 8K in April. I'm pretty excited for it! It should be a nice easy distance but I hear it's a hilly one!
Cheered on my friends on Sat and Sun and ran the 8K as well. It was great to be there!
Aw sorry we missed you! The 5k as you noted above was crazy crowded. Mini me and I did amazing! She was really a trooper for her first 5k. :)I am one proud running mama. Congrats on ur 8k PR.
Sounds like a fun event!
I spent my weekend cleaning, first my house, then helping a friend clean up after moving. I would have rather been out in the sunshine running. It sounds like a great race weekend for everyone.
Where is the snow? Why are people posing with their shirts off? What world are you living in where people walk around in shorts? I want to e there!!!!
What a great weekend! I wish we'd have a little bit of your weather! We got a foot of snow over the weekend! Thanks for your book suggestion! It's next on my list!
such a cute blog- sorry that i'm just now finding it! : ) you are a serious inspiration with your hills! this weekend i ran a little, ate more, and watched so much tv it should be illegal.