Running Woman

I don't think of myself as a runner. Runners are people who run marathons or half marathons, 50K trail races or knarly uphill dirt tracks for 20 miles in the middle of nowhere. So far this year, I've done the three OC Chili Winter Trail Runs and the San Clemente 5K Trail Run. This same time last year I was someone who never ran, never wanted to run, didn't think I had what it takes to run. I still don't love trail running; it's dusty and weedy and I have allergies; I'm afraid of snakes (very afraid); and Porta Potties aren't my idea of adequate facilities. But, I do it and I fight it less now. I even, almost, look forward to running at the track now. My goal is to run the Irongirl 5K, June 7 in Del Mar. No walking - all running.

All of this training and running and racing leads me to some observations...

1. Any race worth running always involves a T-shirt, preferably a complementary color and attractive design.

2. The best races have drawings for prizes especially shoes and clothing!

3. Races with vendor fairs are always good; add goodie bags to the mix and you have yourself an event.

4. Truly civilized events offer cuisine. For runners this usually means power drinks, water, fruit and mmmmm muffins.

5. The very best races are for women, about women and by women.

Case in point: the Irongirl. Let's see - Vendor fair, post-race Breakfast Café, performance shirts sized just-for-women, personalized race bibs, custom finisher medals, post-race giveaways and reusable athlete goodie bags, a commemorative Iron Girl plush duck and one ticket to the San Diego Country Fair. And the icing on the power bar is a special rate at the Marriott. Now THAT'S what I call racing!!!