Moms on the Run 5k - 2015

FIRST RACE OF THE 2015 SEASON!!!

Thanks to Moms on the Run for sponsoring.  All proceeds of the event goes to the charity 68 Hours of Hunger.  I recommend checking them out!

Picking up bib numbers at the pre-registration tables.

Soooo, it's done.  Wasn't a great time, but I wasn't sitting on the couch, either.

Things runners need to know about Dover, NH road races.  First of all, the weather is mercurial at best.  On a previous Mother's Day race, SwimGirl and I ran in long leggings and sweatshirts and were not in the least too warm.  This year, warmth was NOT an issue.  Being the proud owner of a "pasty, white girl" complexion, I ran in a long-sleeved wicking shirt in order to avoid getting burned.  Bigbigbig mistake.  While comfortable standing around in said shirt at 8:30 in the am, once I started running.....TOO HOT.  And I'd ever-so-brilliantly pinned my number on it, so there was no taking it off during the race.  I was a sweaty, red mess by the end of the run.

Next thing about Dover - IT'S BLESSED HILLY.  As in the old time-y saying, "Had to go uphill both ways to get to school."   Yup.  That about sums it up.  Hills.  Big hills, little hills and everything in between.  Hate them.

Gotta remember another thing about racing/running in New England states...in most areas, sidewalks are optional.  This loop was well-planned by the race coordinators, as they both are SERIOUS athletes, and sidewalks were available most of the time, not to mention the Dover Police Department had done a nice job setting out traffic cones to make additional street-side room for runners.  However, not every stretch had sidewalks, requiring runners to deal with running on sandy shoulders and having to maneuver around decomposing macadam shoulders.  Gotta love suburban trail running!

On a personal venting note, I do have a small beef for some of the runners.  THIS IS NOT THE OLYMPICS.  Some of us are leisure runners who run so we can enjoy carbs.  We are out for the exercise and fun.  We KNOW to start away from the front and to STAY OUT of the way.  Got that - no prob.  Please remember kids 12 and under are running.  They need to be educated about race protocol and given guidelines, not run over.  'Nuf said.

The race/run is fun, family-friendly, and spirited.  A family friend won the women's age group for 65 & over!  So cool!  It's a great way to start a Mother's Day.  I caught up with friends I hadn't seen for months, watched SwimGirl enjoy herself immensely, and my husband happily took pictures all morning.  Great start to a beautiful day.

Getting ready to step off!