RACE #1:
Have you guys ever heard of Ragnar? Well, I happened upon this race when I was seeking out my next 5K to run and was immediately drawn to it. To some people, it might sound crazy to run from one coast of Florida to the other with a group of sweaty strangers, but to me? It sounds AWESOME!
Ragnar is a relay race series with legs of the race spread from Florida to Utah and everywhere in between. There are two legs in Florida and the one I will be doing is Central Florida. The route starts in New Port Richey, Fl and ends in Daytona Beach. Literally, coast to coast! The race begins Friday morning and ends Saturday evening. The best part of this race to me is the team aspect. You join a team of 12 runners so when it’s your turn to run there are 11 other people riding along in a van cheering you on, handing you water, snacks, etc. There are actually 2 vehicles for each team, that the team can decorate. Sounds like fun, huh? I’m DEFINITELY doing this race (and very much looking forward to it). The only thing I don’t know yet is if I will join an already formed team (Team Jello!) or if I will try to form a team of my own. I contacted the captain of Team Jello, Amy, and she was SO encouraging. I had a few concerns, one of which being my slow pace and she totally put my mind at ease about it. Anyway, have you ever heard of Ragnar or ran in one before? I’d love to hear your stories if you have!
RACE #2:
It’s no secret that I have been planning to run this year’s Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving day. I’ve only been saying it since last year’s Turkey Trot! I said that day that I wanted to be able to run it this year. So, yeah, I’ve been looking forward to being able to post comparison pictures of this year vs. last year…being almost 60 pounds lighter and running as compared to last year walking…fitting into a smaller shirt. You know, coming full circle. But here’s the thing. I think I’ve been looking forward to the BLOG POST more than I am the actual race…and here’s why. I got an email the other day from Gulf Coast Runners Club with registration information for the Gobble Gobble Four Miler.
This race has ME written all over it! Seriously, I checked out the website for it and was like OH YEAH sign me up! The thing that impresses me the most about this race is their commitment to go “Green”. There will be NO disposable cups used at the water stations, organic cotton t-shirts, reusable banners, no paperwork in registration, etc. All proceeds go to St. Matthews House, a great local charity which helps the less fortunate. Sounds great, right? Except for one thing.
I can’t be in two races at the same time.
Do I run the Turkey Trot so that I can blog about it showing how far I’ve come in a year and all the symbolism/emotional ties that goes along with that? Or do I run the Gobble Gobble, a race that speaks to my heart and a race that I truly believe I will ENJOY?
Do I choose the one that will bring the cool blog post that I’ve been looking forward to for a year? Or the one that I really WANT TO RUN?
Believe it or not, I have been conflicted over this for a couple of days, but writing it all out like that really makes the decision obvious. Funny how that works. I’ve decided to follow my heart and run the Gobble Gobble 4 miler instead of the Turkey Trot. Choosing a race should be based on the route, the purpose, the cause, the distance – not because it makes for good blog material. The bottom line for me is that the Gobble Gobble is a race that I can support 100% and I really want to be a part of it.
So, come Thanksgiving, you won’t see a post focused on Josie’s progress in the Turkey Trot. Instead, you’ll read about my experience in Florida’s first cup-free race, the Gobble Gobble 4 Miler and how we drank from Hydra-pouches and how I got an online goodie bag instead of a physical one…and all the other ways this race is eco-friendly…
Now that’s something worth blogging about!
227 miles walked/jogged/ran since January 1st. (2010 Goal: 500)
55.0 miles biked since January 1st. (2010 Goal: 300)
(6) 5Ks finished since January 1st.
{ 11 comments… read them below or add one }
Great races ahead Josie! I am looking forward to reading your post. I think you can follow your heart and still have a cool post…:-)
Good choice, you definitely should run the one you want to do mostly.
We have some like Ragnar called the “Roparun”. It’s a fundraiser for a charity of your choice and you run with a team from Paris to Rotterdam in Holland. I believe the team starts on Friday and finishes on Monday and it has 6 runners. It’s so popular you will be place on a waiting list if you want to participate with a team.
Shout out to Team Jello!
I love it! We’re looking forward to the race too.
I agree that you should run the Gobble Gobble race. And why can’t you still have the motivating blog? Ok…so it’s not the SAME race….it’s still A race! You’re still running and living a healthier lifestyle that you were a year ago. We’re still anxiously awaiting the “how far I’ve come in a year” post!
Running a race, period, is the principal of the matter. Gobble Gobble or Turkey Trot, you are still RUNNING A RACE! The Gobble Gobble will still have symbolism and emotional ties, because you’re RUNNING a race!
.-= Erin´s last blogblog…Summer’s Last Hurrah- Part II =-.
Good call, Josie! Plus, this is a longer race and you’ll complete it faster! I think that will STILL make for an awesome progress post!!
.-= beej´s last blogblog…Back to LIfe- Back to Goals =-.
Hi Josie! Ragnar is awesome! They have one here every year that runs from Logan to Park City through some beautiful mountains. I’ve only watched in the past, but I’m determined to make this one of my goals as well. –Coast to coast in Florida sounds AWESOME! You will totally rock it!
I was all ready to say follow your heart when you answered the question yourself!!! Josie, great goals! It is still gonna be an awesome post!
.-= Jody – Fit at 52´s last blogblog…Homemade Pickle Recipe! =-.
Both races sounds great! One that has a great idea behind it and one that has a great cause behind it. You can’t go wrong!
.-= Kimberley´s last blogblog…A Much Better Day =-.
Isn’t it cool that in a year’s time you are conflicted about which races to run? What a transformation. Charge>>>>>>
Josie – amazing that your big decisions these days are about which incredible race to run! I love it!
Your passion for running is contagious, you make me (who isn’t the biggest fan of running usually) want to pick another race to go for…
.-= Meegan (redstar5)´s last blogblog…Week in Review =-.
Do the Gobble Gobble one. If it speaks to you and you’ll enjoy it there is no question. And how awesome is it that you are considering which races to run?! That’s cool!
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