What does an almost 36 week pregnant lady who hasn’t run in 2-3 weeks do for entertainment? Create all kinds of race wish lists in her google drive. I figured it was time to write a post about it since my list was getting so long. I’d love any feedback you may have on these races if you’ve run them. I also am open to suggestions in the DC/MD/VA/PA area! I should also note that I’ll be joining MCRRC again in 2014 and will have plenty of low-key races to run with my mom friends – that is a must!
Here are what I have races I have been dreaming about lately and why:
April
After this year of DC races, I’m a bit DC-raced out… but the Cherry Blossom Ten Miler is one race I would do again mostly because there were no Cherry Blossoms during the 2013 race! The course is a typical DC race course, but it’s one I would repeat for the hopefully beautiful scenery. I am worried that the ten mile distance may be too much of a stretch 3.5 – 4 months postpartum… but I hope to get back to running at the 6 weeks clearance mark, verse waiting to closer 12 weeks like I did with Xander (mainly due to breast/milk engorgement issues and discomfort).
May
- 3 & 4: Frederick Run Festival
- 17: St. Michael’s Running Festival
- 18: Biltmore Kiwanis 15K/5K Classic
- 31: ZOOMA Annapolis
I would absolutely LOVE to participate in part of the Frederick Run Festival this year – even if it has to be a shorter distance and not the half marathon. Frederick is less than 30 minutes away and it would be a convenient race for the whole family. The St. Michael’s Running Festival looks amazing too – less than two hours away and on the bay. I think this could be an awesome getaway weekend for our family, but I know we will be making a trip to Ohio the week before, so all the traveling may not be in the cards for us. Traveling at the end of the month to Annapolis for ZOOMA again seems more doable. The Biltmore race is just a wish race because of location and not one I actually anticipate participating in during 2014.
August
Since I ended up not running this race as an ambassador in 2013 (and did a giveaway instead), this is most likely a definite race for 2014 – as my contact is open to working together again – yay!
September
- 6 or 7 (based on when it was this year): Parks Half Marathon
- 13: Run Like a Diva Half Marathon – DC/Wine Country VA
- TBD: The Color Run – State College, PA
If no half marathons happen in May, which is a potential depending on what happens with postpartum training, the Parks Half Marathon could be my first half marathon of 2014. It’s a half marathon put on by MCRRC and would be local/convenient. PLUS, I know I will mom friends doing this one and training together will be awesome! The Run Like a Diva half marathon in wine country VA looks like a super fun weekend and on my race radar. If I ran this, it would be my first time running back to back half marathons – could be a fun experiment/experience! And finally, there is a Color Run coming to Penn State sometime in September.
October
- 4: Hollidaysburg YMCA Half Marathon
- 5: Woodrow Wilson Bridge Half Marathon
- 19: Hershey Half Marathon
Ever since we moved to Maryland I’ve wanted to run the Woodrow Wilson Bridge Half Marathon. This has yet to happen and every year it also occurs on the same weekend that the Hollidaysburg YMCA Half Marathon occurs (my hometown). I have yet to run in that one either – it’s a hilly one! Guess time will tell if I pick one of these for that weekend. Now, what I am seriously considering is the Hershey Half Marathon. I think it would be an amazing weekend away that includes many activities for Xander – which I think he’d love. I’m guessing our only hesitation with the Hershey weekend is close traveling with the Indianapolis Monumental Half Marathon below.
November
- 1 or 2 (based on when it was this year): Indianapolis Monumental Half Marathon
- 9: Across the Bay 10K
- 23: Annapolis Running Classic
The Indianapolis Monumental Half Marathon is the only race on this list that is one zillion percent happening. I was supposed to run it this year and deferred due to being in my third trimester. My sister lives in Indy, so it will be fun to crash at her place. That said, this weekend adventure would mean flying with two boys as a family or me flying solo and leaving the boys with a weekend to themselves. This decision will depend on whether H2.0 takes a bottle (as you recall, Xander never did). The following weekend is the Across the Bay 10K which is high on my wish list and I’m not even sure why. I hate driving over bridges, so why would I want to run over it? Haha, nonetheless, I really want to do it. The Annapolis Running Classic is listed for completeness but doubtful that I’ll run in it.
December
- 7 (based on when it is this year): Nittany Valley Half Marathon
This is another hilly course and is near where my dad lives. If you’re sensing a theme about where my parents live, yes it’s rural PA with lots of hills, haha. I added this race to the list simply because of convenience and location. It’s a low cost, low frills, no medal race – but would be fun to do some races at home.
Whew! What a list! I would also love to add a race in Philadelphia to this list. One of my very best friends lives in Philly and we have yet to visit her. I know there are some awesome race options in Philly, so it would be nice to combine a race and a visit in the same trip. If you stuck through reading all my race wishes – thank you!! Let me know if you have any feedback!
What’s on your 2014 race wish list!? Should I be dreaming about anything else!?
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