My Sunday included running the Global Energy Race 10k. It's a worldwide series of running events that take place in 23 cities around the world on the same day and helps support food banks.

• First of all, the course is beautiful & challenging. During the 10k, you run along Papago Park, the Desert Botanical Garden and near the Phoenix Zoo. I caught myself glancing up so many times to check out the scenery. It was hillier than I thought! There wasn't a 5k or 10k course online, so I didn't know what to expect. It was challenging and hot, but I still felt good running the course.

• I felt safe from start to finish. The roads were blocked off superbly. There were cones and flag ropes. Also, there were many aid stations that offered cold water. I counted about 10 officers on the course to ensure vehicles not driving on the course.

• Give me all the swag, edible, wearable & feelable! I was in shock with all the swag that came with this race. A drawstring bag, tech shirt, one arm sleeve, tech hat & medal. When you were done with the race, you could turn in your bib coupon for a free grilled cheese sandwich. Also, tons of Bimbo brand snacks, Takis chips, bagels & water bottles were given out at the finish line. Massage Envy was there and gave free chair massages.

• Race management is on point. Local to AZ race company, Startline Racing, timed the race. They gave 2 options for early bib pick up and then you could get your bib on race day. I took advantage of the Friday pickup and everything went smoothly. The course was exactly 6.2 miles too. They were well organized throughout the entire process. I knew the Global Energy Race was going to be good when I found out Startline was handling lots of the details.

• Parking & portapotties were amazing. There were TONS of open spots. The parking lot was huge and easy to navigate, they had signs everywhere and it was free. Also, there were over 20 portapotties. I'm so thankful for that.

This was my first Global Energy Race and I do plan to make it a yearly tradition!