This year was my fifth year running the Enmarket Savannah Bridge Run Double Pump Race. The race consist of a 5k (one trip over the Talmadge Bridge), followed by a 10k (two trips over the Talmadge Bridge. The 15k is a total three trips over the Talmadge Bridge that grants spans the Savannah River. While I enjoy the challenge of this race, honestly it doesn't get easier each year. I always say "Hills Build Character" and this race serves a PhD in character. I was a more strategic this year so I could conserve my energy for the race. Let's recap how this year's race went.

Expo
The expo was held at the Kehoe Iron Works Building on E Broughton Street. I arrived to the expo late due to traffic delays along the way. A friend picked up my packet before I arrived. I was able to quickly pick up my VIP wristband for the race. Thanks to BibRave and the race, my registration was upgraded to VIP. There were a few vendors selling appareal and services. One benefit of arriving late is that Fleet Feet was offering all their shoes for $50. Unfortunately, they didn't have my Brooks model, so I had to pass. The venue offered plenty of parking and other participants were able quickly pick up their bibs and tee-shirts.

Race Day
The race started at 8 am. The 5K and 15k started at Hutchinson Island. There was plenty of free and paid parking. I met up with a few BibRave Pros who were also running the 15k. This year, the race combined and organized the runners and walker into corrals. This was a great improvement over previous years where the two groups were separated and eventually combined before climbing the bridge.

Based on my previous year's experiences, I chose to run intervals (2 min running, 45 s walking) for the entire race. In the past I would run the 5k and then struggle during the 10k. Running intervals made the race easier and recovery faster.

5K
The first trip across the Talmadge Bridge wasn't that bad. With the intervals I was able to climb without using all my energy and not going overboard on the down hills. The 5k ended by the Civic Center and once I crossed the finish line, I continued on with the 10k.

10k
The 10k is the doozy. I probably walked a bit too much, but I chose to slow down on the second trip over the bridge so I would have energy for the last trip. It was fun to see all the runners in their costumes during the race. It was beautiful distraction. I also took time to snap a few pictures on the journey to the top.

The Finish
I finished in 1:55:58 and I was awarded 3 medals. The medals have moving boats on them. I also visited the VIP tent for a free catered breakfast. The tent also offered messages and a place to sit and relax. I had to return home after the race, so I didn't take advantage of those amenities. I took the free shuttle back to the start so I could head back to ATL.

I really enjoyed the race and plan to run next year. I think the race corrals were a big improvement to the race experience. I wish the expo was a bit larger and showcased more vendors (running and food) that highlight the Savannah City experience. I love medals and I am glad to add them to my collection.

I ran the race in mid-January through my neighborhood. Surprisingly it wasn't that cold, which made the run a lot of fun.

The Swag
My swag arrived well before the race. Due to shipping delays, the medal did not arrive with the other items. I received a tee-shirt, bib, and a cute pom hat. My medal arrived in March, which was fine.

The Race
I ran the race as part of a 5 mile progression run. I started in Decatur and took a loop that including running in the City of Atlanta. The weather was mild and there was plenty to see along the way.
I finished the race in 36:08 and had a post race celebration of sweet tea at Chick Fil A on my way home. The medal is unique and a great addition to my collection.

This year I had the privilege of running the Urban Bourbon Half Marathon in Louisville, KY on Oct 8, 2022. I finally go the opportunity to hit the road to run a new race and add another state to my 50 states journey.

The Expo
The expo for packet pickup was held at the Louisville Slugger Stadium. Packet pickup was quick and easy. Our packet included our bib, long sleeve-shirt, and armband with food/drink coupons. There were a few vendors present and we could test bourbon. I tried my first and last sip of bourbon. I am not much of a drinker.

Race Day
Race day was at 8 am. My hotel room was a 5 minute walk to the start line so I couldn't have asked for a more perfect place and time to start. It was bit chilly, but the weather was ideal for racing. I wore my race shirt since I didn't check the weather before I left. I lined up with the 2:30 pace group and my plan was to just enjoy the race and finish. Since the status of my foot was uncertain, I didn't know how it was going to work out.

We took off and headed toward Indiana. We crossed the Big Four Pedestrian Bridge into Indiana and after a short distance, we came back Kentucky. Crossing the bridge wasn't that bad and it was fun cheering on the front of the pack as they passed on the opposite side. I have not had the chance to run a race in Indiana so that was an experience too.

The remaining part of the race was a mixture of road and trail racing. I loved the trails. Running with nature made the run so much more enjoyable and calming. Even better, the race was flat with little elevation. I ran 2:1 intervals for majority of the race and I felt great. I finished in 2:36:09 (officially).

Race Afterparty
After the race, I headed directly the afterparty which was right behind the finish line. Hands down, the race had the best afterparty in the 4th Street Live area. There was live music and food. Every runner was a given an armband with coupons for pizza, beer, 3 bourbons, and stew. I ate the pizza and stew.

Overall, I really enjoyed the race and Louisville and would love to come back again.

This past Saturday I ran the Publix Savannah Women's Half Marathon. This was fourth time running this race, which included 2 virtual events. I was glad to be back on the course after 3 years. My only goal for this race was to finish.

The Expo
The Fashion Fitness Expo was held at the Kehoe Iron Works Building. This is a popular venue for many Savannah races. Race number and bag pick up was quick. The venue is nice and had many vendors. I visited around lunchtime so I only spent about 15 minutes at the expo. I was grateful for the volunteers who were taking pictures for the runners and giving out swag.

Race Day
One of my favorite reasons for running Savannah is the ease of traveling to the race. I was able to snag free parking a block from the starting line. The race was composed of the half marathon and 5k. Both races started together, but we split after mile 2. I remember the split because the Girl Scouts were giving out cookies (yes to Thin Mints).

My only plan for the race was to run on the right side and control my pace. Savannah is flat and as a result it is easy to start off too fast. I purposely walked the intersections to slow down. Walking also helped my ankles survive the prolonged flatness, so it was a win-win.

I finished in 2:30, which is a PR for this race. I had a great run and weather was perfect. I enjoyed the other runners and was greatly appreciative of the volunteers.

At the finish were given a Publix reusable bag of snacks and our medals. I didn't mingle for the post-race party, but it looked fun. The park also had an outdoor market too. Savannah is one of my favorite destination cities and I can't wait to return later this year.

This year I ran my eighth consecutive Hot Chocolate Atlanta Race (2015-present). I ran the 15k. It was great to be back in person and see many of my running buddies. This year was the first time in many years I wasn't the sweeper pacer. The race weather did not disappoint, it was cold as usual. Since I didn't expect anything less, I came prepared with 3 shirts, leggings, and gloves. Here's my recap of this year's 15k race.

The Expo
The expo was held at the Georgia World Congress Center on Feb 4 and 5. I attended on Feb 4. Prior to the expo, participants completed a survey regarding their health status. At the expo, packet pick up was quick and easy. I received my bib first and then picked up my Goodie bag (jacket) at another station. The jackets are nice and have plenty of pockets. Mine is a bit too small and unfortunately we couldn't exchange them at the expo

The expo had props, vendors, chocolate. The chocolate that is served at this race is so good. The volunteers provided fondue samples of Oreos and marshmallows with the delicious chocolate.

Race Day
Like a broken record, it was cold. I rode the MARTA to the starting line at Olympic Centennial Park. I ran in Corral G. I ran the first 5k using my Garmin training plan at a pace of around 10:30 min/mile. The weather started to get to me and so I decided to run intervals (2 min run and 45 seconds walking). I enjoyed all the sites, especially running though the Georgia Tech (my alma mater) campus. I finished the race less than 1:50:00 and was awarded a medal.

The best part of the race, outside of the medal are all the goodies at the finish. This year, they used a biodegradable mug for the items. I enjoyed the hot chocolate and fondue. I tried to act fast, but my fondue froze before I could finish it.

Cold and all, I will be back next year continue my legacy status. I am 2 races away from the 10 year legacy status.