Latest reviews by Selfie

(2016)
"Brazen Races are the BEST. Bear Creek is TOUGH"
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This race was TOUGH but it rewards you with incredible views and plenty of practice for the pep talk/cheerleader part of your brain. Climbing up the course was grueling, running down it was super fun, and as always, Brazen had great course support, super cool shirts (thank you for continuing with cotton shirts – tech shirts are sooooo unflattering!), with designs that are unparalleled in awesomeness. And the food spread was great too - It's Its - yaya!

I recommend any race in the Brazen series to anyone.

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(2016)
"Golden Gate Park race that supports local charity"
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I used to run with Frontrunners many years ago when I lived in SF, and this year, I returned for the Pride 5k. I brought two friends (made them run it, really) and I was happy to see some familiar faces still part of the club, still running, and loving it.

I was hoping for a PR, but blew that by a minute. However, the course is beautiful, the crowd is so happy to be out running, and it’s Pride!

Tip: when you’re mid-race and you think to yourself “sh*t, I’m really out of shape..”, nope, that’s just the slow, steady climb along Lincoln way that is pushing on you! Bare down and push back!

Each year the race is a fundraiser for a different local LGBT beneficiary, and the 2016 race raised money for Openhouse – a program that helps LGBT seniors with housing, services and provides community support.

I highly recommend this race to anyone who wants a great Golden Gate Park summer race – and on that note – remember it’s San Francisco in June, so wear layers, and gloves are not out of the question - for real!

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(2016)
"Flat Fast West Highway Fun"
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I spent the summer of 2016 trying to PR my 5k. I wanted 19:50 but that turned out to be too much of a reach. I went out waaaay too fast, ended up gassing out and finishing with a time of 22:45. Darn! The race still felt epic since you run down the middle of the west side highway with the skyscrapers on one side and the Hudson on the other. Overall this was a fantastic race and I would recommend it to anyone looking for their PR course. I am still chasing/training for that elusive sub-20 so I'll likely be back on at this race next year!

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(2016)
"Mud Fun Beauty"
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This is a tiny, middle-of-no-where race with hills, mud, brambles, and badassery! This was my favourite run of 2016 (thus far, the turkey trot is coming up!) and I would do this race again.
Tip - watch the trail like a hawk for the course directions. A group of us got lost - luckily there are enough people out there to find your way. But carry your cell phone just in case (there is reception even though it's wooded).
The race supported the local Shepaug Little league team. Go, little league!

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(2015)
"There is a 5k too!"
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A small but hardy group of runners tackle this challenging and stunningly beautiful race around the UNESCO protected, Plitvice National Park. The park is near heartbreaking it's so beautiful with gushing waterfalls and crystal clear lakes. The marathon loops the hilly terrain and offers as much scenery as it does challenge.
I ran the 5k and it was plenty! The course basically plummets down 2.5kms, and then grinds back up for the homestretch to the finish line. I ran my guts out and then there was free beer - my favourite post race perk. Also, I came 1st - well, if there was a category by country I would have been first - I was the only American in the race ;) I highly recommend going to Plitvice Park regardless of whether you run or not. It's truly one of the most beautiful places.

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