I've run the Lady Track Shack 5k since venturing into running in 2010. The 2010 race was my first ever 5k, so I try to do this local race every year. What makes it special is that it's a "ladies only" race, only ladies can run it. Sometimes, it's nice to do a race with just ladies.

I did this particular year's race just before my first marathon. Since I run with a local Galloway training group, a number of us always frequent Track Shack's races. The 2013 race was no exception. A group of us all met up before the race and carpooled over to the race starting area.

The race takes place at Mead Gardens, which is a beautiful outdoor park venue in Winter Park. Since the finish is located right inside the park, you have to park nearby at one of a few suggested locations and walk a bit to the Gardens. It's a nice little warm up for the legs. Starting area is just outside Mead Gardens. There's usually a lot of folks gathered around the area cheering for you as you begin the race, especially guys. :)

The course takes you from Mead Gardens north on Denning Drive through the area neighborhoods which is quite beautiful. It's an older part of Winter Park and it's scenic. Now, there are bricks on the course, so if that's not something you are fond of, keep that in mind. But, I think the beauty of the course makes it worth running.

As you round the neighborhood, you come back around to Mead Gardens from just behind where you started from back onto Denning and straight into the Gardens. Spectators line the course as you sprint to the finish line. It's a nice way to end the race, with lots of encouraging folks all around!

Once you finish the race, there's a nice finishers area to enjoy with local businesses such as the sponsor, Florida Hospital which usually offers massages and physical assessments, as well as Planet Smoothie, Brooks Running and more.

I do recommend this race if you are a Central Florida local or happen to be visiting the area when the race is taking place. It's one to run or walk with your girlfriends and just have fun.

Check out my blog post on the race: http://girlsgotsole.com/blog/lady-track-shack-5k-and-more/

The OUC Orlando Half Marathon is THE half marathon to run if you want to run smack in the center of Orlando. All of the downtown greatness of Orlando is seen through the 13.1 miles of the route.

Race started at 7:00am and the weather felt great. Having worn a tech tee and Skirt Sports running skirt along with compression sleeves, I felt that I dressed well for the weather the day brought. I started off with some folks from my Galloway running group. We used 1:1 intervals and I was feeling great. By the halfway point, I felt a bit sore and slowed down, but I think the bricks are to blame. That is the one thing to note about this half marathon, there are a number of brick roads on the course.

Around the 8th mile, I met up with some other Galloway folks and I began running with them, still staying with the 1:1 intervals. It was proving to be a good interval which I felt great running. The bricks were getting to me in the last 3-4 miles, but thanks to the great company I was running with, I pushed through. Before we knew it, the finish line was in sight! It's always a beautiful thing to see after running a long race.

Once I crossed the finish line, I was given my medal by some of my fellow Galloway training program friends who were volunteering instead of running the race. Definitely a nice perk to get your medal from a friend! I received hugs, took some pictures and headed to enjoy the post-race fun.

OUC Orlando Half Marathon puts on a really nice post-race celebration. If you are into beer, it's a plenty, as well as various food to refuel with. It's nice if you're a local because I know a lot of folks that ran it, so we had a great time chatting in the finishers area.

If you are seeking a race that really shows off downtown Orlando and want to run more than a 5k or 10k, consider this half marathon. Just be sure you are prepared for the brick roads of the older parts of Orlando. :)

Check out the race report I wrote on my blog for this race: http://girlsgotsole.com/blog/race-report-2012-ouc-half-marathon/