Strollers in the back?!

Since becoming a mom and joining the Stroller Warriors Running Club, I've done quite a few 5ks and 10ks in the local (Eastern NC) area. At all of these races, those of us pushing strollers are told we MUST start in the back. And while I understand the intent behind this rule - starting lines are crowded, strollers can pose various hazards to other runners (i.e. wheels catching ankles, sippy cups tossed from the stroller create tripping obstacles), I think such a rule is antiquated.

I'm not leading the pack by any means, but there are several of us in the club that consistently place among the top of our AG and could probably even post faster times without having to navigate the crowd at the back. It takes so much more effort to run with a stroller or to hop curbs in an attempt to get around the walkers or slower joggers. This could be eliminated with a little common sense rule:

Know your abilities and line up accordingly!

If races are small in size, I use my judgment and try to line up where I will not be in the way of the speed demons, but will not have to struggle around the crowds as I start out. This usually puts me to the side of the middle of the pack. And while most people are accepting, I have come across the occasional naysayer recommending I move to the back. I always find a bit of joy in passing said naysayer:)

In no way am I trying to discredit those slower joggers/walkers in the back of the race either! I'm always happy to see a crowd at a race of any distance and support anyone willing to lace up their shoes and hit the ground running!

So who's with me on this one? Jogging with strollers makes us tougher, and it shouldn't be a penalty!

Hampstead Kiwanis Park 8k Turkey Trot

On Saturday, 19 November, my running club, Stroller Warriors participated in the Hampstead Kiwanis Park 8k Turkey Trot. It was the perfect weather for a run at a cool 50-degrees and this run was definitely geared for families. There were LOTS of strollers participating, even one with dogs riding along! They had plenty of music and entertainment before the race started, including a Zumba instructor showing off her moves and hoola hoops for the kiddos.

Without nearly as much warning as I had hoped for, the 9:00 start was upon us. In fact, we barely made it to the back of the pack when the horn sounded! In typical Stroller Warrior fashion, we used our strollers as battering rams (ok, not really) to maneuver through the crowd. I quickly caught up to our lead SW and we chatted through the first 2 and a half miles. I even managed to push both of our strollers while my friend took off her long sleeved shirt:) Just before the orange turn around cone, my stroller suddenly stopped...the front wheel actually fell off and rolled into a nearby bush. My friend, Susannah came to the rescue and held up the stroller while I reattached the wheel. (Lesson learned: always op check gear PRIOR to a race!) We got right back in the game and continued to say to each other, "I've got to slow down a bit, but you go ahead." Of course, neither one of us slowed down at all and it turned out to be a great race. Susannah finished 3rd female overall in 37:06 and I followed closely behind, winning my age group in 37:12.

We had lots of Stroller Warriors in attendance and the race announcer gave us plenty of shout outs. The only bad thing about the race was the crazy finish. We had to weave around a very strange path where we could see the finish line, but didn't actually know how to get to it. 

Here are some of the SWs in action:

This is Liz, and yes, she's always that happy when she runs!

Our club leader rocking her double stroller! Go Steph!!

We all decided to wear knee high socks during this race and it was quite a site:

This decision was inspired by our currently injured, but nonetheless present SW, Jessica:

Liz and Jess showing off their socks.

All in all, this was a fabulous way to kick off the holiday season. The more you run, the more pie you can eat, right?! One of our new members rocked this awesome bandana:

This might encompass my feelings about running:)

This guy is at nearly every race I've ever done in Eastern NC, and he runs with a full pack:

Not sure what look he was going for, but he's fast enough to rock the outfit. He passed us just before my wheel fell off.

SWs pre-race photo...only missing a few in the pic.

Couldnt' have a post without a picture of my weasel with the race Turkey, could I? She was a champ throughout the whole wheel debacle too. Love my girl!

Athleta Irongirl 5k - Del Mar

Sunday, 6 November I had the privilege of running a 5k with some of the most awesome female runners out there!  For those unfamiliar with the Irongirl races, it's time to check them out!  These all-women events are amazing!  


First I'll start with the expo.  I went down on Saturday to pick up my race packet.  I was excited to wander around all of the different booths and score free stuff.  I got a 5 min massage from the Active Posture Chiropractic (and signed up for a Bodywork Package for only $20...it's normally $312!).  I had my first Active Release Technique treatment from Dr. Anna.  I also found some Rock Tape from Dr. Corey. 

Courtesy of Dr. Corey!

On race day, I drove down to Del Mar a bit early, as Dr. Corey was doing free pre-race taping and I wanted to have my feet taped.  It made a HUGE difference during my run!  Then I linked up with my friend Danielle Thomas and we headed over to the start. This was a relatively flat course.  They had awesome music and the air held the excitement of some first time runners!  Runners ranged from the speed demons to those who were out there for the first time.  Some women dressed up and they looked great!  

I hate photos of my running, so whenever I see a cameraman, I "pose"

Overall stats for the race:
7/56 in the F30-34 division
27/944 overall
Pace: 8:10
Overall time: 25:17


Congrats to all the finishers!  Keep getting out there and doing your thing!


Have you ever run an Irongirl Race?  What did you think of it?

Rock the Creek 5k

Can you think of a better way to kick off a vacation than an impromptu 5k?  Neither can we!  On Saturday, 15 October, we drove north to participate in "the hardest 5k in DC.". Rock the Creek was held in the scenic (and aptly named) Rock Creek Park and hosted by the National Road Racing League. Although it was a small race by most standards, it was professional and most importantly, lots of fun.  In addition to having individual runners, several runners entered as teams.

The lovely ladies of Team Forester

Jen and Kristin pre-race

The race started with a fairly easy downhill mile. Then, the course flattened out as we ran beside the creek. At the turn around point, we were cheered on by volunteers manning a water station. In our minds, we had made the second half out to be a giant hill, but we chatted and ran at a comfortable pace and before we knew it, crossed the finish line. They offered great refreshments post-race and tons of raffle prizes (which we unfortunately didn't win). 

The hilarious race director who provided great pre and post race entertainment!  

Great way to start a Saturday!

From the Back of the Pack

For those that have run several races in their lifetime, I’m sure you’ve noticed a trend.  There are three groups of “runners” out there. 

Group 1: “The Elite” – these are the runners who immediately head for the starting line and have their game face on from the moment they lace up their shoes.  They wear top of the line shoes, tiny running shorts, and possibly a technical shirt.  They do not have friendly conversations with those around them.  They are visualizing the run in their mind and they can see themselves crossing the finish line first.

Group 2: “Looking for a PR” – these runners are seasoned veterans of the running community.  They look the part, but they already know that “The Elite” are faster than they are, so they don’t really have a shot at winning any prize.  They make small talk with those around them, but stay relatively focused on warming up and getting ready to really push themselves.  These are the daily runners who come out to race with others because it helps push them beyond their limits.  They establish goal times for each race and work hard to accomplish them. 

Group 3: “Social Butterflies” – these are the casual joggers, who may hit the road up to three times a week to train.  They linger in the back of the pack and chat up a storm with the other runners around them.  They compliment one another on their running gadgets and talk about what they should do post-race to celebrate.  They are out there to get some exercise, but more importantly, to interact with others who just enjoy putting one foot in front of the other regardless of the pace. 

"Look, I brought snacks!  Hey, let's snap a quick photo!"

I waver between groups 2 and 3, depending on the race and the distance.  Sometimes I feel great and use the other runners out there to really push myself.  Sometimes I just lace up my running shoes and hangout with the joggers, chatting about other races in the area.  The pressure we put on ourselves during races can either make running more or less enjoyable.  I find that a careful balance should be struck.  I will never be the next Kara Goucher…but I can go out there and push myself.  And on the days when I just feel like enjoying the beautiful scenery and being surrounded by others who share a common passion for running, I just meander to the back of the pack and compliment the woman next to me on her awesome belt that holds up to 5 GU Packs!!!