I had no intention of running a race as we were driving home from a trip to Southern California. Luck would have it though that we'd be going through Roseburg about the same time as the race and the family was kind enough to stop and indulge me.
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| Our "Incredible" Southern California Trip |
We had been driving all night up from Pasadena and stopped at the South Umpqua Northbound Rest Area about 3 AM. I caught a few hours of sleep and then we were on the road again to make it to the park an hour before race start. The family dropped me off and then went to breakfast.
I registered for the race and did a little warmup. Conditions were near ideal with temps in the 50s and weather overcast with little wind. There wasn't much of a turnout until it got closer to start time. The Roseburg folks turned out well for the 5K/10K. It seemed like a fun crowd.
The 5Kers released first followed by the 10Kers on a slightly different start. I attempted to hold back a little and not repeat my "out too fast" folly, but another runner was setting the pace and I decided I was racing to win. We ran together for about a mile and a half before he dropped back when we left the park. The meat of the race was on the highway shoulders. There was light traffic and a few aid stations but only a handful of spectators. My family drove by and honked at me which was encouraging.
I made it back to the park and began to meet up with 5K walkers. I didn't really pay too much attention to my watch as I was not trying to achieve a goal pace. My family was near the finish line and cheered me on to my fastest 10K at the time, a 39:58! Finally a sub-40 minute 10K! I took first overall for the 10K race.
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| My fastest 10K! |
There was decent post race refreshments and a participation medal for everyone. I received a first place medal as well but nothing else. Swag was raffled off but I wasn't one of the lucky folks to have their name drawn. We hit the road shortly afterward and continued our long drive home.
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| Bailey and me at the awards presentation |
HIGHLIGHTS/FUNNY NOTES:
- Perhaps a day of driving and 3 hours of sleep is the right combo for a PR?
- Loved the road race in the middle of a road trip.
RDRR REVIEW: 4 stars out of 5.
Would I run it again? Yes.
Would I recommend it to a friend? Yes.
Good
- Great course
- Excellent volunteers
- Finisher's medal
- Snacks at the end
- No overall winner prize
FINAL THOUGHTS: I loved to be able to stop and get a run in, and to have it as a race and a PR made it even better.
I got a mention in the local paper!
