The Tule Fog Run 10k, 5k and kids run: I have been trying to get this one since moving back to the Central Valley in June 2011 and have had conflicts with other events. Was so happy to finally make it out this year. I have had mixed feeling about events held at Cutler Park in the past. While the events themselves have been enjoyable, the path chosen for the miles is not always fun.
I was happy to see almost all of this event was on paved pathways. Only dirt part was getting from the loop around the park onto the actual St. John's Trail. We couldn't have asked for a better day weather wise. The event was hosted by Visalia Parks and Recreation. Sole 2 Soul was there for timing. Clif Bar was helping with the fuel. Visalia Times-Delta was out to capture all the moments.
Spirits were high as we all gathered around to see of the kids run participants. Was so much fun to see the youthful runners make their way to the finish line. And seeing them get their special kids finisher medals put a smile on everyone's face.
While I was not having a bad day, I still just wasn't feeling it. Little did I know, I was another runners "rabbit", helping them to reach a 5k PR. As we came around the final corner of the trail around 2.6 or so, a lady came up to me and told me "thank you for helping me keep pace today". Apparently she had decided to pace off of me. Not sure why she picked me, she talked almost like she had seen me at other local events, which is possible, and knew I was typically close to her current goal. Whatever the case, knowing I had helped her made it all worth it.
By 2.85 on my GPS, I was starting to feeling a little off in my tummy. In the end, I think I was just hungry, which is not normal for me on race morning. I will managed to stay under 40 minutes and helped my new friend to cut almost 2 minutes off her time. So much fun. Will for sure look for this event next year.
Since we didn't get a medal for finishing, I gave myself a new pair of Gizmo Socks!
Thank you Clif Shot Blocks for being a sponsor. Loved finding you in my goody bag and at the finish line!
Self portrait at the finish line.
Made it into the local newspaper, the Visalia Times-Delta, as I was coming around the final curve into the finish line. So happy I was wearing my Charlie Alewine Racing shirt.
