Run for the Zoo Virtual Recap

Disclaimer: I am participating in the Lincoln Park Run for the Zoo as part of being a BibRave Pro. Learn more about becoming a BibRave Pro (ambassador), and check out BibRave.com to review, find, and write race reviews!

So I am a bit late in posting this update (I promise I have a legit reason, I'll be posting about that soon too) but last weekend I ran the Virtual Run for the Zoo to benefit the Lincoln Park Zoo. 

Now, there have been a lot of virtual race opportunities lately and it would have been easy to just treat this like another run to tick off a list, but my run bestie, Kim (aka @BarkingMadRun) and I wanted to make this race as special as the organization it was to benefit. So we planned a race day extravaganza ( you can read about the before-race plans here: https://runnerdgirl.blogspot.com/2020/04/virtually-running-wild-with-lincoln.html

So here's how it went. 

I got up bright and early on Sunday to head over to Kim's house. She was super gracious to host the event and to map out the course. I had planned to run 10K when I originally registered, but my bad knee was getting worse and worse by the day. I was a bit worried about being able to complete the distance. Kim mapped me a 5K course just in case and I figured if I was still feeling strong after the first lap, I could just do a 2nd. Also Kim ordered some super fun inflatable animals for us to hang out with at the Start/Finish Line in front of her house. They were so cute. I instantly fell in love with the zebra! As soon as I saw him, I knew I'd be riding him! I brought some Animal Crackers for our aid station and Kim also chalked us a Start and Finish Line. Things were looking super festive for our race. 

For my race, since I wasn't super familiar with Kim's neighborhood, she not only gave me a route on a slip of paper, but also she and her awesome hubby drove their golf cart ahead to mark the turns. She also was my mobile water station carrying my water bottle for me so I didn't have to. Basically, they were my heroes. It was awesome to be able to see them up in the distance and wave as I ran past with Kim cheering me on. It was like having my own personal cheering squad.

Unfortunately, as I had sort of suspected, my knee was not up to cooperating for the 10K distance. Shortly past the half way mark, my knee gave out of me and I had to limp it off a bit. I felt okay to keep going for the shorter distance so I pushed on. My awesome race crew was waiting for me around mile 2 for me to grab a drink from my water and I was off again. Another knee give way during the last quarter mile told me for sure that this was it. In fact this ended up being my last run before having knee surgery. I finished my 5K in 26:53 which, considering my knee, I was okay with.

Mobile Water Stop!

After I finished, we had an epic Finisher's Party! Kim and I, having both run our races, changed into our totally adorable finisher's shirts! For an extra donation, you could have gotten a medal that was also super cute and featured the same ostrich as the shirt. 

We had a ton of fun taking a ton of finisher photos with our inflatable friends, and to replicate an "official" finisher's party, Kim's hubby even hooked me up with some finish line beer. He even made us breakfast after! Seriously, I think these two have a future in race day even planning. 

As far as the official business of the virtual, once completed, I entered my results into the Run for the Zoo website. There were several virtual prizes for runners from fastest times to the most money raised and a few random draws as well. The event organizers sent ample emails with lots of information about the event and the zoo, especially where the proceeds went. There was also a Facebook Event page set up for participants to share info and virtually "hang out".

All in all, it was an awesome virtual race. I didn't exactly plan it to be my last run before a 12 week or so hiatus, but it was a heck of a way to go out. 

For more information about the Lincoln Park Zoo and the Run for the Zoo event, check out thier website here. https://www.lpzoo.org/run-zoo

You can also check out Kim's take on the event and her race experience here: http://barkingmadaboutrunning.blogspot.com/2020/06/lincoln-park-zoo-virtual-run-for-zoo.html

And don't worry about the inflatable animals, they have all found really great homes post-race. In fact, one in particular is being spoiled by my little one. I think he likes his new outfit 😀

Global Running Day 24 Hour Relay - #TeamPhilly

I received entry into the Global 24 Hour Relay as a part of being a BibRave Pro. Check out BibRave.com to read and write race reviews. 

Typically Global Running Day is a day where runners from all over the world come together to celebrate running, usually through group runs. With 2020 being, well basically what it is, things are a bit different this year. Runners are still coming together to celebrate the sport that they love, thy are just doing in through virtual, non-traditional meet ups and online activities. 

Perhaps the coolest Global Running Day that I've seen this year, and am lucky enough to be a part of, is the Global 24 Hour Relay. Basically, runners from all over the world will participate in a relay that starts at midnight on June 3rd and finishes at 11:59 pm. The relay is broken into 30 minute increments and runners virtually pass the baton from runner to runner. Here's a quick break down of how it works.

First Step - Pick Your Team

There are a ton of teams to choose from mostly represented through major cities. There wasn't one local to me, so instead I joined the Philadelphia team, a city where I have family and also love! I'm sure you'll find a team that appeals to you. 

Second Step - Pick Your Time

You are able to choose your preferred 30 minute leg of the relay via a Sign Up Genius form. On it, you can see what spots are open and who already has claimed spots so you will be able to choose the time that best fits your schedule.

Then, just wait for Global Running Day! When it is your time to run, just follow these 3 simple steps:

1. RECEIVE THE BATON

You will receive a text message, phone call or email telling you it's time to start your leg of the relay.

2. RUN YOUR LEG

Run/jog/walk for 30 minutes. You can do this inside, outside, on the road or on a trail. Wherever you like to run, do it for 30 minutes!

3. PASS THE BATON

Send a text message, phone call or email to pass the baton telling your next teammate that it's their turn to run!

Sounds fun, right?! And, there is more. For participating in the Global 24 Hour Relay, you get a t-shirt and really beautiful medal. These will be mailed out later in June. 

AND... All participants are entered to win prizes from some really cool sponsors including:

• Garmin
• Goodr
• Maurten
• Trigger Point

There's really only one downside about the whole Global 24 Hour Relay... Time is running out! Today is the last day that you can sign up, so be sure you head right over now! Register here to join me! 

https://www.global24hourrelay.com/ 

#TeamPhilly would love to have you, or any team for that matter! Be sure to check back here after Wednesday to see how we did!