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.
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.
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| 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.
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 😀
1st place male and female runner for the virtual 10K and 5K races will each receive a special animal plush from the Gift Shop. To qualify for this award, participants must submit a photo of GPS verification.
In honor of the 42nd year of Run for the Zoo, the 42nd-place male and female runner for the virtual 5K and 10K races will each win a membership to Lincoln Park Zoo. (This will be based on the honor system.)
In honor of the 152nd year of Lincoln Park Zoo, the 152nd-place male and female runner for the virtual 5K and 10K races will each win a large animal plush from the Gift Shop. (This will be based on the honor system.)