I was among the crowd kicking off the 2008 Nite Moves season on Wednesday, April 30. I also ran the Mother’s Day 10K at Goleta Beach this morning.
These two races reminded me of what I like best about racing in Santa Barbara:
- Ocean views
- Seeing and running with my friends
- Professional timing crew
- Helpful volunteers
- Good after parties
Thanks to the folks who orgazanize these things, the runners who show up and give them a reason to do it again another year, and the sponsors who provide the all-important free stuff.
But I have one concern: cost. Does anyone else feel like race prices are creeping up a bit too high? Can someone comment on how our race prices compare to those in similarly-sized towns? Or maybe someone can tell me where the costs are increasing for race organizers — is it the permits and security? Are turnouts lower? Are the top runners getting big cash prizes I don’t know about?
One of the reasons I like running is because of its accessibility. Sure, you can buy a bunch of fancy gear, but you pretty much just need shoes (not always!), some clothes to sweat in and, in Santa Barbara, sunblock. A lot of people may be missing out on the fun of a community running event because of the entry fee.
So now, a shameless plug for one of out low-cost races: Vicki’s 3,000 on June 7. Race fee is an $8 donation, and the profits go to Special Olympics Santa Barbara.
But back to the races. I haven’t raced in awhile, and I proved I’m still a mid-pack runner. I finished 50th out of 101 runners with a 51:26 10K today. On Wednesday, I ran a 23:32 5k. Lots of room for improvement!
Thanks to Kevin Young for the photo. It’s a good reminder that I should work on my form!
Your form looks fine. Stop being so hard on yourself. And yes, race prices are way too high.
By: letling on May 4, 2008
at 3:22 pm
i ran a 48:50 10k the other day. woot! i was impressed with myself because i hadn’t been trying as there were no timers at the mile markers and i forgot my watch, so i figured i’d just learn what my usual pace was. i was annoyed to learn that if i had run it like, a minute faster, i would have gotten a ribbon for my age division. i came in fourth in my age division as it was. i try not to care about ribbons. but sometimes one sounds good.
yay running! thank you for listening to my boring running story!!! i love your running stories. they are not boring. i wish i had an ocean to run near.
By: alicia on May 16, 2008
at 11:20 am
Hey Elizabeth, I’m afraid I can’t make it up for the benefit race. I cracked two cylinder heads in my engine yesterday, so my car is dead and I’m shopping. Poor timing :*( Hope it goes great!!!
Allison
By: Allison on June 5, 2008
at 8:07 pm
Just like you, I beat myself like crazy although I’m far from how you’re doing. I am currently suffering from runs and I don’t know. I really aim that one day, sometime, soon I will be able to run straight and I won’t have any walks – not after an entire 2k, then 3k then 5k.
How long have you been running? Do you do weight training and resistance training? I’d love to learn more from women runners. Its a bit weird I get tired too easily now! unlike before I can push myself on hitting 5 miles even if with jogging, running and walking intervally. sigh.
I wish I have an ocean near for me to run, there’s just so much solace. much better
By: chefsy on July 14, 2008
at 2:05 pm