If you’re a runner living in the DC area, you are very familiar with Potomac River Running stores.They offer a wide variety of shoes and apparel plus coaching services and a race series… Their full calendar is right here. They were voted one of the top 50 running stores in America and for good reason. I sign up for many of their races because they are local, always well organized, fun, and the proceeds generally go to a good cause. This last Sunday, April 29th, I decided to run the 3rd annual Rockstar 8k in Burke VA.
The night before was rough. All three of my little kids were sick and up at various times during the night, so I was working on only a few hours sleep (I am used to being woken up at least once a night but this was essentially a sleepless night) it’s what we Mom’s do – cuddle, comfort and wash sheets in the middle of the night and then wake up and run a race… it’s not a job for weaklings.
I arrived early to pick up my bib and race packet at the Burke PR store. There were no lines and plenty of parking, as it was in a strip mall. Normally, I can’t stand race t-shirts and usually opt not to take them, but look at this SWEET Nike dri-fit tech shirt. I was very happy and would do the race again just for the shirt. I have never said that before. Ever.
The starting line was just across the mall, so I drove over and parked (again plenty of easy access parking). The race coordinators were finishing the set-up, while I ate breakfast in the car and drank a ton of coffee to try and wake up.
I know it says FINISH but we started here too..out and back
Eating before the race.. don't ever take a picture of yourself eating a banana
Since I drank a few quarts of java, I was happy to be parked right next to the port-a-potties. Let’s talk potties for a moment, shall we? Although there were only 8 stalls, which did not present a problem until about 5 minutes before the race, but then again, isn’t that always the case at every race? These were the only perfectly clean port-a-potties I have ever seen in all my years racing. I was so impressed, I had to take a picture and Tweet it out to all of my followers – who were equally impressed. Take a look! Let me guess, you can’t take your eyes off of this? A site so rare I had to capture this moment in a photo.
It did not last long though… here is what was long: the line going into those puppies in the moments leading up to the race. I’ll spare you the after photos.
The race started right at 8am, a five mile out and back along Burke Center Pkwy. This course is quite hilly but I thought it was a very fair amount of ups vs. downs. However, if you’re not a fan of hills you may not like this course. I wanted to start out at about a 7 min. pace and, while I achieved it, I was not feeling it. I’m not sure if it was the coffee or the lack of sleep, but it felt more difficult than usual. The best part was seeing a wonderful lady named Jo at the finish line. She was encouraging runners to finish strong. Often times crowds can be distracting to me, but she acted like she knew me personally and, I have to say, I wanted to run faster for her. Thank you, Jo! Here she is on the left. On the right, another Rockstar finisher, Amanda Kemp making a super strong finish.
I crossed the finish line with a time of 36.39 @ 7:23 pace, 12th overall female and 3rd in my age group. Results HERE
splits:
mile 1-7:07
mile 2-7:19
mile 3-7:12
mile 4-7:44
mile 5-7:23
After the race there was really good bagels, pastries, pretzel rolls, bananas and water. There was plenty of it, even as the last runner came in there was still some food left.
They also had a moon bounce for the kids and a band (no comment on the band). I appreciate having some post race activities. Unfortunately, I did not stick around for the awards ceremony because I needed to get back to cuddles, comfort and sheet washing. I came home and everyone was cranky but doing much better.
Anyway, if you live in DC check out the PR race series. You can like them right here on Facebook for the latest info. These races are expertly put together, plenty of amazing volunteers like Terry (in the picture to the right below). These races cannot go on without the generosity of people like her.
About Lisa
Those are the cleanest porta-potties ever! The race shirts are incredible. And congratulations on your time!
Thank you Jen!
Sounds like a fun race, Lisa. And a good time even running sleep deprived.
As for the porta-potties, they used to call them “honey buckets” in Seattle which always seemed a bit ironic, considering. But, in this case, that label might actually apply.
Hey Tim, thanks for stopping by and your funny comments! Are you a RRCA coach? I just need to turn in my CPR and first aid. Have a good day.. nice to hear from you
Yep, it’s official. I had a head start with CPR and first aid done before the class. Have you already taken the courses?
I literally laughed out loud when I came across the porta-potty photo and the banana eating caption! LOL
Awesome time!!!
LOL, seriously, the banana… isn’t there a better pre-race food that is not so, well you know
Nice race! I love when someone can pull off a spur of the moment race like that. And it is a cool shirt, I agree.
Taking pics of yourself eating a banana is totally normal behavior in my book!
OK next time I see you I am taking the banana picture and threaten you to put it on fb. tee hee.. xo
Great race! So sorry you weren’t feeling it… you still ran a great race, but it definitely makes it less enjoyable.
I love when there are bounce houses and activities afterward, it makes it so much easier for the whole family to tag along!
love the bounce houses as well, really takes some of the guilt away from dragging them to yet another race! have a good week Laura!
The PR races do have the best quailty t-shirts around and I always get what I order! That is a rare! Nice race despite your stressful night.
Thank you Jessica!
That is the best race shirt I’ve ever seen. WIsh more races would think about the design & brand behind their shirts. If it’s crappy, I’ll only wear it to paint or ditch it at the start of a cold race. If it’s “rockstar” quality, you’ll see me wearing it any time I’m working out!
Great race!
Amy, I agree with you. The regular T-shirts are really a waste, but this one I will use! Thank you for your kind words! xo
Awesome job as usual! Thanks for the picture of the shiny porta potty. I’m just glad you didn’t drop your phone in it even if it was clean! The problem I find with the fresh pots is that there’s a “splashing” issue…if you get my drift.
And I LOVE your outfit! That needs to be on splurge vs. save!
Thanks AG, I almost did drop it in.. can you imagine? oy. You think the outfit is good? I’ll have to look for the steal version. I can say, it is the last time I will ever wear white to a race or any running period.
GREAT JOB lady!!!!! Man talk about a perfect race! Hope everyone is back to normal at the house. I love your snazzy race day outfits
Thank you Natalie! Yes, it was a one night all nighter.. we are all in good shape now. You like the outfit? I am not sure about the white… won’t wear that color again. Good to hear from you! xo
Nice job on the race! I have to admit I very seldom leave Arlington to race unless it’s to go across country LOL. Hope all the kiddos are feeling better.
I am moving to SoCal this June… run a race out there!! Your welcome to stay with me and my family, although after reading how sick they were you might be saying ” no thanks”. ha
Congrats, Lisa!! Seriously awesome and fast race!! Hope everyone is feeling better – I don’t know how you managed to get up, let alone race so hard, the next day!! =) xoxo
Thanks Michele, I was not my best.. should have run faster but I really have not done speed work in quite some time. I need to stop blogging and get running!
yay!! i love love love =PR= — the store, the training programs, the races and especially the people! this race sounds awesome – i will put it on my calendar for next year!
) she told me she met you – she said you are awesome (which of course i already knew!). xxoo
you did AMAZING! great job!! you look super cute too. and the banana picture cracks me up.
oh and terri is a dear friend of mine and one of my bestest running buddies
That is so awesome that you know Terry, she was so friendly and nice. So cool that you run together. It was a really fun race. I love the PR series! Our running tribe is small ( small world) .. love that! Thank you for stopping by and commenting, I really appreciate the love Jessica! xo