Race day dawned this morning, pretty much like every morning, with me slamming down coffee and hollering at the kids to eat breakfast and brush their teeth. I wasn’t really nervous about this race, but I sure didn’t know what to expect. The Race Director’s instructions were a little vague: do some sort of distance of 10 and do something with purple. Hmmmmm. Well, alright. As long as it’s for a good cause (which it totally is: The Lupus Foundation of America is dedicated to finding the cause of and cure for lupus, plus they provide services and support for people affected by lupus).
Pre-race living room shot. Sadly, I don’t own any purple running clothes, so I went with its complimentary color. Orange you glad I did? The sparkly headband is making its second virtual race appearance. It was a little bit chilly this morning, hence the arm warmers. Hard to miss me in this outfit, huh?
This was something of an adventure race, being held all over the city at ten different “purple” locations. First stop: Lavender Way.
At each destination, I ran up one side of the street and came back on the other for the entire distance of the street. Lavender Way clocked in at .1 mile.
*whew* Done with the first leg of the race!
Next up, Amethyst Way, which was slightly longer (almost a quarter of a mile!) and featured my first spectators. The woman who was out sweeping her front porch wasn’t really sure what to make of me, but her dog woofed his enthusiastic support!
Stop number 3: Purple Skies Ct., which took me approximately 13 seconds to cover. I think this is my new favorite race distance!
Ironically the least scenic leg of the entire race, Lilac Fields Place featured trash on the street and gigantic power lines.
The Neighborhood Watch on Purple Finch Ct. (#5) probably put out an APB for a crazy lady wearing a lot of orange.
The Violet Ridge Ct. leg of the race in its entirety.
This section of the course was so long, the Race Director provided a bike escort.
In fact, this section of the course included two more of my destinations: Iris Spring Way (#8) and…
This part of the race was super speedy – at one point, I was even ahead of the bike escort!
The last leg of the race, Purple Martin Way, #10. A Purple Martin is a bird, btw, I looked it up.
Well, it wasn’t the longest race I’ve ever run, but it was sure a lot of fun!
Many thanks to Marcia for hosting this awesome race for the benefit of a terrific charity – GOOD LUCK in Chicago, Marcia!! In fact, good luck to everyone racing this weekend in Chicago, Portland, Kona, or even in your own back yard! I’m really looking forward to all the race reports!
Patrick Mahoney says
that’s quite the outfit…
Aimee (I Tri To Be Me) says
That is the coolest race ever! 🙂
I love the outfit, and I think you should get the most creative award for incorporating purple! How fun!
track coach and adorable wife says
I’m with Aimee, you are too creative for your own good! That was awesome! Way to get out there and run for a good cause!
Michelle says
Where did you get those zebra arm warmers!!?? I WANT THOSE!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Whitney says
Congrats on a fabulous race! Were all these purple streets in one general neighborhood? Sounds like you had a fun time!
Laura says
What a creative run! You should definitely win the purple award! And thanks for sharing the link…I may just wander over there and donate myself!
Zaneta says
that is totally awesome!! 😀 Love the race report! 😀
Java Joggers says
That’s probably my favorite race report EVER! And I’m pretty sure my hood doesn’t have as many (or any!) streets with purple or purpleish names. Very cool!
Irene says
Was Prince the city planner? That is an amazing number of streets that reference purple.
Super fun race recap!
DRog says
You were crankin around Violet Ridge! Great Uni!
-Derek
Rae says
Awesome race! I love how you did it!
Anne says
Excellent race report! 🙂
Average A says
You are so adorable and this looks like an AMAZING race. 🙂 🙂
Happy Feet 26.2 says
Nice!
M says
How fun! I can’t wait to gt back to running.
LMC says
This is such a fun race report! I love your outfit. You look great in it!
ajh says
You should win something for all the purple streets. Very clever!!!
Kristin says
Great report!! Looked like you were having fun!
Caratunk Girl says
Great report!! Love the running dress, you look awesome!!
The Green Girl says
I love love love that you found all those purple streets! I am all about matching and that was amazing.
Teamarcia says
OMG I love it! Thanks so much for participating–those the THE BEST arm sleeves ever!
Forward Foot Strides says
That was awesome.
Laurie says
What a great outfit!! You are too funny, love the “orange you glad”. Very creative incorporation of purple… so cool!
Tina @GottaRunNow says
This is one of the funniest race recaps ever! Liked the purple streets and the bike escort. You were flying fast, just like a purple martin!
And about your comments on my blog, you’re plan for this Sunday’s race sounds great!
Mark says
Great report.
Your running outfit is AWESOME! The arm warmers are a nice touch as well. AND, you are smiling in every picture. Yeah you!
Love the bike escort.
—M
JenniferLeah says
1-one the best race reports I have read in a while
2-that is one hot outfit. LOOOOOOOVE!
3-there’s a lot of purple in your town
4-awesome job 🙂