At the beginning of the year, I was hoping that maybe 2022 might be a better year for me as far as running goes. I wasn’t able to sign up for Best Damn Race in Safety Harbor, which is my absolute favorite, so I signed up for the 5k in Orlando. March gave me plenty of time to prepare right? Well, 2 months in I hadn’t run a single mile. Whoops.
I could give a long list of reasons why it didn’t happen, most of which are pretty valid, but that really isn’t the point. The point is that come race weekend I wasn’t prepared and honestly, I really didn’t want to go either. But I listened to my momma and went anyway. I needed to get out and I needed to be around other people. So I did it.
Since the 5k didn’t start until 9 am, I decided to be a good little Best Damn Race ambassador and volunteer beforehand. My day started at 5:45 am and boy was I a busy bee. I worked gear check and for some reason, it seemed like EVERYONE doing the 10k and 1/2 marathon races were checking a bag that morning. Holy wow! I hit my step goal for the day before we even started the 5k! It was a nice way to spend the morning and I got to see a lot of people I hadn’t in a while.
A friend signed up to walk the 5k with me and another joined us since he was doing the challenge and would just have run the 10k. I was very thankful that they were there with me. We kept a pretty good walking pace and spent the whole time chatting away. I didn’t break any land speed records, but it went really well.
And have I mentioned how much I love that Best Damn Race has free race photos? Well, I do! So I make sure that I’m paying attention anytime I see a photographer. They are bound to get at least one good shot right? Well, this year we were a bit punchy as we got close to the end of the race and the photographer got a great shot. Fun right?
Best Damn Race is known for great racecourses, sweet swag, and a killer after-party. Lake Eola Park turned into a huge park full of celebrations and beer once everyone was done. It is always a great thing to see.
So by 10 am I had volunteered for 3 hours, done a 5k, caught up with people I hadn’t seen in a while, enjoyed a bloody mary, and was headed to brunch. All in all, it was a great morning and I’m really glad that I went. It was totally worth the 4:45 am wake-up call. And hopefully, this is the start of my running comeback!
Best Damn Race still has a few more races left this year, so go sign up! And don’t forget to use code MEGROTH to save 10% on your registration.
*Disclosure: As a Best Damn Race Ambassador, I got a complimentary entry to this race. As always, all thoughts and opinions are 100% my own.
