Skirt Chaser 5k!

This past Saturday, May 15th, was the 1st Atlanta appearance of the Skirt Chaser 5k series. The race has a cute hook -- you get a running skirt with your registration package, and the women start 3 minutes ahead of the men. Given my oft-proclaimed LOVE for running skirts, signing up for this one was a no-brainer. Heather and I ran, and Lili came with us for moral support (and also to enjoy the block party).

This race also differed from your standard Saturday 5k in that it started at 5:30 pm instead of some early morning hour. Heather and I both remarked that this made for some odd, slightly confused prep for the day. Whereas normally I would pop out of bed, eat a banana, and then be ready for a large lunch after a race, this time I had to figure out what to eat all day long that would give me energy but not weigh me down too much. Surprisingly tricky. It made me think, looking forward, about the Wine & Dine 1/2 marathon in October, which won't start until 10:30 pm. That's gonna be tricky, too.

The course was through the Candler Park area, and ran right down Moreland at one point. I will say this: if you want to see a combo of bemusement, confusion and irritation, run a race through Little 5 Points at 5:30 on a Saturday afternoon, and reduce one of the most congested areas of the city to one lane of traffic. Wheeeee! As we trotted past the shops, restaurants and bars, our spectators consisted of angry motorists, befuddled stoners, the occasional cheerer, and a random array of people who seemed not to get what was going on, but smiled and waved to the runners all the same.

When we started the race, Heather shot in front of me pretty quickly. I spent the first two miles looking out ahead on the course to try to keep an eye on her. She manages to be so much faster than me -- I am proud of her, and only a little envious. ;) Around mile 2, things started to get really difficult. It was hot. There were several long, slow hills. Did I mention the heat? I passed Heather, who had decided to walk for a bit, around the 2.25 mile point. Just in time to hit another crappy ass hill. I tried to make it all the way up running, but I did eventually acquiesce to the requests my achilles tendon had been making, and I took a walk break as well. The last mile, I alternately ran and walked as my ankle felt up to it, and all I could think about was a cold beverage. Thank goodness the finish was a downhill dash!

The block party that Skirt Sports threw for the event was spectacular -- even before the race started, there were vendors handing out snacks, and the after party was like a buffet of yum. Chipotle was there handing out chips, salsa, and burritos. Sweet Tomatoes had salads, cookies, and other delectables at the ready. We tried an interesting beverage called Solixir, which bills itself as a sparkling botanical beverage. One of the flavors tasted like grass clippings, the other, more like a faint fruit. There was beer, but none of us were interested. We also saw the Skirt Sports fashion show, which was really fun -- I was thrilled that they featured a wide range of body types, and included a couple of girls that are accomplished marathoners but do not have the ropey, gaunt physique one normally associates with serious endurance athletes. Super fun clothes, of course. I love the midori color they have in their newest line.

After stuffing ourselves and taking in the sights, we were ready to head home. This is a race I would definitely run again, because for the $48 entry fee of the Standard package (a Deluxe offering is also available), you get a skirt, a hell of a lot of food, and a great afternoon of fun and exercise. Win, win, win!