Mosquito Chase 5K

The Mosquito Festival is a pretty big event for Clute, Texas. They do a great job of putting together a fun filled weekend, with activities for everyone.  Check their site out at http://www.mosquitofestival.com/ Lin Richey is an awesome event coordinator, and put flyers for the West Brazos 5K in the 156 race packets that went out to the participants of the Mosquito Chase 5K.  I brought the kids out for the free kids run that started at 7:15.  They did much better than at the Firecracker kids run.  They also were they to cheer me on for my 5K.  It was hot and humid, but I expected this.  I forgot to wear my sunglasses which did bother me during the race even though we started at 7:30 am.  I also had issues with my music.  I listen to music via my iphone and voice control would come on in the middle of my song and stop my music.  I haven't figured out how to disable this, but it was irritating.  I finished the race in 28:43 which is no where near my best time.  I know I've been slower lately and haven't spent the time doing speed intervals like I should.  Plus the heat does account for some of it.  I was 4th in my age group.  Took the kids to ride rides after the race.  I came back that evening to eat barbeque from the Cook Off and listen to Keven Fowler play some country music.  A good day.

49 medals came in for the race, which medal will you leave with August 18th?

Running with Spiders

I've been wanting to check out a new location to run.  The Justin Hurst Wildlife Refuge area is right off Sally Lake Rd.  Sally Lake is a beautiful lake where high end homes surrounded by trees have their own peice of waterfront.  The refuge is open during daylight hours, has trails that surround Scoby Lake (not near as pretty as Saly Lake) and a gravel road that leads into County Road 29.  After spraying the 100% deet mosquito repellant, I was off on a new adventure.  I ran down a wooden boardwalk that took me to a overlook onto Scoby Lake.  At this point, I followed a grassy trail through the trees which hadn't been mowed recently, probably due to the recent rains.  After taking out several spider webs, I started to question my common sense on this journey.  Finally the grass trail lead me to the gravel drive and I was able to continue my trail run spider free.  The trail was nice ands shady and I came to a gate that separated the refuge land from the county road.  I jumped the gate and kept on my journey.  I came across several horses in a neighboring pasture before the gravel road ended on FM 521.  I decided to back track back to the refuge.  After jumping the gate again, I saw other wildlife along my route, rabbits and even 2 deer that waited till I was almost upon them before running off.  Glad I didn't have to race them, they are fast.  Overall, a really nice run.  It will be even better after they mow the miles of grassy trails that completely surround Scoby Lake, so I have something to look forward to next time.

Running off the beaten path, this "lost bridge" is near the San Bernard river and connects Pan Am road to a few river properties.  The road isn't well maintained, which is just fine for a runner looking for a change of scenery. Sometimes a change in route and scenery is just what we need to get a fresh perspective on life.  Running can be a great time to center one's self and work through problems that have been eating at your subconcious.  I usually come out with a great plan of action after a long run that helps solve life's problems. 

Jingle Bell Run

West Brazos Runners Club have collaborated with the Salvation Army to present the Jingle Bell Run.  On December 15, 2012 we will hand out bells to ring while completing a 5K Run and a 1 Mile Walk in Brazoria.  Sign up online at https://www.signmeup.com/85732

West Brazos 5K

West Brazos 5K in Brazoria, Texas benefits the West Brazos Soccer Club supporting youth soccer in Brazoria, West Columbia, and Sweeny.  The event is on August 18, 2012 at the race starts at 7:30 am.  You can register online at https://www.signmeup.com/site/online-event-registration/84303/SMUCalendar

Being the Race Director

I've been an event coordinator in a previous position, so when the opportunity came around to use my skills as an event coordinator along with my passion for running, I said yes to being the race director of an inaugural event, the West Brazos 5K in Brazoria on August 18, 2012.  Putting together the event is a fun challenge that I am really passionate about.  I have ran in many other 5K races, so as a spectator I know what I like.  Now I get to see the behind the scenes coordinating first hand. 

To register go to http://www.westbrazossoccer.org/
or http://www.signmeup.com/ and search West of the Brazos 5K