It’s Friday, so I am linking up with Courtney at Eat, Pray, Run DC, Cynthia at You Signed Up for What and Mar at Mar on the Run for their weekly linkup. Each Friday, they host a link up — a “Friday Five.” This week’s topic is “5 Fall Races/Race Vacations.” I am going with 5 Fall Races/”Race-cations” and Fitness Fun.
I barely did any races this summer…for me at least. Last year between Memorial Day and Labor Day, I did 9 races including 4 half marathons. The heat in August 2014 nearly killed me and made me miserable. This year, I *only* did 6 races from Memorial Day to Labor Day… well I am doing one on Sunday and one on Monday, so I guess that will make it 8. Hmm. It felt like not so many. And, until this weekend, I did mostly 5Ks and one marathon and one half.
I have some great things to look forward to this fall. Some are local and some are race-cations. Some are still open and I even have discounts (and a few FREE entries) if you want to join me! Not included in my 5 (but worth considering for next year) are the Magnificent Mile Women’s Weekend and the Oak Brook Half. The Mag Mile races are a 5K (which I am doing this year) and a half which I did the last 3 years. Plus they have yoga and a shake out with Finds’ fave Lauren Fleshman (see last year’s recap HERE).
Five Races/Race-Cations and Fitness Events I am Looking Forward to this Fall… in chronological order:
1. Fit Foodie 5K – September 12th – Chicago, IL. The concept of the Fit Foodie was born out of the idea that a healthy lifestyle and delicious culinary experiences don’t have to be separate. The theme is “calories burned, calories earned.” This is a theme that really resonates with me! More like a mantra, right?
Want to join me at the Fit Foodie 5K on Saturday, September 12th? I have TEN free entries. Yes, TEN! After those go, I have a 50% off code that you can use. The code is ERICAFINDS. If you want a FREE entry, send me an email at erica @ ericafinds.com with the subject FREE Fit Foodie 5K Entry and I will send you a code if one is available. Learn more about the Fit Foodie 5K weekend HERE.
2.Hub City Half Marathon – September 13 – Crown Point, IN. My friend, Tim Fealy, from Hometown Happenings (of Progressive Race fame) asked me to spread the word about the inaugural Hub City Half Marathon Hub City Half Marathon. It will be chip timed, a fast scenic course and is bound to be a ton of fun! Tim has some fun surprises up his sleeve, too.
Get $10 off of the $75 rate with the code EricaFinds. If you are available and game for some local race fun, please join me, Wendy, Ryan and Emily and register here.
3. Bright Pink’s FitFest – September 20 – Chicago, IL. Fitfest is a 6 hour fitness marathon. It will be six hours of fitness classes, cycling, yoga, basketball and more from some of Chicago’s best fitness studios. If you are a fitness freak like me or new to the scene, FitFest is for you. Why? FitFest is about saving women’s lives from breast and ovarian cancer. That’s something we can all get behind. Learn more and enter to win a FitFest swag bag HERE.
Want to join in? Susie and I are looking for teammates! The fundraising minimum is $500 per person across a team. You can join team Suz and Her Girls here. Can’t make it, you can support our team here.
4. Rock N Roll Denver Half Marathon – October 18 – Denver, CO. I have never made it a secret that I am not the world’s biggest RnR race fan. The races are very expensive, in some cases overrated and the Chicago race is usually hot as Hades. I did Chicago this year because I got a free entry (recap) and had a blast despite the heat. My friend Emily moved to Denver and sent over a code for 1/2 price entry to me and some other friends. So, it was a deal AND an excuse for a girl’s weekend. Sold. I mean, it’s a win-win. Right?
Want to join in? There is a 5K, 10K, 1/2, full and a relay. Something for everyone. Plus get $15 off with the code TEAMARCIA when you register here. (Thanks, Marcia!)
5. Last but not least… TCS NYC Marathon – November 1 – New York, NY. Last year, I ran my 15th NYC Marathon to become a “streaker” and get a lifetime guaranteed entry (recap). After chasing this goal for so many years, I was not planning to toe the line this year. Then, FOMO took over and I got coaxed into signing up. As you may imagine, the arm twisting was very slight! I love the NYC Marathon. After the wind and my (personally – not objectively) disappointing run in 2014, I really wanted another try. Because, you know, 16 is a charm – right!?
Wow! See what happens when I take an imaginary break from running? I will let you know how it goes!
What is on your race card (or dance card or any card) this fall?
PS. Don’t forget my great giveaways and the Wednesday Giveaway Round Up!