Dandelion Run 10k and Etc.

The Dandelion Run is a 5k or 10k trail race put on by the Mid Penn Trailblazers held on Saturday, August 30 at Camp Mount Luther, Mifflinburg, PA.  You decide that day if you want to run the 5k or do a double loop and make it a 10k.  Its described as entry level, which is accurate, but be warned, you will have to cross water!  The run is named in memory of the Rev. Glenn Heasley whose favorite flower was the dandelion because of its tenacity.  Now I know I say this every time, but the Mid Penn Trailblazers sure do know how to host a top notch event!!!  Everything is well organized- parking, registration, pre-race announcements, course markings, the finish line, and post-run feed.  Love these guys!!!

I had the pleasure of seeing many familiar faces and catching up with friends.  It just so happened that I was in the midst of marathon training so I had already run seven miles pre-race and planned to run three more after.  The race was great!  I really enjoyed the course, except for the loop around the open field.  I guess I don't like seeing how many people are ahead of me.  Ha!  But I finished the race in 55:05, placing 17/34 overall.  Nothing too exciting, but I had a lot of fun and still got third in my age group.  At the finish line I got to "talk shop" with John Johnson about event planning.  He is the race director for the awesome trail race, Chief Wetonah Challenge.  And of course I am the race director for CJ's Resolution Challenge.  My new friend Betsy ran the three miles with me afterwards (for a total of 16.2 miles for the day) and it was nice to connect with another area runner.  This was my first time running the Dandelion Run, and it won't be my last!  I should mention that the Mid Penn Trailblazers hold another race at Camp Mount Luther on the same course, just in reverse, called the Night Flight.  Held in April, its starts at 8:30pm and its BYOI (bring your own illumination!!!)

So fast, I'm like a blur!  Ha!

After my busy run day morning, I had to rush home and get cleaned up for the This One's for You Jimmy Buffett concert at Hershey.  My mom, sister, and I had a great night.  

Betcha didn't know I was a Parrothead!  

Fins up!

This One's For You!

Its Been a Lovely Cruise!

The next morning I had to get up early because my dear hubs was running his first marathon, the Mt Nittany Marathon in State College.  It was only the second running of this race.  Held on August 31st, I thought he was totally nuts!  And I think I was right!  It is one tough marathon with a total elevation climb of 1259.37 feet.  Plus it rained nearly the entire time, but at least it never got hot!

MARATHONER!!!