It's been so much fun working with the Running Depot as their ambassador these last two years. I have been so fortunate to participate in so many different races that I might not have signed up for myself. When I saw "Bob Blazier Run for the Arts" on the list of possible races to choose from this Spring, I immediately said, "Sign me up, please!"
This race has a long history. It was started in 1997...a good year...I graduated high school, I met Mike that year, started college...maybe it hasn't been THAT long since they first started this race...
Bob Blazier and his wife, Rosemary are icons in the area. Bob has held many positions over the years, from school principal, District 47 superintendent, even Vice-President for marketing and outreach for an area hospital after he retired from education! But it has been his numerous volunteer positions that have started his legacy in this area as a compassionate philanthropist.
Bob's hands have been in so many different programs and agencies in the area including, Faith in Action, United Way, Horizons for the Blind and countless others over the last 30+ years. But this event combines two of his personal loves: running, something he had been doing all of the time since 1972 and the arts. I had the pleasure of speaking to Bob at the finish line and he told me he was a drummer. I was proud to tell him I was a music teacher and that I was very thankful for this race. 100% of the profit of this race goes right back to the Raue Center for the Arts.
The weather on race day was less than desirable.
Bob Blazier and his wife, Rosemary are icons in the area. Bob has held many positions over the years, from school principal, District 47 superintendent, even Vice-President for marketing and outreach for an area hospital after he retired from education! But it has been his numerous volunteer positions that have started his legacy in this area as a compassionate philanthropist.
Bob's hands have been in so many different programs and agencies in the area including, Faith in Action, United Way, Horizons for the Blind and countless others over the last 30+ years. But this event combines two of his personal loves: running, something he had been doing all of the time since 1972 and the arts. I had the pleasure of speaking to Bob at the finish line and he told me he was a drummer. I was proud to tell him I was a music teacher and that I was very thankful for this race. 100% of the profit of this race goes right back to the Raue Center for the Arts.
The weather on race day was less than desirable.
It was cold, rainy, dark and dreary. But as I made my way to downtown Crystal Lake, there was definitely a party going on! The energy was high among the racers and volunteers. Music was playing, people were dressed like super heroes and everyone was ready to run.
This race was small, but seems to have a loyal following. A great majority of the participants were families which was super cool to see. Dads pushing strollers, moms running with pre-teens, and whole families together supporting the arts. It was a beautiful thing.
The course, like most that start in downtown Crystal Lake was mostly flat with just the right amount of turns to keep it interesting. I always enjoy running 5Ks in these neighborhoods. The only caveat is the end of these races. It's a slight incline for the last two-thirds of that mile, but at least your know you're almost done!
The party was still going on at the finish line when I got there. Lots of people cheering and music playing and a bevy of bananas and bottled water to go around. My time was 27:16. No PR, but not bad for one week after Earth Day! I even got 2nd in my age group! My first time placing!
Thank you The Running Depot for sponsoring me in this race!
Next up is Girls on the Run on May 22! I love this race! This will be my third time running it and it's such a fun, girl-powered and sparkly event!
Triathlon training is...uh...happening, kinda. I NEED to get on the bike and in the water more, though! I will have more to say about that next time. Have a great week, friends!
The course, like most that start in downtown Crystal Lake was mostly flat with just the right amount of turns to keep it interesting. I always enjoy running 5Ks in these neighborhoods. The only caveat is the end of these races. It's a slight incline for the last two-thirds of that mile, but at least your know you're almost done!
The party was still going on at the finish line when I got there. Lots of people cheering and music playing and a bevy of bananas and bottled water to go around. My time was 27:16. No PR, but not bad for one week after Earth Day! I even got 2nd in my age group! My first time placing!
Thank you The Running Depot for sponsoring me in this race!
Next up is Girls on the Run on May 22! I love this race! This will be my third time running it and it's such a fun, girl-powered and sparkly event!
Triathlon training is...uh...happening, kinda. I NEED to get on the bike and in the water more, though! I will have more to say about that next time. Have a great week, friends!