One of the hardest jobs out there is to be a parent!  And frankly I'll give a little more weight to that for moms.  They just have to go that extra mile and the bond between them and their kids is unlike anything else.  So being a mom is full time, 24/7/365 and yeah that extra day during leap year too!
      Being a race director is a full time job too.  Yes there are moments when you are "between seasons" and you get a breather but there is always something that can be planned and worked on so it's a full time job.  From planning locations and adjustments due to road conditions to finding sponsorship for the races each year--there is a checklist that never ends.  Plan multiple events in a year and you find that there isn't much between the season down time.  
     I love to help new race directors and even experienced ones looking to change things up so here is your opportunity to ask away and I'll try to be your "Dear Abby."  I'm currently in my "between seasons" moment because cross country just finished, indoor season hasn't officially begun, and outdoor track is still far enough away I can say next year!  Because I have the extra time, I of course am plugging away on updating our website, working social media, and putting together details for Twas the Night Before 5k which is in its sixth year.   Now that I took two seconds to chat...time to go back to the checklist!  In the meantime I'm looking forward to hearing from many of you! 

    We have been receiving tons of questions on this new race!  We are very excited about the half marathon course and we are still tweaking the route.  What you see on the website is pretty accurate but may be subject to change up through race day.  We are running the route at all times of the day to make sure what the light conditions are, where we may need to ask dogs to be tied up, etc...  This is a country race so don't be surprised if you see deer crossing the road especially on Metz Road or other small critters!  The alpacas will look at you funny when you run past them too!

    I myself ran about 8.5 miles of the course today and LOVE it.  We reversed the direction we originally planned so for everyone stressing about the hills...they are a bit more friendly running it the new way.  You get to peak in elevation in the four mile area and despite having some more hills they are more rolling and some do last a distance but If you are trained for a half marathon and you run hill workouts you will be in a good spot for this race.  The hardest roads are going to be Metz Road, Crestview Road, and Kelly Park Road.  All three run parallel to each other so you are actually running the same hills; sort of!  

    While out running today actually had someone drive up next to me scoping out the course and making sure they understood it.  Which is what brought this post on.  If you have any specific course questions please ask and we will get you the answers.   As for restrooms along the route...still working on that.  Water stops are planned.  We have signs for all the miles and will also have directional arrow signs along the course.  Volunteers on the route and police at intersections.  We will have a lead vehicle and a vehicle at the end following the last person in.

Josh loves to run, I love to organize benefits.  We have meshed them together for what seems to be a very successful six years so far.  We have surveyed our attendees multiple years to see what they like, what needs changed, etc... And have always strived to put on top quality events.  It sounds crazy to think of a 5k race as being as exciting as a marathon but the majority of people we have come in contact with can participate in a 5k and we want them to have as much fun at our 5k events as well we do when we go to marathons.... (Okay...I spectate the marathons while Josh runs...so I know I'm having fun haha).

This year we are bringing a half marathon to Columbiana--we may be slightly crazy but I think all runners are to some extent!  And we are hoping that this event proves to be as successful as the others.  So in the spirit of planning great events let us know why you have run in any of our races, why you have come back to our races, and why you are willing to try another race we will be putting on.

Without you our organization would not be a success and we would not have accomplished so much for so many in such a short amount of time.  Thank you a million marathons over!!!  (Yeah, my corney play on a millions times over!) 

As a side note, if you follow my blogging, you will be subjected to my dry and corny humor on occassion!