4th Annual Cupcake Run

 So this year I was on the fence about signing up for the Cupcake Run. I do enjoy it, but I wasn't sure if my husband was going to go with me. However, I convinced my friend Annie to come and she ended up bringing her sister, Joanna. Brandon came along to so the four of us woke up bright and early and headed to Monacacy Village Park to participate in the annual Cupcake Run.

I both enjoy and don't enjoy this race. Honestly, it has nothing to do with the people who organize this race because they are all fabulous. In fact, it was run by Moxie's Bakery in downtown Frederick. Originally, Moxie's purpose was to help disadvantage or troubled youth by giving them an outlet. That outlet was what I like to refer to as the culinary arts. Moxie does a great thing and I was disappointed to find out that they have, at least for the time being, closed their doors. Its a shame because Moxie's Bakery really does strive to better the community and we need more philanthropic businesses like that in the world. However, the people of Moxie's decided to partner with Big Brothers Big Sisters and to use the proceeds from the race to benefit youth programs in Frederick. So aside from the people and the great cause, I love the fact that the volunteers are so up beat and happy. As indicated by the wonderful woman dressed like a cupcake who posed for a quick pic with me. You have to love individuals who are just so passionate and excited about life and who can have fun. Its really a riot to watch some of the cupcake volunteers try to run in their bulbous costumes.

 I also like that they give you a cupcake at the end of the race. This year was perhaps the best cupcake I have had from them. It had a delicious marshmallow frosting and was so yummy. By this point, I also know the course very well and I don't get discouraged easily when running it anymore. I have had some disastrous runs on the Cupcake Run and it is a wonder I have continued to run it for a 3rd time. But there is something about this race that makes me just love doing it. I also love the t-shirts design. The first year I did it, it was "Peace Love and Cupcakes," then "Vote Candidate Cupcake," and this year "You Can Do It!" And yes, it was a Rosie the Riveter Cupcake t-shirt. I am a history teacher, I just had to... I think the t-shirts are what keep bringing me back for more :-)
Now for the negatives, I am not a big fan of the course. Its more because everyone starts out on a narrow path and since I am slow I get caught behind a lot of walkers. Today, I got stuck behind walkers just strolling at leisurely pace. The problem is that I would have to go on to the grass and run around them. I don't like running through the grass because I have a tendency of rolling my ankle or doing something tragic. So I don't. As a result my time for the race was 45 minutes. I had to walk much longer than I wanted. I know I have a harped on it before, but I must say that if you want to walk that's fine. But please be mindful of people trying to run. If it is a tight path, then be respectful and move a little bit out of the way so that the runners can get around you. It is, after all, a race and that is what people do they run.

 Overall, the experience was good and it was fun to run with Annie. Her sister and I are contemplating on signing up for the Disney Princess Half Marathon. It seems like it could be a lot of fun. I still have not posted my pics from the April Fools Half Marathon, so I will get those up soon. I am not racing next week, but after that I will be running 4 races in 3 weeks, two of which are half marathons.

Until next time, happy running :-)