AWLFC's Paws & Claws 5k

Smiling with my eyes open! Awkward!

Today I woke up bright and early and headed out to Baker Park in Frederick County to run the 1st ever Animal Welfare League of Frederick County (AWLFC) Paws & Claws 5k. This was a really nicely organized and run 5k race. I am always hesitant doing a race for the first time by newbie organizers, but these guys and gals did a fantastic job putting together a well sponsored event.

This race was very similar to a lot of races that I have run throughout the past couple of years in Baker Park. In fact it is pretty much the standard race route. I finished about the same time I usually do which was about 43 minutes. I walked the same spots I usually do, and I finished by sprinting past a couple of individuals running towards the finish line like I always do. The only thing not typical about this race was some guy, whom I thought to be random at the time, sprinted by me with a jogging stroller. I hate being passed by jogging strollers, but this guy was really booking it. Then, I realized it was my friend, Martin and his infant daughter, Luna who cruised past me. Still embarrassed, but a lot less mad. I thought he was running the race, turns out he was on his regular run route when he joined in on the race and then he realized he was running with us. he veered off at the end, but it was still comical none the less.

So here is my race review:
First the negative, really the only two thing I could find "wrong" with this race was the dog poop I stepped in while running. I underestimated that some pups running in the race would poop on the street and I stepped in a big ol' steaming pile of it somewhere on the first mile. But it is par for the course. The other is the swag, it is awesome if you own a dog, they gave away some really nice stuff including a priority pet water dish, tennis ball, bandana, and fancy dog food samples. I own two cats and two guinea pigs so aside from the tote bag, I couldn't use most of the race swag. However, if you own a dog you will totally enjoy the swag. I would also like to state that the swag really wasn't that big of a deal to me, but I am trying to be objective in my review. To be honest, when I sign up for races that benefit animals I expect for any giveaways to be more dog centered because it seems like most people own and love dogs. Clearly us cat people are all crazy and just like to hoard them :-) Consequently, neither one of the negatives listed above would ever keep me from endorsing this race or lead to me not signing up again for it next year.

Second, the positives which far out weigh the negatives. First, the swag for a dog owner was fantastic, the tote bag which was sponsored by Sophie and Madigan's playground was very usable, and I loved the Leslie Jordan Apparel Tech Tee they gave us. Second, at the water stop they gave us full bottles of water, which was awesome. It was nice to be able to carry water with me and never have I been to a race where they were that generous with the water. In hot weather like today it was really a nice touch. Third, the volunteers were super nice. I am accustomed to nice people, why else would you stand there in the heat and cheer/direct people if you didn't want to, but these people were really friendly. Next, did I mention this race had dogs running in it! It's so cute to see pups of all shapes and sizes trotting along with their owners. Besides if there is ever a time for a fast runner to smoke the competition, then this would be the time. I loved watching the dogs get excited and pull their owners in haphazard directions. One dog kept getting excited to run into the stream. Finally, the post race celebration which had ample food, cold water, and cold gatorade for everyone. Again, they were not skimpy with what they gave you. You got full bottles of both water and gatorade. It was really nice.

Like I said, I would most likely run this race again as long as my schedule allowed for it. I had a lot of fun and I would totally endorse this to animal lover. Plus, the money supports the AWLFC and helps provide support to dogs and cats in Frederick County.

Sprinting to the end- 43:35 finish time!

Another quick endorsement I would like to mention and I would encourage you to check out is the organization of Sophie and Madigan's Playground, these were the people responsible for the nice tote bags. The organization Sophie and Madigan's Playground is dedicated to building a memorial park in Frederick County for two young girls who lost their lives in a fire. I have run in multiple races with these people and I have to say that they are a very pleasant group. Currently they are also raising money for their team that is running in the Disney Princess Half Marathon for 2014. While I am not a part of their group, I do support their endeavors and I think what the community is trying to help them achieve is very commendable.

Up next is LoziLu!!! My first ever mud run and obstacle course. I have been lifting and training for this, and I am really going to kick it up a notch since I don't have any 5ks to run in the next few weeks! Until next time, happy running :-)