Spirit of Gettysburg

 I have always wanted to do a run in Gettysburg. For years I have seen races at the Gettysburg YWCA and I was always interested, but never really sure if it was feasible. One of the commitments I made for the summer time was to continue to run in races despite how hot it may get. The goal was to not slack off with my fitness. Being a school teacher can mean that you get a little lax during the summer time. So I signed up, it was impulsive, but I was glad I did it.

This year is the 150th anniversary of the Battle of Gettysburg and my poor hubby has had to drive up there multiple times. So unfortunately, he spent his Saturday morning driving me to my race so he could take photos. The plus side is that he knew a quick and easy way to get to the battlefields. We got a great parking spot, picked up my packet, and then we walked around until the start of the race.


Start of the race was about 70 degrees. It was  nice and I definitely liked the temperatures. However, once the sun came out it got hot quick. We all know I am not the fastest runner, so I was hot for the last mile, but it was okay.

What I liked about the run first and foremost is that it was beautiful. I loved running through the battlefield. Believe it or not, the last time I went to Gettysburg was the 5th grade. We ran through the battlefields and it was a nice scenic, but hilly run. I did okay with some of the hills, but I also walked a few of the smaller ones. I was actually amazed that the first mile I ran in about 13 minutes, which is fast for me. Normally I average about 14:20/mile. Not bad, but could be better. I will also say that this race was for more athletic individuals. I think the Adamstown YWCA said there were about 900 participants. I definitely was one of the last to finish even though I ran this 5k faster than any other 5k to date. I ran this one in 41:15 which until now has never been under 42 minutes.
It was interesting knowing that I finished quicker than I ever had, but still being last. It brings up memories of the Run of the Century where even though I ran a respectable time, I finished dead last.

One thing that I found humorous about the run was the concern of the race officials about how I looked at the end. I am not the most graceful runner and I also flush very easily. When I am actually trying to run fast (at least for me) and as you can see by the photos there is trace evidence of me actually running. Be that as it may, the race officials looked really concerned about how I looked. What was funny about it was aside from being beet red and sweaty that I wasn't winded and I could talk fairly comfortably. I actually walked it off quite quickly. But I still found it funny how concerned they were.

Overall, Gettysburg was a great run and I would definitely do it again. I also know what to expect as far as the hills are concerned. Afterwards, they did have a great spread of post race food. Sadly, my food allergies prevented me from eating the food because I have to be careful of cross contamination. But, for the average perfectly normal allergy free person this post race libations would be awesome to eat. Another bonus that my husband really liked was that they handed out propel fitness water at the end. Again, another thing I am allergic to, but great for him :-)

Next race is actually tomorrow which is the Paws & Claws 5k in Frederick. Can't wait to run it tomorrow.