Fav Races: So hard to Choose!

This post ORIGINALLY appeared over on Alyssa's blog on March 25th as part of a I'm FitPossible Ambassadors blog exchange. I liked the post so much I decided to re-post over here! Enjoy! (ps - this was written BEFORE Ragnar...so it isn't on this list...but no fear...lots more about that fab race and week coming soon!)

When I first "talked" (via email) to Alyssa  she asked me a few questions about me. Where was I from? Calgary, Alberta, Canada! What's my fav activity? Running! What are your favourite races? YIKES! Oh my...I had never given it much thought! Hmm. That question got me thinking. How do you pick? The more I thought, the harder it seemed to decide. I knew right away which ones I hated and never wanted to do again (bad organization, race length was really off, lack of aid stations) But, after some careful thought I finally came up with my FAB list of Fav Races!  

(And in no particular order...you can't make me RANK them, too!)

Rocky Mountain Soap Company Women's Run (Canmore, Alberta) - I have run this race since 2011, the year I lost 40 pounds.
The first year I did 12k in 1.5 hrs, then the next year I did the same distance 15 minutes faster!

In 2013 I had an amazing weekend at this run where I ran a halfmarathon on Saturday and followed it up with a 10km on the Sunday. Both were strong races and showcased where I proved to myself I really can push further and be stronger.

I love running out in the mountains, it must be something about the air here. I always feel great and the view is spectacular. This race has the BEST swag. Over $50 worth of product, an awesome buff (multifunctional headwear) and giftcards for the RMSC store!
At the finish line runners are treated with scented clothes to refresh and wipedown, along with a fantastic healthy lunch. This year, I will run 10km on Saturday and 10km on Sunday in preparation for my marathon the next weekend! I look forward to another great weekend in the mountains.

Calgary Marathon (Calgary, Alberta) - I have run this race since 2008 in all distances (5k, 10k, halfmara and marathon). In 2012, I ran my first marathon. In my hometown! What an experience. This race is special for that reason. I never EVER thought I could do this.


But in 2012 after running a few halfmarathons, I nervously made the decision to train for a marathon. It was a hard few months training, but I learned after every run where I went past 21k, 25k, 30k, 38k...that I realized I could actually do this!! And on race day when I finished 42.2 kilometres, I burst into tears! I have never ever forgot that feeling. And, I still get goosebumps when I think of that special feeling that was so overwhelming.

This year, Calgary Marathon turns 50 (Canada's oldest marathon!) and I am once again running the marathon. The bling will be awesome. There will also be a celebratory beer garden! Here's hoping I can best my time of 5:11! 

Banff Ekiden Marathon Relay (Banff, Alberta) - This was not my first relay, but this was the most fun I have EVER had at a race! This is a marathon divvied up into 5 legs. I ran this race with my blogger pals Michelle, Leana and Cori.

We were the #littlebloggybluebirds and we had a hoot. We all ran some of our best times all on hills and mountain terrain. And, I think that was partly due to the fact that we were there to have fun, and not concern ourselves with pace.

As soon as we left those stresses behind, we had awesome runs, one after another! We lost our voices cheering, and had a wicked time laughing, taking silly pictures and getting to know each other better. These women are rockstars and I love them all dearly.
The gals each ran 1 leg, and I ran the two short legs.
All legs added up to a marathon! It stands as our fastest marathon too (lol). We learned to roll with the punches, too, as the presence of a bear on the route resulted in the race doing last minute changes to the route.

Run to the Pub (Bozeman, Montana) - Last March I took a road trip with an old friend and we drove 8 hours to Montana (my first American race!) for a wicked Saint Patrick's Day Race.


The trip was fun, the weather fantastic (we wore shorts in MARCH hurrah). The race itself was very well organized and the volunteers rocked. The view running from outside the city down into main street into a street party with beer was fantastic. It was mostly a downhill course, and felt fantastic the entire time.

As we passed houses coming into town, people were sitting outside on lawn chairs cheering us runners on. This was such a great atmosphere. We got great shirts, pint glasses in a sweet swagbag. The town was welcoming, and probably one of the best trips I ever took to a race. I would recommend this race to anyone, and totally want to do it again! 

And my last favourite race? Well, this isn't a race I ran. It was a race I volunteered at -- the WOW Superhero 10km Run last October.
My friend Cori and I decided to not run and volunteer: BEST decisions ever. Cori and I were at the 10km turnaround point. We planned our superhero outfits, and brought clappers, pompoms and our fabulous cheer.
We had a blast cheering on runners and despite the weather (a very early snowstorm). It was an amazing experience high-5ing runners and went hoarse cheering on all the superheroes running. We even cheered on runners on the pathways that weren't in the race. I have never has so much fun! I think EVERYONE needs to volunteer at a race. you will love it and feel fabulous. 

I think that from my FAB race picks (and pics), they have something in common. I look for a fun and fabulous experience every time I go out to race. Even if it a 'serious' race. If it isn't fun, why bother? Life should be all about having fun and making some fabulous memories. When picking a race to do, have fun no matter what. Everything else will fall into place! 

What are your fav races?