Meditations in Motion June Race Schedule

I have a few races coming up in June that I would like to tell you about. First, a quick recap of my May races.

On May 5, I ran the Turkey Hill Country Classic 5k in Millersville, PA. It was a fun local race run on rolling country roads. I used the race as a gauge of my 5k fitness as part of a challenge I issued to myself this spring to improve my 5k speed. Even though I didn’t improve my speed over the previous 5k, I did win my age group, and any race with Turkey Hill ice cream, chocolate milk, popcorn, hot dogs and many other post-race goodies is a win in my book.

Mother’s Day weekend brought Montour 24, a 24 hour trail relay in Danville, PA. I ran with my hubby Bill and two friends. Each of us ran one hour per turn for a total of six hours of running apiece. My individual goal was to run at least marathon distance, and our team goal was to run at least 100 miles. Both goals were accomplished, despite very challenging conditions due to the muddy, chewed-up trails and nearly constant rain. This race is one of the few I do every year. The people and race atmosphere are so positive I can’t imagine not doing this race.

The York Half Marathon was on May 20 in York, PA. This was an out-and-back race done mostly on a scenic packed cinder rail trail. Again, I ran (most of ) the race with Bill, until a woman who appeared to be in my age group passed me with less than a mile to go. My competitive nature kicked in, I stepped on the gas, and passed her to win 2nd in my age group.

Now, on to June.

On June 2, Bill and I will travel to Purcellville, VA to do the Virginia Wine Country Half Marathon at the Doukenie Winery. The race organizer is Destination Races, who puts on wine-themed races on both coasts. This race is held on country roads among vineyards, farms and ranches, and features a wine-tasting party after the race. We have done Destination races in Oregon’s Willamette Valley and Sonoma, California, and thoroughly enjoyed each one. I am excited to try another one on the East Coast.

June 16 will find us at the Big Elk trail half marathon in Elkton, MD. I did this race last year, and raved about it. This year, Bill is doing it with me, so it will be even better. This is part of the XTERRA Atlantic Trail Race Series. XTERRA puts on a well organized race. The half is held in conjunction with a 5k, 10k, and full trail marathon. I liked everything about this race last year. The trails are challenging, but runnable, the logistics are easy, the volunteers enthusiastic, and the post-race party fantastic. What is not to like?

Hope to see you at the races!

I will be linking  up with Deb for her June Race Linkup. Check out some of the other awesome running bloggers who will be sharing their racing schedules there. Maybe we can arrange some meet-ups if our schedules coincide!