Anthem Star 10K-Blue Ridge Marathon RACE RECAP #RunBlueRidge #brm26pt2

Race day finally arrived after months of preparation! Here is my race recap with pictures!

Race packet pickup went smoothly like usual on Friday April 12th at the Patrick Henry Hotel across from the downtown library.

I immediately went to the Fleet Feet merchandise area because I had my eye on a couple of items like exclusive socks and a hat. I got everything I wanted!

Then I went to pick up my race bib number, shirt, etc. I always order up in my T-shirt size because they seem to run small every year.

While I was there I stopped by the Jeff Galloway table and got to speak with him for a few minutes and take a picture. He’s a really nice guy! He chatted with my son and I and was very down to earth and complimentary of our racing achievements. I didn’t purchase any books from his table because I have most of them…

The next morning I got up really early to pick up my 2 girlfriends and get to the race about 630am. We like to arrive about an hour early before a race so we have time to eat and stretch. This was my 3rd year being a race ambassador so I got a VIP wristband which allowed me access to special bathrooms inside the downtown library and food on the upper porch area.

The weather was perfect! I was hoping to get the same time as last year or about 5 mins faster but I didn’t reach my goal. I was disappointed but not surprised because I didn’t get to do as much speed race training as I did the previous year, and I was having shoe issues.

The course is always beautiful, well marked, with lots of happy and helpful volunteers. It’s one of my favorite races every year!
Afterwards I hang out with my friends on the stage area to stretch and eat. The food tent was great!

Although I was disappointed in my time, this was a hard race and I’m always pleased with myself for at least finishing it standing! (truly!) I can’t wait to do it again next year with my friends!