Happy Easter

Easter Egg Scramble 5k – 2017 – Race Review

The 2017 race was on April 15 in Davenport, IA. Race start was 9 am, and it was sunny, humid and pushing 65 ish degrees.

I am no stranger to this race, I have run this many times before, and it’s where my 5k PR stands – and it’s been a long time since I’ve run that time.

In addition to the 5k, there are some kids races and an egg hunt. So, it’s a good excuse to hang out with my niece as well as my other runner friends in the Quad Cities area.

Gear: Magenta Sparkle Athletic skirt, Wal-mart tank, Adidas boy shorts, Garmin Fenix 3, ProCompression socks, XX2i France 2 sunglasses, Brooks Ghost 9, spibelt, Aftershockz Trekz Titanium headphones, Run Madtown hat. – oops didn’t take a flat runner picture

Race day:

I left my house and set out to drive the 50 minutes. I wanted to make sure to see my niece race, before the 5k started. I also needed to grab my packet. Race day packet pickup FTW!

I parked at the marina across the main road, it’s a short walk, but it’s free parking and there is plenty of it. Otherwise you need to come early to find something close on a nearby side street.

I had arrived with enough time to grab my packet- race day packet pickup FTW!! I got my drawstring bag with my unisex, short sleeve, soft tee, and bib. There might have been a flyer or 2 in bag, and I had a timing chip to attach to my shoe. I used the facilities and wondered around.

I spotted my sister and couldn’t miss my niece dressed in a silver, sparkly skirt and tall bunny socks! She’s a fashionista, prepared to run a fast 1/2 mile race. I was also glad I spotted them as they would hold all the crap I had acquired.

As we waited for the kids races to start, we saw our friend Kevin gearing up for the 5k. We all cheered as my niece ran her race, then it was time to line up for ours.

As I was entering the self seeded starting area, I spotted another friend, Kelly.  We chit chatted and then it was time for the race. There was no National Anthem, and then everyone was off.

Oh this race…. the first half mile or so is all up hill, it’s part of the Bix course too. I was one week out from a 50k and I had a marathon coming up in one week. I had my usual sub-30 goal, but didn’t want to break myself considering I was in recovery – taper – training mode.

After I made it up the hill, there was a nice flat section, followed by a really long down hill. (down hill is tough too) According to my Strava stats I actually ran a great second mile at 8:03…DANG!

Then I hit the last stretch, it was part of the main highway, and it was super windy, even had to turn my hat backwards…. I slowed my roll… It was also feeling really hot by now, that humidity was getting to me.

I came to the finish area to cheering from my sister and niece. The last hundred feet are all down hill, so you can cruise through the finish arch. However, once you cross the timing mat, the volunteer that hands you your medal tells you to take a hard right to get your chip removed. This is tough… it’s too squished up, you should be able to walk it out down the street first…

So, I made that turn and was on the search for some water as there are no aid stations on course. I did see a tent set up that was printing race results and the volunteers were clipping tags from shoes… I just bent over and pulled mine off…no one has time to wait, when you need some water. Luckily I found my sister, and she gave me the water bottle she had with her.

Kelly, Kevin and I then walked over to the post race party. It was hidden in a lot behind some buildings. There was a line that formed to get your post race goodies, including water. Ok, do I need to start carrying water for a 5k now? I know this time of year the weather is a crap shoot, but jesh, lol.

Once we reached the goodies we could get a Sam Adams Summer Ale, Breakfast burrito, Gatorade protein bar, bottle of water, sparkling water, and huge bottle of Gatorade. While a person really doesn’t need all these things, if you grabbed them all, they were hard to carry.

I had a post race beer, bottle of water and a burrito as I chatted with Kevin and Kelly, and then other runners as they passed by. A 2 person band played cover songs. There was no where to sit, except the ground. The burritos were really good!!! Awards were announced.

For an official race review – check bibrave.com

It was time for the egg hunt, so we departed this area and went to go make sure my niece was prepared to get us some candy….. er… ahem, fill her basket with candy. The egg hunt was on a ball field, and divided by age. She scrambled after some eggs and filled her basket. The organization gave each kid a basket that was already filled with candy too. (Some how I ended up with one of these)

Welp…all the fun was over…. or was it?

My sister tells us about her friend that opened up a new ice cream spot, just around the corner. We continue the fun and proceed to get some ice cream…. they opened up early for us.

We tasted some samples and decided what to get. I had a waffle cone with the raspberry lambic sorbet and topped it off with the key lime pie. SOOO GOOD!

After devouring our treats, we walked back to our cars, and went on our separate ways. Well almost…. Kevin and I went to get some coffee and hunt down some more Luvo meals. The online store finder (& my sister) said the Jewel Osco store in IL had them.

We found the meals, I stocked up. I hoped I could get them home before they all melted. I was happy to not have to bring my lunch to work for the next week.

I’ve said it many times before, but participating in races when you can meet up with your friends is the best. The day always leads to fun and adventure. So, while this race is on the pricier side, I will probably continue to do it so I can hang out with my friends and drink beer, eat burritos and ice cream.