Empower the Children 5K in Havertown

     Knowing that this race took place in the Westgate Hills section of Havertown, I felt I was up to the challenge of running the rolling terrain. With temperatures in the high 50s and sunny skies, Kevin and I headed to Westgate Hills Park on April 19. Organized by the Child Guidance Resource Center in Havertown, the run and 1-mile walk benefited the center’s therapeutic summer camp program.
   At the sound of the starting gun, we headed down Oxford Hill Lane, before turning right on Westgate Road. Trying to slow down and keep control as we raced down the steep downhill, we made a right on Green Briar Lane. A left onto Crescent Hill Drive, the course was clearly marked and volunteers were at intersections directing traffic. Heading onto Windsor Park Lane, I saw a runner take a quick break by sitting on a curbside coach, something I definitely felt ready to do. The hills were difficult, and the biggest climb was coming up.
   With a right on Glen Ridge Road, I was not too happy to see the hill staring down at me. With slow, steady steps I ran up the hill to the end of the first of two loops. It was definitely one of the more strenuous 5Ks I've done, but it was very well organized and the weather was perfect for an early morning Saturday run in April. Though my time of 32:18, wasn't as good as I'd hoped, I blame those hills:-) Kevin did great though, and I enviously watched as he sped up those hills.
Grading on the route, ease and cost of registration ($25 fee), T-shirt appeal and the overall fun factor I give this race three-and-a-half sneakers out of five.

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Rest in Peace 5K at Laurel Hill Cemetery

There were zombies, a whole family dressed as "Wizard of Oz" characters, artist Bob Ross & his Happy Little Tree, two T-Rex dinosaurs & a princess galloping on a unicorn among the colorful runners during Laurel Hill Cemetery's 10th annual Rest in Peace 5K on Oct. 6. Organized by the Friends of Laurel Hill Cemetery , this Philadelphia race has one of the most challenging 5K courses I've ever experienced & also one of the most fun. For years I've enjoyed the Halloween tours & Cinema in the Cemetery events in the summer at Laurel Hill, which overlooks the Schuylkill River & Kelly Drive. I've always wanted to run this course, which weaves among the towering obelisks and weeping angel statues throughout the National Historic Landmark cemetery founded in 1836. Though it was a day after Kevin & I were in his brother's wedding, I thought we would be recovered to race by the 5 p.m. start. Arriving about an hour early, since parking is...

Ocean City Swim Club 10K Coastal Challenge

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Hot Tub Nockamixon

What an amazing day of swimming at the Nockamixon Swim Challenge! We had several first-time OWS & three who placed in their age groups! Thanks Kev for being our cheerleader & photog!

Exercising to the Beat of the Street

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