[Update 9/16/2012: Please click here to see the online calendar of Tahoe running events and races.]
This is the time of year when many runners are planning their running event schedules for the year. I like to keep my races local – in the Lake Tahoe / Truckee area or at least within two hours of travel time. I am a planner by nature, no doubt, but I am sometimes up for a race on a whim, as long as it’s local. Some past “on a whim” events include: Reno Rock-N-River Marathon, a Girls on the Run 10k, and Race for the Cure 5k.
I am sentimental and not too fond of change. I have a difficult time giving up races that I have run and enjoyed in the past. But I am trying to change. I will pass on the beautiful Lake Tahoe Marathon this Fall in order to finally run the full Bizz Johnson Marathon.
This year I have a new planning consideration – I am no longer the only runner in the family. I must consider my husband’s training and racing schedule as well as fun opportunities for the kids. Yes, our kids who are 5 and 7 years old, have events to calendar: Girls on the Run, Truckee Running Festival and the Turkey Trot at Donner Lake. Each of these events coincide with adult races, begging the question, which parent will run and which will hang with the kids?
Now, as I enter my fourth year as a runner and the final year of my 30s, my expectation for Personal Records (PRs) is decreased and my enjoyment of racing and training proportionally increased. I do harbor the quiet notion that I might run a Boston-qualifying time at Bizz Johnson, but I am trying so hard not to be overly attached to the idea. It will be my first time on the full course and I do want to enjoy the day (unlike my uninspiring run at CIM last year). In the meanwhile, I am savoring every run before winter returns to Tahoe in full force.
To find running events in the Truckee / North Lake Tahoe area (and some beyond that are of interest to me), click here to see the Tahoe Running event calendar. The website Running Round Reno also keeps a nice Reno Race Calendar. As for me, below are the races that I’m looking forward to. What runs are on your calendar? What do you look for in a race? Please scroll down and leave me a reply!
On my calendar:
Hippie Chick Half Marathon
[Update: Paced my sister to successfully finish her first half marathon!] As I mentioned in my very first post, I am running this race with a group of friends and relatives in Oregon. It is a “chicks only” run, and I am looking forward to a fun day with the girls.
Tahoe Rim Trail (TRT) 50k
The TRT 50k was my first ultra last year, and I get to run it with my husband this year. The views are beyond phenomenal and the vibe is great, as lots of local ultra runners show up for the various distances.
Bizz Johnson Full Marathon
The Bizz Johnson Express Half Marathon was my first foot race, which I ran in 2008, and I have run four times now. It is a beautiful course on a smooth, wide, railroad-grade downhill dirt course that runs as fast as asphalt. I am looking forward to finally running the full and hoping to be in shape for a marathon PR.
Turkey Trot at Donner Lake
I love this local tradition and was stupefied that the Town of Truckee refused to permit it last year (I and several others ran the course anyway). The kids’ 1-mile run is run before the 7-mile run around Donner, allowing parents to warm up with their kiddies before the race.
On my maybe list:
The Racing Gnome Snow Run
[Update 1/30/2012: This race is cancelled due to poor snow coverage.] 5k and 10k snowshoe races on a new course at the Tahoe Donner Cross Country Center. I may be volunteering at this race rather than running. I am certain that I will be on-scene at Tahoe Donner that day one way or the other – running, volunteering and/or skiing!
Reno Rock-N-River Marathon
[Update: Had to miss it this year due to family conflicts.] A flat, comfortable run on the pavement along the Truckee river in Reno, with a comfortable price tag of only $60 for the full marathon. Other distances include half marathon (very popular), 10k, 5k, and 1 mile kids’ race.
Truckee Running Festival
A fundraiser event for Truckee Trails Foundation, this morning of family running fun includes a half marathon (pavement and dirt trail), 10k (pavement), 5k (pavement) and kids’ run. (P.S. Those are our cool runner kids front and center on the event web page!)
Girls on the Run
[Update: I ran the June 5k with both of our kids and had a fabulous time. Read the race report here.] Girls on the Run Sierras produces two events annually, in June and October. Each includes a 5k and 10k on The Legacy Trail in Truckee. The runs are really fun for the whole family (boys, too!) Wear your costume for the Halloween event.
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