Best Damn Race - Safety Harbor - Race Recap

I'm a little behind on the blog. It's been a busy month of February with racing, preparing for the races and just life in general.  I'm going to try and catch up by the end of the week.

On Saturday, February 1st, my husband and I participated in the Best Damn Race in Safety Harbor, FL.  I had heard great things about this race series and it did not disappoint.  The 3 miles fit into my training plan for my first half later in the month so it was perfect timing.

We had picked up our packets and race bibs the Thursday prior to the race at the Fit Niche store in Hyde Park Tampa.  It was conveniently on our way home after work.  They were also one of the sponsors for the race so they had some discounts being offered during the packet pick up.  We looked around quickly but did not buy anything.

The race started at 9am so we left the house around 7am that morning.  It's about an hour or so from our home to Safety Harbor.  We arrived to the area early but had a very difficult time finding parking.  The 5k race was the last of the three races that morning and parking in the race area and surrounding residential area was difficult.  We finally found a spot several blocks to the race start and walked quickly to the start line.  The half marathon runners were finishing as we walked up and the area was full of spectators.  Great vibe to get us pumped up for our race.  

We went straight to the start line but had about 20 minutes to wait.  Hubby went in search of a restroom or porta potty but he said the lines were really long and he was afraid to miss the start of the race.  So we just waited patiently and set up the RunKeeper application and music.

Lots of people at the start line.  We stayed towards the back because my pace is so slow.  Hubby is much faster and could move up but he stays with me until we start.

Before we knew it, we were off.  It was a little crowded at the start of the race but thinned out pretty quickly.  Hubby took off to run his race since he was looking for a PR this morning. 

                                      

The race started down Bayshore Drive and then turned into a residential area.  Before I knew it, I was coming to the first water stop and then the first mile marker.  My RunKeeper app said I had my fastest mile to date and I was excited at the possibility of a PR.

This guy was not only pushing a stroller with his son in it bu also carried that tire the entire race. 

Mile 2 was an out and back down Philippe Parkway.  I was able to see Hubby on his way back as I went out.  I knew he was at least 1/2 mile ahead of me. I continued my pace a little jealous of those on the other side heading back.

 This course was pretty flat and scenic.  I was able to just concentrate on my pace and enjoy my music and sights.  I was still doing a great time and I was still hoping for a PR.  I had to finish in under 41 minutes and some quick math confirmed it was possible. 

Along the course there were also some great signs.  These are two one of my favorites.

   

 As soon as I saw the Mile 3 marker, I knew I could get a PR.  I pushed as much as I could the the finish line and was so excited when I cross it and knew I had done it. 

I took the water from the volunteer and rushed to find the Hubby.  I could not wait to tell him and find out how he had done.  It turns out we had both reached our goals.  I went in search of the PR bell.

We then went to get food and of course the free beer.  We hung out for a little bit to enjoy the festivities and the lovely view.  

This is a wonderful race! We can't wait to do it again. In fact, we then signed up for the Best Damn Race in Orlando that took place on March 1, 2014.  This group puts on a wonderful event!  The course is beautiful and runner friendly, there is great food and beer after the race, and the atmosphere is fun.  I would highly recommend taking part in the Best Damn Race and can't wait to do it again in 2015.

Our results were posted right away.  This was my first chip timed race and it was cool to see official results.  I was in the bottom third of all the results but that just means there is plenty of room for improvement.

 Name                      City                Bib No   Age  Gend  Age Group  ChipTime    Gun Time            Pace 
Hildarys Partridge     Brandon FL    5096      40      F       40-44         41:30.7       42:27.2            13:23/M