March 23, 2008 Plenty of events, warm weather make this a great time for running For a runner, this is about the best time of the year for running. The weather is warm but not real hot yet, and the spring season of races is getting under way. A runner can find a nearby race on every weekend if that is their pleasure; and I have known some runners who manage to run two in one day, or run a race on both Saturday and Sunday. The season has started with smaller races in the area, but usually the official start of race season is the running of the Capitol 10K in Austin. This is the largest 10K race in Texas and ranks right up at the top in numbers in the United States. The Capitol 10K is a run for all levels of runners, from the elite to the slow runners or walkers. If you want company while trying to set a PR, there will be plenty of runners nearby to pace you. Just being part of the event is worth the entry fee and being part of the largest race in Texas. If you are not in the mood for a fast race, settle down in the back of the pack and have a good time. If you try to start much more than 20 yards back into the pack, it will take you several minutes to get to the starting line, and you will probably have to walk along with the pack for a good half of a mile. Actually, if you are not running for a time, I recommend starting near the back. This is where you find the fun runners who are there to be part of the event. These are the real friendly runners, and many of them are in costume, from the really elaborate to just goofy. There are teams of runners in costume under a large armadillo, dragon shape, or something unusual. Military groups are back there marching and shuffling in cadence to help you keep an even pace. All in all, it is a race that is fun to be part of; and the expo that goes with it the day before is a good chance to find the latest in running gear and maybe even win some prizes. If you are not into running the big races, there are a number of smaller races to take part in. On Saturday, March 29th, in San Antonio there is the Komen 5K Race for the Cure (210-352-6950) that is a popular medium-sized race. The week after that in New Braunfels there is a very large selection of races to take part in. On Saturday, April 5th, there is the Wounded Warrior 15-Mile Run and Relay (830-620-1300), followed by a series sponsored by Spenco on Sunday, April 6th. The Spenco 5K starts at 7:00 a.m. and the Spenco Sprint Triathlon begins at 7:30 a.m. along with the Spenco Olympic Triathlon and the Spenco Duathlon. Call 512-699-7429 for information on all of these races on Sunday in New Braunfels. This promises to be something for almost any type of runner. After that, a nice weekend is in store for runners on Saturday, April 12th running the Chapa 5K Challenge in Kyle. The course is certified and it was a good run last year; and it will be better this year. Call 512-268-8500 ext. 7870 for more information. Also that day is the Toughest Race in Texas 10K, 5K and 1 Mile Run in Austin. Expect a hilly course with a name like “Toughest” as the first word in the name of the race. Call 512-418-8338 for information on that race. On Sunday, April 13th, the very popular Schlotzsky’s Bun Run 5K in Austin is held. This race has been around for a number of years, and the T-shirt is one of the most recognized on runners. New Braunfels jumps in again with a race on Saturday, April 19th, as the SAFEHaven Kinderschuhe 5K Run and Walk is held (830-708-2991). Finishing up the month of April is the Texas Round-Up 10K, 5K and Family Mile run on Saturday, April 26th in Austin. This is a big promotion from the State level in an attempt to get people in Texas started on a fitness program. There are expos the day before, and there will be a nice turnout for this race. Call 512-378-0012 for more information on this event. If you are still able to keep your weekends free, the month of May is filled with races every weekend, as well with the biggest relay in the United States on May 17th. The Beach to Bay Relay Marathon is held in Corpus Christi. The reason I mention this so early is that it takes a team of 6 runners; and with roughly 1,500 teams, a lot of planning is necessary for this race. Number one is finding a place to stay; and that may already be too late. Along with the six team members, a support crew is also needed. Since it is a point-to-point race, someone needs a means of transportation to pick up each leg of the team and get the team members to the finish area. A common meeting place at the finish area must be planned, or the chance of getting all of the team members together one more time is impossible. Parking is not all that easy with that many teams of runners all doing the same thing. The team needs to go down the day before and enjoy the coast life, and settle in with some planning sessions. If one of the team members suddenly fails to make the trip, there are usually individuals waiting to get picked up by a team and substitutes can be found. The last I heard San Marcos has about four teams going down to the race and entering in different categories. If you have never tried this race, it is one of the best runs to put on your list of runs to do. Just remember that when the name mentions “Beach” it means that the runner of the first leg runs on the beach. This leg is on the sand and sea, and brand new shiny shoes are not recommended, as if the sand does not get into the shoes in all probability part of the salt water sea will. I recommend the second leg as the best, as it is still cool out and the second leg is flat. Later on the bridges make an appearance and the temperature begins to get hotter. It is still a race to enter with friends and plan on having a good time at a very popular and great race. If you want to stick around the area on that weekend, the Wimberley KAPS Dragon 5K will be held, and that should be a good race to enjoy. Dr. Maurice Johnson - better known around San Marcos as “Moe” - is a professor in the Department of Health, P.E., Recreation and Dance at Texas State University - San Marcos. Moe has been a fixture in the San Marcos running community - both as a runner and race organizer - since way back when Moby Dick was a minnow. His column on running and fitness appears each Sunday in the Sports section of the San Marcos Daily Record. • Recent “Running With Moe” Columns • Home • About the Club • Current News • Club Runs • Places To Run • TX Running Clubs • Running Links • Useful Stuff Upcoming Races • Race Results • Country Roads 10K & Kids Run • ARA-Moe’s Better Half Marathon • “Running With Moe” Contact Us!