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You are here: Home / Uncategorized / race report: evergreen pumpkin run 10 miler {10.30.2016}

race report: evergreen pumpkin run 10 miler {10.30.2016}

November 16, 2016      19 Comments

For the most part, I love the Evergreen Pumpkin Run.

pumpkin16

It’s a great size, on a fairley interesting course, and it’s the perfect distance for me to double up on a race (with bling!) and a training run. In that past few years, the race has sold out about a week prior, so it’s definitely one to register for way in advance.

Granted, for the last few years, it’s been ridiculously hot and humid, but there’s no controlling the weather, so we deal with it as best we can.

Steph and I drove to the race site together. Parking is limited (runners can park inside the cemetery, but have to stay until the end of the race or on the streets surrounding the cemetery), so carpooling is the preferred way to go.

Oh, that’s right. I said cemetery. The Evergreen Pumpkin Run takes places in a historic graveyard.

Neither of us had picked up our packets, so after we found our spot, we figured we would grab those, return to the car to drop off the shirts and bags and then do our bathroom stop and get to the start line.

You know what they say about the best-laid plans.

While packet pick up was smooth and easy, we hit a snag with the port-a-potty lines. By the time the National Anthem started, we were still about 20 people back on line, and I just couldn’t take it anymore. Since the first 5K of the course loops back and passes the restrooms, and since this was just a training run, I told Steph I was just going to have to stop in three miles.

It happens.

Due to the race being at maximum capacity, the director started us in two waves, a few minutes apart. Somehow, we got out with the first wave, but it didn’t really matter.

Miles 1 – 3

The first 5K loops through the pathways of the cemetery. At the end of that, the 5K runners break off and head to the finish line, while the 10 milers turn to leave the grounds. The paths are narrow (which is why the race has a strict cap) and uneven, but well shaded. There is one water stop between mile 1.5 and 2.

Our first three miles were basically a rush to get back to the starting area and the bathrooms. (This is becoming a habit at this race, and I think next year, I’m going to need to pick up my packet in advance so I don’t have to make the long trek back to the car and then hope to get into the restroom before race start.)

Miles 4 – 7

With the 5K runners gone, things thin out a bit. The next portion of the race is comprised of two out and backs: one is on a path that leads away from the cemetery, and the second is on the road alongside the cemetery. The first of the two is kind of dull. It starts with a water stop and then there are several intersections and train track crossings – the area is pretty industrial, so not much to see. It’s not shaded and this is where things usually start getting hot. Things improve on the second out and back, at least in the interest category. The road isn’t shaded, per se, but there are a lot of trees, and there is a glimpse of the faster runners making their way back through the cemetery paths.

The fog lifted and the heat and humidity started in, quite unapologetically. I felt ok, but drained quickly. The one thing that kept me going was that I *think* these two out and backs were reversed this year. I’m not 100% on that, but my brain seems to remember it differently in years past. Either way, since it was different and unexpected, it helped the miles pass. At some point, I needed an extra break, and Steph went on ahead. I was fine with that. It’s nice to have a buddy, but I was ok finishing on my own, too.

Miles 8 – 10

The race finishes on the cemetery paths, following the same course as the first three miles. It’s nice to be back in the shade, and also because it’s easy to tick off the last landmarks.

For some reason, this race always measures a little long. There are a lot of twists and turns, and some weaving, so I guess it adds up. It’s a bit rough to see that 10.00 tick by on the Garmin and know there is still more to go, but it’s no longer a surprise.

Even though the race has been handing out medals to the runners over the last three years, the course is lined with pumpkins for runners to take when they are finished. For some reason, I have never claimed one. I guess maybe I just don’t want to have another thing to carry back to the car. But it’s a nice touch, and the pumpkins are always pretty sizable and well shaped.

Per my coaches, I was supposed to go at this race slow and easy, and that’s exactly what I did. It was hard holding back and getting myself in the right mindset – in fact, I told Steph that I kind of just wanted to finish the 5K and then go run the rest of the miles on my own because I was getting all anxious and pressured. However, I figured that I was already out there so might as well suck it up.

It was a lot of fun running with Steph – I miss getting to see her.

I love that the medal glows in the dark.

I was pretty tired afterwards, and glad to get a shower and a meal. Plus, I got to wear my cute race shirt. The designs have been great.

Do you have a favorite fall race?

Do you ever race the 10 mile distance?

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Comments

  1. Michelle Rogers says

    November 16, 2016 at 7:33 pm

    Looks like a cool race! I heard about a yoga class in a cemetery so I guess a race isn’t that odd but I guess it would feel a little weird! Lol

    Reply
    • runswithpugs says

      November 16, 2016 at 8:43 pm

      I love old cemeteries, just for the history factor. And the architecture in there is amazing. We stay on the paths and off the grass and where the graves are, so it doesn’t bother me. Yoga might be interesting. But I guess what better time to meditate than visiting family and friends we have lost.

      Reply
  2. Kimberly Hatting says

    November 16, 2016 at 10:02 pm

    I love the 10-mile distance! There’s a race I did in 2014 and 2015, but took a pass on it this year with my training schedule. Your medal and shirt both look cute!
    Kimberly Hatting recently posted…Hullabaloo all over the placeMy Profile

    Reply
  3. Kerri Olkjer says

    November 16, 2016 at 10:27 pm

    Such a cool medal! How fun that they give away pumpkins too.
    Kerri Olkjer recently posted…FitViews 2016 Holiday Fit ListMy Profile

    Reply
  4. Tricia Vaughn says

    November 16, 2016 at 10:52 pm

    Whoa that is a pretty dang cool looking medal!!!
    And pumpkins for a giveaway! Oh wait I think a Halloween themed run in my town did that now that I think of it. I thought it was pretty cool!
    Tricia Vaughn recently posted…Quattro Pro Massager ReviewMy Profile

    Reply
  5. Deborah @ Confessions of a mother runner says

    November 16, 2016 at 10:54 pm

    Ooh in a cemetary?? Sounds like fun I do like a 10 mile race a few times a year.
    Deborah @ Confessions of a mother runner recently posted…Veteran’s Day & Birthday Runs & FunMy Profile

    Reply
  6. Coco says

    November 16, 2016 at 11:19 pm

    That sounds like a pretty neat race, and I love the medal! 10M is my favorite distance.
    Coco recently posted…Birthday HullabalooMy Profile

    Reply
  7. Coach Henness says

    November 17, 2016 at 2:29 am

    I think 10 milers sound like the ideal race length. I wish there were more.
    Coach Henness recently posted…Whistle GPS Pet TrackerMy Profile

    Reply
  8. Susie @ SuzLyfe says

    November 17, 2016 at 11:35 am

    As a running coach, can I PLEASE say THANK YOU for doing what your coach told you to do during a race! You wouldn’t believe how hard that can be…

    Reply
  9. Wendy@Taking the Long Way Home says

    November 17, 2016 at 12:39 pm

    I love the 10 mile distance! I wish there were more races around here that are 10 miles. Great job!

    And don’t even get me started about those potty stops…
    Wendy@Taking the Long Way Home recently posted…What’s All the Fuss About?My Profile

    Reply
  10. Toni says

    November 17, 2016 at 1:38 pm

    I don’t think I have ever raced the 10 mile distance, I was supposed to do the Bronx 10 miler a few years back but got sick. Loooks like a great race a no I love the medal.
    Toni recently posted…5 To The Finish Line…Redemption #TeamASICSNYCMMy Profile

    Reply
  11. Darlene says

    November 17, 2016 at 2:28 pm

    What a cool race. Yes I love 10 milers but there are not many. We only have one local one.

    Reply
    • runswithpugs says

      November 18, 2016 at 12:30 am

      The next closest one is about ten miles away, so we are in the same situation.

      Reply
  12. MCM Mama Runs says

    November 17, 2016 at 3:59 pm

    I haven’t raced a 10 miler in years. It used to be my favorite distance before I became a half marathon junkie. Love the shirt!
    MCM Mama Runs recently posted…DuClaw 865cc Coffee Stout Sweet Potatoes with Candied WalnutsMy Profile

    Reply
    • runswithpugs says

      November 18, 2016 at 12:28 am

      There aren’t nearly enough of them by me. We have this one and a 15K in March. The rest are more traditional distances.

      Reply
  13. Marcia says

    November 17, 2016 at 11:53 pm

    Ok you’re the 3rd person whose race report I’ve read this week who got hung up due to insufficient potties. Seriously is it so much to ask to have a proper amount?? Otherwise it sounds like a great race and I love the shirt and medal. The cemetery kind of ups the creep factor!
    Marcia recently posted…Holiday Gifts For RunnersMy Profile

    Reply
    • runswithpugs says

      November 18, 2016 at 12:27 am

      To be fair, there are a lot of potties. The race site is just far from where anyone lives, so I imagine EVERYONE has to go by the time they get there and get settled.

      Foggy cemeteries are extra creepy. But cool 🙂

      Reply
  14. Kathryn @ Dancing to Running says

    November 18, 2016 at 1:27 am

    Running past a cemetery during a Halloween themed run?!? Whoever designed this race course did a great job with that!
    Kathryn @ Dancing to Running recently posted…Holiday Gift Guide and Dick’s Gift Card Giveaway (Courtesy of XShadyside Pittsburgh Gyms)My Profile

    Reply
  15. Mary Beth Jackson says

    November 18, 2016 at 1:47 am

    I race thru a cemetery is way to cool! I signed up for a 10 miler in January! That distance is not easy to find!
    Mary Beth Jackson recently posted…Fit and Festive? Time for a Holiday Challenge!My Profile

    Reply

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Welcome to Runs With Pugs. My name is Jenn and this is the story of my love affair with running and finding myself through fitness. From C25K to marathon, from triathlon to SUP, from broken leg to the recovery journey... I'm sharing it all. I'm a wife and mother of one, living in NE Florida, in love with travel, adventure, and food. Oh. We have pugs and a hedgehog, too. Thank you for joining us! We're glad to have you along for the ride!
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