Esprit de She 5/10K Race Report 2014

Looking back from the starting line.

The second annual Esprit de She 5k/10k Run in Cary, NC on June 26 was a huge hit.  The sold out race with an expanded field of 1,500 women runners was a good size to provide some of the excitement of a larger race and the feel of a small race where one could easily find friends in a crowd.

Among the crowd I saw old friends and new friends I made as a member of the race training group.  My friend Christine and I are "founding finishers" of the race.  We added three additional friends to our carpool this year.  It was inspiring simply to be there among a sisterhood of runners enjoying and celebrating an evening of fitness.

The course was reversed this year, and I really liked it.  I ran the 5K that began with a gradual, steady incline, followed by a downhill portion  and a lap around the small lake before finishing near the start at the Koka Booth Amphitheatre.  The 5K and the 10k began at the same time, and the two races split around the 1 mile mark.  I noticed many more women running the 10K this year.

When we arrived for the 6:30PM race at 5:40PM, it was 92 degrees.  I don't usually run on summer evenings and marveled at the many women who chose to race 6 miles in such conditions.  My take on this race is that there is no need to run 6 miles in the heat to enjoy fitness and fellowship and a great post-race party as soon as possible.

We started about 10 rows of people back from the starting line, and that placement was fine for a 9:30 pace.  The two highlights of the race for me were after ascending the first incline and the last half mile. Nearing the finish the women were focused, serious and trying their best.  It was exciting and hot!

Within our small group, we were running varying paces and distances, so we made a plan of where to meet after the race.   At the finish we found water, recovery drink, snacks, shoe laces and towels.  Christine and I were around the 100th finishers, so we were lucky enough to snag one of the few remaining tables available because most were already occupied by family members and supporters of the runners.

When I approached the food table, there were only about three other women there. I took one of the tiny plates and placed some tasty La Farm treats on it thinking I would return for more later.  I did not return because the line became very long.  When we made it to the Bubbly Bar, we were among the first to get our champagne, which was very good, and we really liked the plastic souvenir glasses that we brought home.

In summary, this is a great event.   Running in a women's only event is different than a traditional race.  It's not so much about who can run the fastest.  It's about doing something good for yourself with a group of women.  The course is just challenging enough and scenic.  If you want to celebrate fitness with your family after the run, they are welcome.  If you want to make it a girls night out, you can do that.  The venue is fantastic, the food is delicious, and the adult beverages are a nice touch.

The race did have a few growing pains this year, but nothing that can't be resolved.  Most notably, the race shirts were not in the race packets because they were held up in customs.  My experience as a race ambassador was wonderful, but I felt bad about the race shirts not being available.  My friends and I had to find time to make it to the mall 30 minutes away within a few days after the race. We did get a $15 gift card for the inconvenience, but if the race is sponsored by an apparel retailer, the shirts should be available before or at the race.  I have worn Athleta clothing for years and love it, so I am sorry about this set back.  (We did have the option to have shirts mailed to us -- without the gift card).

Additionally, the buffet line should be staged to easily accommodate 1,500 women.  And, finally, because many women new to racing participate, the race should help educate women about race etiquette.  Women participated in this event in groups. Some of these groups provided obstacles for some runners.  The walkers and slower runners should be instructed to make way for other runners and be instructed about which side of the road or greenway to be on so that participants trying to race can do so without frustration.