Revival of the Running Threads?

[LIsaP]

My sister and I are schedule to run in an a women's only 5K on Mother's Day! It will be our second 5K together (the first was on Thanksgiving!).
I am looking forward to it-I think it will be neat to run with a bunch of women and have the men cheer us on!
Thanks for the encouragement! I only started running just over a year ago so it helps to have the inspiration of others!

[clairea]

I am an aspiring runner, but would love to join in. I am following a progressive run/walk program that I got from the Runner's World site, and am up to running 5 minutes at a time, with 2 minute walk breaks in between (I do this for 3-4 miles). I was hoping to be able to run the Race for the Cure on May 12, but have gotten behind schedule and am now looking toward running my first 5K at the end of June.

This thread is a great idea. I get really discouraged sometimes because running seems so hard, even though I am otherwise quite active, so I could use all the advice and inspiration I can get http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif

[Nutmeg]

so does runner's thread mean this is a safe place for beginners to ask extremely basic questions http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif

anyway, here goes: is there a "right" way to breath while running? i don't remember this being a problem when i ran regularly a few years ago, but lately i've had trouble getting into a good breathing rhythm, so to speak. is it better to breath in/out of your nose vs. the mouth? right now i'm breathing in/out of my nose until i get really out of breath and start gulping for air. granted, i'm just starting to get back into shape so a lot of this is just teaching my body how to exercise again, but i thought it couldn't hurt to ask.

thanks in advance!

[aggie94]

Ok, I'll join in, even though I don't really call myself a runner (more like a wannabe runner). I have exercise-induced asthma, and running really takes it out of me, especially when it's outdoors and even more so when it's cold and/or dry out (which is pretty much most of the year!). In addition, I have real problems with shin splints. I've struggled for a long time, but have finally gotten up to running 3-4+ miles comfortably. Now, my goal is to increase my pace. So twice a week, I've cut back my distances to 1-2 miles so that I can up my speed. Then, I'll start gradually increasing the distance by 1/4 miles for those two runs. The other time I run a week is an interval training workout of at least 3-4 miles.

I'm planning to do the YMCA race that Gina mentioned in another thread in June. My big ambition for the year is the Butte to Butte. It's a 10K race on the 4th of July that crosses Eugene, from Spencer Butte on the south side of town to Skinner Butte on the north side of town. The first mile is a very steep uphill, and the second mile is a very steep downhill. The rest is pretty flat. The only other 10K I've done was part of an Olympic distance triathlon almost 2 years ago, and I ended up run-walking most of it because the bike leg really tore up my knees (all ascribed to not enough training). And I've never run a hill in my life, although I plan to get on the ball and start training on some small hills to start off with. So anyway, I feel pretty intimidated taking this on, but excited too. My tentative goal for the race is to finish in under an hour, but as I get closer to race day, I hope that goal will drop to closer to 55 minutes depending on how my training goes.

[This message has been edited by aggie94 (edited 04-30-2001).]

[KValley]

Count me in, under "aspiring" Running has always intimidated me, don't know why. One of my life goals, however, is to compete in a triathalon, starting (perhaps ending) with a mini-triathalon. So, I'm hoping to develop some running chops.

Claire- I started the same process with running/walking intervals 3 weeks ago, and I'm about where you are with 5 mins run/2 walk, 3 times a week. I'm trying to run outside as much as the weather will allow.

Sunday, with Prince blaring in my headphones, I ran through 4 songs!!! But then I walked/jogged about 2 miles home http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif

If there is anybody in Washington State or Portland area that would like to run a 5K or even a 10K (later in the summer), let me know! I'd welcome the motivation/inspiration of an actual race and running buddy.

Best wishes to everyone and thanks for starting this, Emily!

Julie



[This message has been edited by KValley (edited 04-30-2001).]

[aggie94]

Sorry to keep you in suspense, Julie! There's either BB problems again, or our server at work is having problems, because only part of my post showed up before I got an error message. I'm surprised anything got posted at all.

Anyway, I have plans to do a sprint-distance triathlon in the Portland area this summer, if you're interested!

[Kerri]

Yea! I glad this thread is back. I also think of starting my own, but never do. I will try to work on that.

Anyways, things are going wI

[emilycat]

Hello, runners (and aspiring runners)! http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif
I kind of miss our running threads, so I wanted to try and start one up again.
How's everyone's running/training/racing going?

I'm pleased to report that I've abandoned the couple last weeks' funk (I posted about it on the HLSG thread; I was just feeling "blech" for no logical reason. Read: illogical reasons). So the post-marathon depression seems to have been relatively short-lived. Yea!

I'm back up to normal mileage this week, and I'm very happy about that -- it means my sanity is much safer, and I'm not so anal about my weight. (So I've started making a dessert each week, which is very much fun http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/biggrin.gif )

Next on the list is a 5K PR; I'd like to break 22 minutes -- not too unattainable since I'm only 4 seconds off. My boyfriend and I both run, and since he's quite a bit faster than me (only in short-distances, though http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/tongue.gif ), he'll be a coach of sorts when we're running together. And in late summer, we're planning to train together for a marathon in September/October -- his first, so this time I'll get to be the coach http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif

Okay, now it's your turn. Any goals (training, racing or otherwise) or races coming up? Have you run in any gorgeous locales lately? And no injuries, I hope.

Happy running!

Emily

[This message has been edited by emilycat (edited 04-30-2001).]

[CLCH]

Well, I don't know if you remember, but I asked a few weeks ago about training for a 10k. You guys were right about me not having enough time to train. I ended up having to drop out after getting tendonitis in my right foot. The good news is that after 2 weeks of ice, ibuprofen, and laying off of it (doing spinning and the elliptical trainer), it is completely better. I got great new running shoes yesterday that are so much more supportive than my old shoes. I went running this morning for the first time in 2 weeks, and it felt sooo good!

[Laura]

Okay, I have a question. What are hill repeats? Now to me, the obvious answer would be running up and down the same hill. But is that all it is? Am I to run up and walk down, how big of hill (or steep)? I ask this question because in last month's RW it had an article on doubling your endurance. When you were trying to go from 10 to 20 miles (don't worry, I am not even close) it had the runner to doing 3-5 hill repeats. I kept thinking if it is only 3-5, than hill repeats must be something other than what I am thinking about.

[emilycat]

Okay, I'm going to try posting again, since my first attempt at a lengthy reply didn't work (grrrr...)

[Natasha]

Hey guys,
You probably won't be hearing much if anything about running from me on this thread as I am still dealing with this injury and it is often too painful for me to talk about running... I feel a kinship with all you fellow runners, though, so wanted to wish you well. Happy trails! Hope to join you guys sooner rather than later.
http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif

[KValley]

Originally posted by aggie94:
Sorry to keep you in suspense, Julie! There's either BB problems again, or our server at work is having problems, because only part of my post showed up before I got an error message. I'm surprised anything got posted at all.

Anyway, I have plans to do a sprint-distance triathlon in the Portland area this summer, if you're interested!

Okay, this is my third attempt to reply to this wonky board, but it seems to be up and running (hah, no pun intended), so hopefully this will stick.

Eva, what's a sprint-distance triathlon and why does the thought of it strike me with terror? http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif Although I'm in reasonably good shape, I don't know that I would be adequately prepared to take this on!

I was hoping to join in on the YMCA 5K on June 2, but the closest is Tacoma. I'm flying in from Philadelphia late on June 1 and the thought of being ready for a race at 7:00 a.m. in Tacoma, even if I did stay the night in Seattle, is not a pleasant one, nor is it very realistic. (See Gina's thread on "running a race together..." if you don't know what I'm referring to...)

Are there other web sources I could use in locating races this summer? I'd really like to have something to work towards.I could always run my own 5K on June 2 and be with you in spirit.

And, from you inspirational running fiends, I'll need help with a training program. http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif

Julie


[This message has been edited by KValley (edited 05-01-2001).]

[Laura]

Originally posted by KValley:
[BEva, what's a sprint-distance triathlon and why does the thought of it strike me with terror? http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif Although I'm in reasonably good shape, I don't know that I would be adequately prepared to take this on!

B]
A sprint distance triathlon is usually a 1/4 or 1/2 mile swim, 9-15 mile bike and 5 k run. I did one 2 years ago training in 2 and one half months and at the time I started my training I could only run for 9 minutes at a time. They really give you a feeling of accomplishment. If you have the chance to do one, definitely go for it. If you log on to the Danskin web site, they do sprint triathlons for women only throughout the US in the summer.

[SusieO]

Ok, I posted once this morning, but it didn't take, apparently. Hopefully, this one will.

Julie: here is a race calendar site Emily posted a good while back. I've found it very useful. www.signmeupsports.com/partners/calendar.asp?source=rn (http://www.signmeupsports.com/partners/calendar.asp?source=rn)

I hate to repeat myself if the other post mysteriously appears, but I am still running 15-20 miles/week, except my foot has been bothering me and I'm laying off of it.

Glad to see all the runners about. Looking forward to the 5K on June 2. http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif

[aggie94]

Julie,

Try www.racecenter.com (http://www.racecenter.com) to look for races in the NW. There's going to be an all women's sprint-distance triathlon at Blue Lake in Troutdale on August 4 (1/4 mi swim, 12 mi bike, 5K run). Unfortunately, I'll be at a wedding in Eugene that day. Otherwise, I would love to do that one.

I'm still looking for a race that I'd like to do this summer. Even something in WA would work, since we could always use a weekend getaway. There just aren't a lot of sprint-distance races, and the ones that are out there are on dates that don't work for
me. I'll keep looking and let you know!

You might also try active.com's website for others.

[aggie94]

Julie,

This one might be something to think about:
http://www.active.com/event_detail.cfm?event_id=959791

It's an enduro triathlon at Hagg Lake in Hillsboro on July 29. The distances are 500 meter swim, 11 mile bike, and 2 mile run. The catch is that you do it twice! Or, you can do just once around, or in a relay team of two.

There are a couple of others on active.com's website as well, including a Nike Women's Tri in Vancouver (WA) and the Danskin one in Seattle that Laura mentioned.



[This message has been edited by aggie94 (edited 05-01-2001).]

[emilycat]

Wow, I am so, so excited that so many of you are interested in running! We had some great running threads before, but not nearly as many posters (although not to knock any of the veterans http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif ).
First off, anyone should feel comfortable asking any question about running, whether it's a basic one, or an experienced-runner question. Or even if it's a red-faced question -- 'cause runners seem to have lots of those http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/biggrin.gif (Have you seen all the 'Runners -- yeah, we're different' ads?)
Second, I have to put a plug in (for like the 80th time, sorry http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif ) for Runner's World -- Definitely visit their site www.runnersworld.com (http://www.runnersworld.com) ; you can find loads of information on training plans for beginning, intermediate and advanced runners, injury prevention, nutrition, everything. www.kicksports.com (http://www.kicksports.com) is also good. Oh, and the Running Network is awesome, too, and you can find regional and local running publications that will offer lots more information, plus really detailed running calendars (Julie http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif )

Y'all sound like you have some great training programs going and goals to shoot for.

CLCH, I'm so sorry you got injured, but so glad you're feeling better! Great job staying off of it and letting it heal -- so many runners try to rush into things and get sidelined for much longer.

mpuskar -- I don't think that there's one right way to breathe, per se, but it should always be comfortable and efficient for you. I find that breathing through my nose (exhaling through my mouth when workouts get more intense) on a rhythm with my stride works best for me; i.e., three counts/strides inhaling, and four exhaling. Does that make any sense? I don't even think about it anymore; after a while it just becomes second nature.

Laura, as for the hill repeats, you're exactly right about what they are, but there are so many variations -- the distance and incline of the hill, and the intensity at which you attack them. You can do 8 to 12 hard, fast repeats up a shorter, steeper hill, or 5 up a longer, more gradual incline at something more like race pace. It really just depends on what your race and training goals are.

Natasha, I'm so glad you stopped by to say hello -- enjoy cross-training and let us know when your running picks back up again to normal levels!

Again, I'm so glad everyone responded! (I sound like a cheerleader here, sorry.)

The weather's so gorgeous right now; enjoy your runs today! (or whenever http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif )

Emily

[Kerri]

Ok, I also tried to post a nice reply, but I got cut off, in midsentance it looks like. Here we go again.

My running is going so-so. My hip felt better so I started running again and I felt fine. Then I started playing soccer and now it doesn't feel so good. I guess I am going to have to quit soccer again. Hopefully soon I will be completely healed.

I think my main goal is to still run the White Rock marathon in Dallas in Decemeber. I think I can do it if I am careful. I ran 6 miles this past sunday, so I feel as if I am on my way. For a short term goal, there is a 15K in June that I want to try for. For now, lots of stretching, and I want to keep my weekday runs to 3-4 miles. It seems if I get much longer than that is when I get injured.

I just want to welcome all new runners. Running is such a great form of excercise. After being on the ellipical machine due to my hip for 6 weeks, after I started running again, I saw almost immediate positive results. I also like being a runner because it atomatically makes me want to eat healthier.

Mpuskar - When I ran track in middle school, I was told breath in with your nose, out with your mouth. In high school it was, breath however you can get the most oxygen. I would say, don't force yourself to do anything, but do what comes naturally. I know it is hard sometimes, but try not to think about it.

I am glad you are feeling better CLCH!

[cindyluwho]

Hi,
I'm sort of an aspiring runner right now. I've been running for about 5 months now, and am up to about 7 miles, but not very fast, probably somewhere around 9 min/mile. I'm finding the increasing of speed to be very, very painful. In a couple weeks I am supposed to do a "time trial" where I run 5K as fast as I can, and I'm not looking forward to it. I've heard that the best way to increase speed is to do interval training...have you all found this to be the case?
I have a cool running story though...this past weekend I was in the White Mountains of New Hampshire and went running along a 2 lane highway very early in the morning. About a mile from the inn I was staying at, I heard a sound in the trees right next to me, and wondered if there was wildlife around, but then I thought, Nah! and kept on running. I went a couple more miles, turned around and ran back. As I approached the spot where I had heard the sound in the trees, I saw a car stopped there on the other side of the road. The car then started driving toward me and stopped just across from me. The woman in the car waved me over and said they just wanted to let me know that there was a bear just down the road in the trees. They said they wanted to tell me so that I wouldn't be alarmed. Then they drove off. I can't say that telling me there was a BEAR up the road resulted in making me NOT feel alarmed! Unfortunately, I couldn't see any other way of getting to the inn where I was staying, so I just ran on and started praying. Sure enough, there was a very large bear standing on its hind legs in the trees less than 10 meters from me on the other side of the road, looking right at me! I didn't want to incite the bear to chase after me by sprinting away, so I kind of continued running on at about the same pace, as if to say, "I'm just doing my thing, and you're just doing your thing." As I got a few meters past the bear though, I picked up the pace a bit. At this point, it was about 45 minutes into my run, and it had been a very hilly road so I was pretty tired, but I must say, there is nothing like the imminent threat of being mauled by a bear to put a little spring in your step! The funniest thing is that I probably came within just a few feet of the bear when I had been running in the opposite direction on the other side of the road, right at the time when I heard that noise in the trees right next to me, and didn't even realize it! Anyway, I was very grateful to God that I came out unscathed! Pretty amazing, huh?

[SusieO]

Cindy:
Very cool story. I think you found a better way to increase speed than interval training! http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/biggrin.gif And can I just say I would kill for a nine-minute mile? My best time so far runs at about 9:20/mile.

[KValley]

Cindy I loved your bear story! http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/biggrin.gif I once encountered a bear hiking in West Virginia (well, I was hiking, bear was snuffling around) I've never been more thrilled or terrified in my life.

Laura, Eva, Susie, Emily, Kerri Thanks for the awesome websites and words of encouragement. I'm going to spend some time this week scouting these out. I will probably come back with questions! Eva, I think I might sign DH and I up for the Furry 5K in Seattle on 6/10, since we can't do the YMCA run on 6/2. And I will give serious thought to the Danskin mini-tri, which means I also have to start a swimming program :0

I ran a 5K at the gym today http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif Okay, it was a treadmill and I'm not going to tell you my time, but I did it and had fun (Cindy, I too would kill for a 9 minute mile!!).

Woohoo- off and runn..ahem..jogging!

[SusieO]

Okay, it's five o'clock, the sun is shining, and my foot doesn't hurt. I'm going for a run!

[Gina O]

Wow, a bear!!! What a great story! I too would kill for a 9 minute mile, but still plugging along. Actually this thread was just what I needed today. I slept lousy last night, then spent the entire day giving presentations. I am finally home and thought about running and decided I was too tired (I also had new dressers arrive today and spent an hour moving clothes). Anyway, after a lot of mental whining, I am going to get my shoes on and get outside. http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif Thanks for the inspiration, Gina

[Mbart]

I've been running for about the past two years, but just increased my running to 6 days/week since March, and it has really made a huge difference. First, it's in the morning and although I've never been a morning person, I LOVE it now! It's great alone time, and I start the day off with a much better attitude. Also, I'm done by 7 a.m., can shower and get on with my day without thinking of the need to fit in a run.

Loved the bear story, and thought I'd share an animal encounter story of mine. Last summer, I was running on a road that winds around Lake Michigan, very woodsy and not a lot of traffic. Anyway, about halfway through my run, I spy a HUGE dog up the road a bit, and he spies me as well. I love dogs, but am always a little wary when I see them while running, because many like to chase! I slow to a walk just as he gets to the road and starts trotting toward me. I'm now very nervous, because I have no idea where to go. Just then, a car appears down the road past the dog and is coming toward me, too. As it passes the dog, I wave it down. I asked the driver, "Do you recognize this dog? Is it friendly?" As she says, "No" the dog is galloping toward us. "Get in" she yells, and I hop in her car just as the dog arrives. She pulls away like it's a scene out of a police movie! I was so embarrassed because I was all sweaty from running but she was so nice! She just turned the car around and drove me past the dog about a half mile, then let me out again!

I guess I wasn't nearly as brave as you were with the bear, Cindyluwho!

[cindyluwho]

Mbart--that's a great story! What great timing for someone to pull up right at that moment! It probably would have been wise for me to ask the people in the car to give me a ride past the bear, but they were going in the opposite direction, and somehow I thought it would be ok for me to keep going.

[KValley]

Another great story, MBart! I do have to say, though, that it makes me crazy when people let their dogs run loose. One, the dog will end up dead on the side of the road at some point and as a dog-lover, this makes me sick at heart; two- as a bike-rider, I get so angry and frightened when I am chased by a dog. I rarely ride my bike in the country here because there are just too many loose dogs and I know my number will come up sooner or later.

Change of subject, but could we start a once-a-week thread for this group of runners and aspiring runners to check in and see how everyone is progressing- a sort of Runner's SG? Otherwise this thread will grow to enormous proportions....

[SusieO]

I was once bitten by a dog while riding my bike. It was extremely unpleasant and frustrating, but when I see a loose dog while running, I mostly worry that it'll run after me and be in danger of getting lost or run over. People just shouldn't be allowed to have dogs if they're not willing to take care of them.

I love the idea of a weekly thread. I also wanted to mention the training log on the Runner's World web site. I registered for it this morning (it's free), and it looks pretty neat.

[KValley]

Originally posted by SusieO:

I love the idea of a weekly thread. I also wanted to mention the training log on the Runner's World web site. I registered for it this morning (it's free), and it looks pretty neat.

SusieO- I registered for the training log last night and just finished entering my session for the day! http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif Thanks Emily for pointing us in the direction of Runner's World!

So, I find it ironic (with a giggle)in this discussion of crazed canines that my first 5K will be the Furry Run in Seattle (June 10)- to benefit the Seattle Animal Shelter. You can run or walk with your dog-DH is walking Lucy and I am going to run. I'm fairly confident, however, that this will be a group of people who know how to treat animals and runners alike http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/biggrin.gif

Maybe we should get through the weekend and start our thread Sunday or Monday?


[This message has been edited by KValley (edited 05-03-2001).]

[emilycat]

Julie,

I am in total agreement with you -- I've been lucky so far, but my sister has been knocked over on her bike by a dog and broke her thumb; she's also been bitten on her upper thigh while running and had to get 5 or 6 stitches.

So I totally freak out whenever a dog even looks at me remotely viciously. My parents' neighborhood is outside city limits, so whenever I go to visit them, if I plan on leaving the neighborhood to run, I can almost always count on having to scream bloody murder so that some negligent owner will come rescue me from the sharp fangs of hell.

On a lighter note http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif -- I totally love your idea of having a weekly running thread; it's a great idea!

[Kristilyn1]

Hi everyone--may I add how I too would just LOVE a nine minute mile? I actually am at about an 11 minute mile--but as I mentioned on another thread--I've just barely started even timing myself.

My animal encounter story was in NH as well! I won't tell this story---but there ARE mountain lions in NH. The actual running-while-encountering-wildlife story took place about 3 years ago, right around this time of year. I was trail running at lunch in New London, NH and all of a sudden I heard this huge crashing noise on the path in front of me. All of a sudden this huge *** is right in front of me on the trail. It belonged to a moose of all things. Now, before you laugh, I was terrified! Moose are very shy of humans, but they can be ornery. I wasn't sure if he would try to hide from me, I wasn't familiar with the trail and was afraid I'd startle him into charging me. I hauled butt out of those woods so fast (probably did BETTER than a nine minute mile).

Anyone live around RI? I never run with other people--but just even having someone at the start and finish to talk to would be nice. I'm doing a new race for me on Sunday--it's called the Shad Bloom 10K and it's on Block Island. It sounds beautiful, but since I've never even been to Block Island, I have no idea what to expect.

I'm not really a beginner runner, but I am a self-confessed hacker at best. I'm looking forward to some information and tips from our seasoned pros!

Kristi

[idgy]

Hello all. I don't think I have ever posted on this board before, but was excited to see the running thread. I have been running for about 8 years now and can't imagine life without it. I enjoy distance running the most, but shorter races are fun also. My main goals are to remain injury free and running forever.
I saw that many people are interested in
getting-started type of advice and the single best bit of advice I was ever given was to not increase your total weekly mileage by more than 10% from week to week. It sounds slow, but progressing too quickly leads to injury. Oh well, that is it for me.
Happy running!

[JLO]

Hey Julie! I live in Washington State and would love to have someone to run with. Other than my great dogs! My schedule allows me time to run during the day, when my husband and daughter are at work and school. I run alone often. If you live in WA. a great first "triathalon" is in Redmond. Great one to get your feet wet, so to speak. I have done this one a couple of times, it is great fun. Originally posted by KValley:
Count me in, under "aspiring" Running has always intimidated me, don't know why. One of my life goals, however, is to compete in a triathalon, starting (perhaps ending) with a mini-triathalon. So, I'm hoping to develop some running chops.

Claire- I started the same process with running/walking intervals 3 weeks ago, and I'm about where you are with 5 mins run/2 walk, 3 times a week. I'm trying to run outside as much as the weather will allow.

Sunday, with Prince blaring in my headphones, I ran through 4 songs!!! But then I walked/jogged about 2 miles home http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif

If there is anybody in Washington State or Portland area that would like to run a 5K or even a 10K (later in the summer), let me know! I'd welcome the motivation/inspiration of an actual race and running buddy.

Best wishes to everyone and thanks for starting this, Emily!

Julie

[This message has been edited by KValley (edited 04-30-2001).]

[JLO]

Beaver Lake Triathalon August 18 on the Sammamish Plateau, Redmond, WA. Great Tri to do 1/4 mile swim, 13 mile bike ride (4 of it up hill) 5 k run around the lake. Great fun Originally posted by aggie94:
Julie,

Try www.racecenter.com (http://www.racecenter.com) to look for races in the NW. There's going to be an all women's sprint-distance triathlon at Blue Lake in Troutdale on August 4 (1/4 mi swim, 12 mi bike, 5K run). Unfortunately, I'll be at a wedding in Eugene that day. Otherwise, I would love to do that one.

I'm still looking for a race that I'd like to do this summer. Even something in WA would work, since we could always use a weekend getaway. There just aren't a lot of sprint-distance races, and the ones that are out there are on dates that don't work for
me. I'll keep looking and let you know!

You might also try active.com's website for others.