You Want How Much?!

So I won't be doing the Baltimore 10-Miler in late June, but not for lack of desire. Rather, a lack of willingness to overpay for a race has led me to my decision. Remember when I said in my last post that I was hoping that there'd be an option for runners who don't want a fleece to sign up for the race at a discounted price (similar to the Celtic Solstice and Dreaded Druid Hills)? Yeah, that option apparently didn't enter the race directors' minds because the only option they give you is the full option, which costs $50.

Now, I like road races as much as the next guy, but $50 is a bit steep for a local race in its first year. I was willing to pay $80 for the National Half Marathon because it's an established race, is very well run, popular, and is relatively long-distance. You also got a full weekend of activities and a nice T-shirt and medal, etc. All well and good. I'll also shell out $60 or so for the Richmond Half Marathon on my birthday in November for the same reasons.

However, I'm not about the pay a high price for an untested product. Not only that, but the course we'll be running isn't fundamentally different from the Zoo Zoom (5 miles) or Dreaded Druid Hills (10K). The main difference is it leaves Druid Hill Park and goes out to Montebello Lake and returns. And who wants a maroon fleece with the race insignia on it in the middle of summer anyway? Probably a lot of people because I would imagine the race will fill up as there aren't as many 10 Milers around as you'd think. So long as they sell out, they'll keep the entry fee exorbitantly high. I'm hoping they get a paltry turnout so they'll consider lowering the fee next year. I doubt that will happen, but one can always hope.

So, I'm left with no races after the Survivor Harbor 7 Miler in early June for now. I'm seriously considering the Dreaded Druid Hills 10K, but need to really assess my hill training before signing up. This race is a very reasonable $10 without the shirt and $25 with the shirt so cost is not an issue here.

Annie left for Opera in the Ozarks today, which means I'm on my own for two weeks until she returns for her performances in College Park. That means I can get back to running more regularly and studying for the CFA. With her moving, our evenings have been consumed with packing and moving stuff the last two weeks so I'm glad that part is over for now! Tomorrow morning it's back out on the roads to prepare for the Survivor Harbor!