c-ville-athon - Design Your Own 26.2 Mile Racing Experience

The c-ville-athon is the brilliant idea of my coach, volunteer race director, and running store owner Mark Lorenzoni. Created as a way to encourage runners to try a variety of local not-for-profit races as well as to track one’s progress over the year, the c-ville-athon allows participants to design their own racing experience by running at least 26.2 miles in charity events in a calendar year.

I worked behind the scenes to create a logo, flyers, website, and social media presence for this initiative and it was a huge success during its first year.

Of the 243 people who signed up for the challenge in the inaugural event, 83 runners submitted their checklists, running a total of more than 2,500 miles for worthy causes!

Currently we have 216 likes on Facebook and 46 followers on Twitter. We hope to increase our visibility and engagement over the next year.

Since I’ve been a race addict since 2007, it came as no surprise to me that I was at the top of the leader board for total miles raced with 98.4. Andrew Hersey came in 2nd with 51.1 miles and Kristin Morgan was 3rd with 46.9 miles.

Although I didn't PR in any distances during my c-ville-athon, I was the most proud of my Charlottesville Ten Miler time of 1:16:42 which is my 3rd fastest time in that distance (and the two faster times were on the flat Cherry Blossom Ten Mile Run course).

I had a few really bad races this year especially in the 5K (for me, anything 24 or above is disappointing unless it's the week after a marathon :) which was the Chocolate Chase after the Chicago Marathon). Luckily, I was able to finish off the year with two 5Ks averaging 7:40 pace on my Garmin and finish times of 23:26 and 23:05.

I created an evaluation form to get feedback and suggestions from the 2015 finishers. Here is a sampling of some of their kind words:

"Fun idea :-) Enjoy participating in local events and supporting local organizations; motivation to participate in an extra event or three during the year!"

"This was a great way to stay involved, get healthy, and contribute to some very good causes. Please do this again in 2016!"

"Thank you for hosting such a fun competition! I look forward to participating next year.”

"It looked like a fun thing to do, since I was planning to run several races already. I love tracking my progress."

"Thank you for putting this together! It's been really fun!"

"I thought it would be fun since I was running enough races. I told all if my running friends and we did discuss our progress especially toward the fall."

"This was such a good idea! Thank you!"

"Thank you for sponsoring such an innovative way to encourage race participation in the Charlottesville community. It certainly kept me motivated!"

"That was fun! Thanks for organizing it!"

"It was so pleasant an experience to run all those races and learn of this recognition."

"I thought it was a neat way to turn lots of little events into a bigger event; it was also great for tracking progress (or, sometimes, the lack thereof). I considered it fortuitous timing, since I had only been in town for some months, and found out about it while looking for races to participate in last spring. Being in on the inaugural edition seemed pretty neat, and putting the focus on non-profit races is quite nice."

Click on links below to register for the individual races. RSVP on facebook to let other C-VILLE-athon participants know which races you are running!
Download a checklist!

2016

JANUARY
1st -- New Year's Day 5K

FEBRUARY

MARCH
5th -- Haven 8K
12th -- Sugar Hollow Bridges 5K & 10K Run
19th -- Charlottesville Ten Miler
20th -- Fix a Leak Family 5K
Camp Holiday Trails 5K

APRIL
2nd -- Zeta Run For Life 5K
16th -- Run For Autism 5K
23rd -- Martha Jefferson 5K
30th -- Montalto Challenge
Lile Mile / Pi Miler
Masters Mile
Hoos Hea l 5K

MAY
May 7 — CHS Band/Cross Country 5K Fundraiser
14th -- Red Hill 5K
14th -- Batesville 10K
21st -- Keswick Hunt Club Foxtrot 5K
Oakland School Kids' Trail Race
Run & Remember 5K
Discovery Dash (Kids edition)
Mimi's Run 5K
Ramblin' Rabbit 5K

JUNE
4 the Wounded 5K
Bruce Barnes Mile

JULY
4th -- Independence Day 5K
Fairview 5K
CTC All-Comers Summer Track Meets

AUGUST
Stagger Start-Predict Your Time 5K Trail Race
Firehouse 5K

SEPTEMBER
3rd -- Women's Four Miler
17th -- Pepsi 10K
CCS All-Terrain 5K

OCTOBER
North Branch School Dragon Dash 5K Run/Walk
Buzz by Belmont
VSA Color Me Cured 5K
Glenmore Volunteer Fire Department 5K Run/Walk
Chocolate Chase 5K
Jaida's Joy 5K Monster Run/Walk

NOVEMBER
24th -- Boar's Head Turkey Trot
Run for Shelter 5K
James Monroe 5K
Charlottesville Men's Four Miler
Race and Taste 10k by ETF to benefit St. Jude Children's Hospital
Honoring Our Heros 5K
Kelly Watt Two Miler
4th Year 5K

DECEMBER
Monticello Classic 5K
Freedom 5K

Sponsored by C-VILLE Weekly and Ragged Mountain Running Shop.

Charlottesville Ten Miler Race Recap

My very first long distance race was the 2007 Charlottesville Ten Miler. I was thrilled when I finished, having raced more miles than I ever had run at one time before, all under 9 minute mile pace (8:41 to be exact, finishing in 1:25:29).

Eight years later I have a very special relationship with this race, having helped four directors with behind-the-scenes technical and graphic design work, including creating the artwork for the 2009/10, 2011, and 2015 shirts and medals.

On Friday night before the race, I helped hand out cowbells I designed to volunteers who’d be lining the course cheering and protecting runners from traffic. Their enthusiasm and willingness to help was inspiring. Every time I heard a cowbell along the course on Saturday, I felt thankful and proud.

I have run this race six times and don’t think I have ever run a negative split. When I saw the 5 mile clock display 37:xx, I quickly did that the math and thought, “oh sh-t, I’m not going to run this race in 1:14, what the hell have I done?!?” I tried not to panic and realized that even if I slowed down 3 minutes in the second half I’d still beat my goal of finishing under 1:19.

Having spent almost my entire winter training cycle on the treadmill, with only four races since January 1st, I wasn’t confident I could tackle the hills of Charlottesville. I remember feeling all sorts of negativity during the final 2 miles of the race last year and was hoping I wouldn’t feel that way again. Luckily some of my favorite power songs like Paul Simon’s “Obvious Child” helped get me up those last few long, gradual inclines.

I never looked at my watch during the entire race, so when I came down the final stretch and saw the clock say 1:16, I was shocked. It was my 3rd fastest ten mile race ever. My PR is 1:12:36 at the 2012 Cherry Blossom Ten Mile Run (a completely FLAT course) and my 2nd best time was 1:16:36 in 2011. It was 4 years later and I was able to run 1:16:42 on a much more challenging course despite making the classic racing mistake of going out too fast.

Reading many of the comments on the race evaluation forms warmed my heart and a few nagged at me. I know you can’t make everyone happy, but to read that someone thought the medal was too big or the design was boring stung quite a bit.




A few random thoughts:

* I designed the new Charlottesville Track Club mile marker flags that made their debut at the race. I smiled every time I saw one, even if the wind did turn a couple around the wrong way. :-)

* So many people yelled out my name. I’m so glad I don’t wear headphones (I have my iphone speaker on instead). I didn’t even recognize everyone who knew me. It’s so amazing to have so much support in this town!

* I got a ton of compliments on my Rock City black and silvery fairy skirt. I love dressing up for races with stand-out red lipstick and some sparkle!

* I feel a bit guilty for not saying thank you to all the volunteers (I was saving my energy), but I did try to wave.



My fave comments from volunteers and participants:

"My favorite part of volunteering was learning that the wonderful CPD officer assigned to "my" intersection for actual traffic directing duties had volunteered to be there. She was super. A close second was how many runners smiled back or said thank you on their way by as I cheered and rang my cowbell to the point of a hole in my glove and a bloody knuckle (true story!)."

"You guys have, hands down, the BEST and FRIENDLIEST volunteers. The medal is awesome - I will cherish it forever!"

"I run this with friends each year. This year about half declined to drive down, citing last years shirt and the sometimes iffy quality of the medal. I was pleased that I could text them pictures and note the return of quality swag. I'll gladly wear this shirt running. Thanks."

"Beyond satisfied! Perfect event, as always!!! My favorite race of the year. And any runner that complains in this survey should come run a race in philly -- that will teach them. This race is incomparable. So well organized and well executed. Having access to JPJ arena makes the race so calm and clean and easy and lovely. Thank you!"

"Cheering was great - there were a lot more bells this year. I liked how the stickers matched the medals, matched the shirts."

"Loved the logo design on the shirt and medal! The medal was also much better than any of the past 4. It was substantial and very well designed."

"The medal and shirt were AMAZING. I absolutely love them both. I will have that medal with the others on my wall forever because it's the memories that matter. Great job on the design! I love all the street names on it! Brilliant!"

"The medal is a great memento with the whole course listed on it."

"I loved the giant mile markers this year."

Charlottesville Ten Miler

Registration for the Charlottesville Ten Miler on March 21, 2015 is now open!

If you aren't an early bird, you can't get to Charlottesville for the race or you have no desire to run but want a cool Charlottesville Ten Miler shirt, then register as a "Sleep-In Participant." :-)

REGISTER ONLINE

Registration Dates	Fee
Through December 31, 2014	$45*
January 1 - January 31, 2015	$50*
February 1 - March 18, 2015 Online registration closes 12 pm, Wednesday, March 18.	$55*
Sleep-In Participant (NOT racing, but receive shirt)	$25

*Charlottesville Track Club members receive a $1 discount.

PLEASE NOTE: NO REFUNDS, DEFERRALS OR TRANSFERS!

Who is the beneficiary of the Charlottesville Ten Miler?

Proceeds from the 40th running of the Charlottesville 10 Miler will help fund Hope House and Steps To Success. Hope House is a family stabilization program for homeless or imminently homeless families. Steps To Success is a program designed to help families secure and manage the resources necessary to overcome barriers to success, especially through sound money management practices. 

For more information about the race, vist the Charlottesville Ten Miler website: www.cvilletenmiler.com

Rivanna Greenbelt Marathon - Saturday October 4

SEPTEMBER 6 RACE RESULTS & 2-MILE SPLITS Finish Line Video by Attila Szabo Photos by Natalie Krovetz | Suzanna Turanyi Feedback from Participants | Feedback from Volunteers The Rivanna Greenbelt Marathon is officially certified by the USATF (VA14004TR) and therefore can be used as a Boston Qualifier. The course is 6.5 "loops" of the 4-mile trail beginning at Riverview Park and following along the river on the Rivanna Greenbelt Trail. The inaugural race was September 6. The next race is Saturday, October 4, 6:30 a.m. Currently, this is a MARATHON ONLY, with a limited number of registrants (minimum 10, maximum 20) and a time-limit (see below). The marathon is FREE to MHMTP participants. There will be a nominal fee of $30 for this no-frills race for other runners. LOGISTICS *Please note: Because of the early start time and for safety reasons you will need a headlamp or flashlight for the first 2-3 miles, expecially if it's overcast. There will be two water/gatorade stops along the course that runners will have access to every two miles. They will be located near the start/finish area and the 2 mile turn-around point. Please be prepared by bringing your own gu/gels. We will only have clif bars at the finish (the 2-mile water stop will NOT have any food). If you'd like to bring your own labeled bottles of sports drinks or nutritional supplements, you can leave them on the water tables to grab during the race. There are two porta-potties available near the start/finish of the course. The course is NOT closed to the public during the race, but luckily since it's a trail, we don't have to worry about cars! MHMTP participants will also be running on the course between approximately 6:45 a.m. - 9:00 a.m. This is a low-key, no-frills, bare-bones race, therefore no shirts or medals will be provided as part of registration. We will email you a certificate of completion to print after the race. However you may purchase your own shirt with the race logo on spreadshirt.com. Rivanna Greenbelt logo on LIGHT items Rivanna Greenbelt Marathon logo on DARK items REGISTER ONLINE Due to the limited size of each race, runners will only be able to register for the Rivanna Marathon once a year. Exceptions may be made if field limit is not reached. Saturday, October 4, 6:30 AM (start time subject to change) 4.5 hour time limit - 10 spaces left! PACING CHART with CLOCK & ACTUAL TIMES VOLUNTEERS Volunteers are essential to the success of this race! We need volunteers to help document splits at each of the three turnarounds. We also would like volunteers to help with setting up and managing the water stops. All volunteers receive a FREE CTC technical shirt (long or short sleeved). If you can volunteer for the entire race you get TWO shirts! SIGN UP ONLINE TO VOLUNTEER MORE INFORMATION Photos of the Course  Trail Information Visit Charlottesville Feedback from Participants Feedback from Volunteers Questions? Sign up to be on the mailing list for future dates for the Rivanna Greenbelt Marathon series. This event is directed by an RRCA Certified Race Director.

Inaugural Rivanna Greenbelt Marathon

              #1     |    #2     |    

SEPTEMBER 6 - RACE DAY WEATHER ADVISORY It is projected to be warm and humid (70 degrees at 5:45am and 78 degrees at 10am). While we realize that you have made a tremendous commitment to training, our primary goal is to ensure a safe race for you. If you are not highly fit or if you have any underlying medical conditions, please consider adjusting your time goal or withdrawing from the race. PACING CHART with CLOCK & ACTUAL TIMES The Rivanna Greenbelt Marathon is officially certified by the USATF (VA14004TR) and therefore can be used as a Boston Qualifier. The course is 6.5 "loops" of the 4-mile trail beginning at Riverview Park and following along the river on the Rivanna Greenbelt Trail. The first race of the series will be Saturday, September 6, starting at 5:45 a.m.* The second race will be Saturday, October 4 at 6:30 a.m.* Currently, this is a MARATHON ONLY, with a limited number of registrants (minimum 10, maximum 20) and a time-limit (see below). The marathon is FREE to MHMTP participants. There will be a nominal fee of $30 for this no-frills race for other runners. LOGISTICS *Please note: Because of the early start time and for safety reasons you will need a headlamp or flashlight for the first 2-3 miles, expecially if it's overcast. There will be two water/gatorade stops along the course that runners will have access to every two miles. They will be located near the start/finish area and the 2 mile turn-around point. Please be prepared by bringing your own gu/gels. We will only have Clif bars at the finish (the 2-mile water stop will NOT have any food). If you'd like to bring your own labeled bottles of sports drinks or nutritional supplements, you can leave them on the water tables to grab during the race. There are two porta-potties available near the start/finish of the course. The course is NOT closed to the public during the race, but luckily since it's a trail, we don't have to worry about cars! MHMTP participants will also be running on the course between approximately 6:45 a.m. - 9:00 a.m. This is a low-key, no-frills, bare-bones race, therefore no shirts or medals will be provided as part of registration. However you may purchase your own shirt with the race logo on SpreadShirt.com. We will email you a certificate of completion to print after the race. REGISTER ONLINE Due to the limited size of each race, runners will only be able to register for the Rivanna Marathon one time per year. Saturday, September 6 - Registration is FULL! 4 hour time limit Sign up for waitlist. Saturday, October 4 4.5 hour time limit VOLUNTEERS Volunteers are essential to the success of this race! We need volunteers to help document splits at each of the three turnarounds. We also would like volunteers to help with setting up and managing the water stops. All volunteers receive a FREE CTC technical shirt (long or short sleeved). SIGN UP ONLINE TO VOLUNTEER MORE INFORMATION Photos of the Course | Trail Information | Visit Charlottesville Questions? Sign up to be on the mailing list for future dates for the Rivanna Greenbelt Marathon series. This event is directed by an RRCA Certified Race Director. http://www.charlottesvilletrackclub.org/marathon/riverview.html

Charlottesville Women's Four Miler

Record 3,029 finishers on Saturday!

Including @TwinsRun and

&

our Masters Moms Team!

TWINS RUN in our family

2  sets of identical twins ran 4 Miler.

Malinda caught faster 1/2's in action!

Leah Connor

28:30

7th in Division

43rd Overall

Kristin Keller

26:45

3rd in Division

21st Overall

Slower 1/2 of @TwinsRun

Malinda Hill 

32:45 (PR)

20th in Division

204th Overall

More about the Charlottesville Women's Four Miler 

(SOURCE: Charlottesville Women's Four Miler Facebook Page

Founded in 1983, Virginia's largest all-women's event is a Charlottesville tradition due to its hospitality to runners and walkers of all ages and abilities. The race is along a scenic stretch of Albemarle countryside and is considered by many women to be their favorite event of the year.

Our mission is to raise money for the UVA Cancer Center Breast Care Program and ultimately to reduce the number of people affected by breast cancer. For the 19th straight year, proceeds will benefit the UVA Cancer Center Breast Care Program. The proceeds stay locally and support cutting edge breast cancer research, patient education, support services, and community outreach. With your help, we're looking forward to making our largest donation ever to the UVA Cancer Center Breast Care Program. Last year we raised $335,000 and this year our goal is to raise $400,000! Please ask your "fans" (friends, neighbors, business associates, and relatives) to support your efforts by sponsoring you in this special event.

http://www.womens4miler.com

Leah's 5K Before Chicago Marathon

Charlottesville Catholic School All-Terrain 5K

http://www.agoodgroup.com/twins/index.html#ccs5k

Eight days out from the Chicago Marathon, I decided to run a local 5K that I've never run before. I had always been leery of any race with the words "All-Terrain" in the name because I do not perform well on trails or grass. I ran my first and only trail race back in 2007. I fell twice and nearly tripped multiple times over 6.2 anxiety-ridden miles. I ran my first cross-country race last year and, once again, I was so terrified of slipping and falling that I had a lackluster time (both in terms of finishing and enjoying the experience!). 

Since I'm going to be moving next summer, I figured this is the last time I could try the course and when I saw amazing race pictures from the previous year's event, I knew I had to give it a shot (yes, I'm obsessed with getting race photos!).

My goal for the Charlottesville Catholic School All-Terrain 5K was to NOT get injured. I knew I wasn't going to PR on a course that wasn't exclusively on pavement, so some of the pressure was off. After reviewing past race results, I knew that I could place in the top 3 overall if nobody super fast showed up or at least win my age group. 

The first mile was on the road or paved trail so I flew through that in 7:07. Then it started to get challenging and I stopped checking my watch and just tried to keep up with those around me and not get passed. I spent most of the 2nd mile behind a high school girl and a much younger boy. As soon as there was an opening, I passed both and didn't look back. With less than a mile to go, I heard a woman say, "You're the first woman! Go!" and my first thought was, "Uh oh, I'm going to blow it!" I knew I didn't have it in me to sprint to the finish line after barely making it up the last steep hill. 

When we got to a turnaround point and I could see who was behind me I got even more worried. I saw the high schooler and I was confident she wasn't going to pass me, but there was another woman on her heels and SHE was who I was worrieda about. Well, my fears were realized in the final stretch and she did fly by me. Oh well! 2nd place is nothing to be upset about. And I did beat a lot of fit looking guys! :)

After the race I congratulated her and told her I was so afraid during the trail portions because I had the marathon in a week. And she said, "Oh well now I don't feel as good about beating you!" I told her she did an amazing job! :)

My Splits

PEPSI 10K

"You ain't gonna get out of the race pain-free so you gotta pick the pain — the pain of the race or the pain of regret."- Dr. Stan Beecham

I tried to keep that thought in my mind on Saturday as I ran the Pepsi 10K. I wanted to finish the race without any regrets, but when I saw the clock hit 45:00 within spitting distance of the finish line, the expletives started flying. Even though I knew I'd still earn a new 10K PR, it wasn't quite good enough because I didn't break 45 (which is really stupid because I hadn't even thought running 44:59 was a realistic goal that morning). So I wonder, if I had the energy to sware like I were on an episode of the Real Housewives, maybe I didn't leave everything on the course. Maybe I could have run two seconds faster?! Yet, if I had, wouldn't I have just found another reason to question my performance? Somehow, my best is never quite good enough. Ugh! Is that what most athletes struggle with or is it just me?!

After the MP3 fail at the Women's Four Miler two weeks ago (my SanDisk clip died 1/2 mile into the race, the horror!), I decided to run with my iPhone for this race. I had my speaker on full volume so others running a 7:15 pace could enjoy some tunes as well. I love using shuffle because you never know if the right song will pop up when you need it. Somehow iTunes was in sync with my brain.

THE PLAYLIST

After running in a cool breeze under the shade of trees, we hit a long patch of pure sun which really raised the temperatures. At that point, "Hot In Here" started to play. Perfect! I wish I could have taken my clothes off. I was definitely HOT! :)

Around mile 4, when I was trying to pass a couple healthy looking college-aged guys, "Sure Shot" started blaring. 'Cause you can't, you won't and you don't stop... 'Cause you can't, you won't and you don't stop" ... I didn't stop! I ran right past them and kept going strong!

Mile 5: Pitbull sang, "Give me everything tonight, For all we know we might not get tomorrow." I thought about the pain of regret, and maybe this will be the last chance I'll run this race since I'll be moving to Wichita next summer, and I pushed through some unpleasantness up a hill.

The last mile's soundtrack was "Magic".... and I tried to focus on the thrill and delight of running fast."Magic. Magic. Magic. I got the magic in me." I didn't look at my Garmin that often during the race. For the first two or three miles I ran along with a couple guys who I knew would keep me on an even and honest pace. When they started breaking away, I thought, just keep going, maintain the pace, don't push, but don't slow down too much. Every time I did look at my watch I only saw the overall pace (usually 7:17) and not the overall time, so I had no clue if a PR was within reach. As I turned into the parking lot, I was sure the clock would already say 45 something, but it didn't. Oh SH*T. I knew I didn't have the sprint speed to make it before the clock ticked pasted 44:59. Too bad my coach, my running doctor, and a fellow CTC board member had to witness the barrage of profanities. My apologies to anyone else within earshot. I'll try to keep it PG at the next finish line! :)

So here are the stats. I ran 10 seconds faster overall than last year. My first mile was 6 seconds slower than the previous year, but still was probably 10-12 seconds too fast. I definitely slowed in the 2nd half of the race as I did before, but it was less significant this year. I also was able to sprint a little faster the final .2 mile.

Once again, the best part about racing in Charlottesville is seeing all my friends along the course and after the race. I've already converted two of them into Team Sparkle gals!

One last tidbit... I have only run about ten 10Ks in my entire life and I'm pretty sure my first road race was that distance. I ran the 1998 Georgetown Classic 10K as a 27 year old non-runner and finished 58:19 (9:23 pace). Fourteen years later, I'm now running over 2 minutes a mile faster. Imagine that! :)

BQ Fast 1/2 Answers Another Mother Runner's 10 Running-Related Questions

Love this post by Another Mother Runner's @SBSontherun & @Dimityontherun:

10 Running-Related Personal Questions

BQ Fast 1/2 @LeahCville's Answers:

1. Best run ever: 2012 Cherry Blossom Ten Mile Run 

1:12:36 (exactly 4 minutes faster than the previous year!)




2. Three words that describe my running: Train Race Repeat



3. My go-to running outfit is: To keep me warm in the winter I love my Skirt Sports Tough Girl
Great deep pockets hold my iphone too!

Team Sparkle Skirts (races)



Costumes (runDisney races)



4. Quirky habit while running: Doing radio interviews

5. Morning, midday, evening: Early Morning

6. I won’t run outside when it’s: Pitch black, pouring rain or icy

7. Worst injury—and how I got over it: piriformis issues (PT! PT! PT!) & sesamoid stress fractures (still broken!)

8. I felt most like a bada** mother runner when: My kids cheer me at the track!

9. Next race is: Pepsi 10K * (9/15) hoping for a PR or close to it!

Charlottesville Catholic School All Terrain 5K * (9/29) … for FUN!



10. Potential running goal for 2013: BOSTON MARATHON!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Charlottesville Women's 4 Miler

Ready to run in Team Sparkle

W4M race report (short version) - mp3 player died after 1/2 mile. Lost both contacts in my eyes at 2nd water stop so I ran almost a mile nearly legally blind (-11 is my prescription!). At least I could see in one eye by the last 1/4 mile. Still was my 2nd fastest time. 29:00. 4th in AG, 43 overall.

runleahruncville Garmin data

Masters Moms finished 3rd in Teams

Leah Interviewed by CBS 19 News in Cville