One week ago (and some) the 2nd Annual RES1CUE Run 8K was held in Bethesda, Maryland. This 8K supports the Bethesda-Chevy Chase Rescue Squad – they provide emergency medical, fire, and rescue services in Bethesda, Chevy-Chase and surrounding neighborhoods (even Northwest, DC).
Image: Courtesy of the Bethesda Res1cue 8K
A little over a month ago my cousin Steph sent an email about the race – I never heard of it! After checking my calendar (she really had to pull my leg to register…just kidding… little convincing involved) I signed up for the race. My cousin’s husband, Chris, also signed up for the 8K.
Packet Pickup
Runners could pick up their packet at RnR Sports on Saturday or on race day Sunday morning, I opted for the latter. That morning I left my apartment around 6:30AM and arrived in Bethesda close to 7:00AM. I parked (easy and free) on Auburn Avenue and walked over to the station.
Race day picket was held inside the BCC Rescue Station. I gave the volunteer my name and they handed me my bib and bag (you could also check your bag inside).
It was also neat to see all the rescue gear – it must have been a cool sight for the kids.
We received a nice Harris Teeter bag (always useful in MD/DC – you get charged for the paper/plastic bags), a technical shirt (they run large by the way), and our bib. Inside the bag there were paper pamphlets…but the best surprise…..a FREE class voucher to Soul Cycle Bethesda! How funny, since I just wrote about my Flywheel experience two weeks ago.
Race Goals (“A” least probable and “C” most probable)
The day before the race I had two running workouts and I was exhausted. Heading into the 8K I had no intentions to attempt a PR (currently 52:47 – 2015 Shamrock 8K). Even though I was in much better shape than I was in March, I knew tired legs on a hilly course would make it very challenging. I thought it would be fun to work on some goals that were not all time related:
- A – Run all the hills
- B – Run consistent splits
- C – Finish between 52-58 minutes
On Saturday my friend Rachel and I ran a 5 miler in 58 minutes (negative split) so I decided a range of 52-58 minutes was a realistic “C” goal.
RES1CUE Run 8K
The 8K started at 8:00AM outside the B-CC Rescue Station. Runners headed north on Old Georgetown Road, made a right on Beech Avenue, and headed back south on Rockville Pike towards the finish (out and back course). This may be a bit nerdish of me to say, but I thought this was one of the nicest race maps I’ve seen.
Image: Courtesy of the Bethesda Res1cue 8K
The station all ready for the race!
The start! As you can see from the cones, we shared the road with traffic.
Pre-race photo with my cousin Chris (this was his second race by the way). I am glad I wore a tank top and capris. Even though it was a bit chilly at the start, it warmed up by the time we finished. Also, there was no coverage from the sun when we ran up the hill.
Image: Courtesy of Steph
Runners all ready! It was a small race so there was no need for corrals or pace signs.
An acapella group performed a nice rendition of the National Anthem, followed by a bag piper. Then we were off! I just noticed… I was not having a good pony tail day.
Image: Courtesy of Steph
As you can see I had plenty of room. I did have to weave a little bit at the start, but it spread out pretty quickly.
Image: Courtesy of Steph
Mile 1 was pretty boring since Old Georgetown is a quasi “major road”. Once we reached Mile 1.5 and turned into the neighborhood it was much more enjoyable. There were rolling hills in the neighborhood portion of the race, but it was definitely net downhill.
- Mile 1: 11:08 nice and easy Jen, nice and easy
- Mile 2: 11:03 yipee consistent splits
Shortly after we made a right out of the neighborhood the first of two big hills was in sight. Because Rockville Pike (which turns into Wisconsin Avenue) is a major road there was definitely some roadkill (gross) and debris on the course. I even got tangled in some wiring.
Image: Courtesy of Swim Bike Run Photo
- Mile 3: 11:08 yes! did it again!
- Mile 4: 11:35 ughh that hill got the best of me
The hill did a number on my legs. It was a long stretch as we passed NIH and Medical Center. Below is one of the race photos from the 8K… I’m thinking… “ugh really…. taking photos during the hill portion” haha. When I went up the second hill, I utilized a 30:30 second run/walk interval. After passing Mile 4 it was pretty much flat (as in the course) with a slight slight incline at the finish. My cousin Steph took some photos of me finishing the race.
Image: Courtesy of Steph
Huffing and puffing towards the finish line.
Image: Courtesy of Steph
Even though there weren’t many spectators the finish line cheers were loud and encouraging (including my cousins).
Image: Courtesy of Steph
Glad to be done – another race photo.
Image: Courtesy of Swim Bike Run Photo
- Mile 5ish: 11:18 got it back down…woo hoo
All smiles on the finish. I finished with a time of 56:53, which was within my range of my “C” goal. As for my “B” goal my splits were pretty consistent except for Mile 4 – which included the hills.
Image: Courtesy of Swim Bike Run Photo
Post race photo with Chris – we also received medals, which was nice for an 8K.
Image: Courtesy of Steph
Family picture of my some of my favorite cousins! Steph/Chris’ kids are the cutest (yes I am biased).
Image: Courtesy of Steph
There was plenty of water, fruit, granola bars, and pizza following the race.
Final Thoughts
- This is a nice small race (maybe it will grow in the future) – there were approximately 300 runners.
- If the race map looks familiar, they share a similar course as the Bethesda YMCA Turkey Chase 10K (which was my first 10K in 2003 and Chris’s first 10K in 2014).
- My favorite part of the course was Miles 1.5-2.5, I enjoy looking at the houses and it was shaded. The finish line was nice because it was a straightaway on Battery Lane.
- Packet pick was so easy. I really liked the reusable Harris Teeter Bag and the Soul Cycle voucher (of course).
- There were two water stops along the course and plenty of volunteers directing runners.
- Oh my hill, but I am glad it was there…sometimes it is nice to activate different leg muscles.
- It was very children friendly. There was a Kids’ Ambulance Chase, moon bounce, and the “Great Zucchini” made an appearance. At first I thought it was a person dressed as a Zucchini, but he is a magician.
- Walker friendly with a 1.5 hour limit.
- The technical tees ran large, but race organizers communicated that ahead of time.
- I loved loved loved that they provided free race photos. Also thanks to my personal race photographer, my cousin Steph!
- Food spread was impressive – reminded me of Kathryn’s recap of the Jaguar 5K with the pizza (I didn’t pick up a slice…now I wish I did haha).
- Easy to park and metro accessible.
- Close to the downtown Bethesda shops and restaurants. We walked to brunch following the race.
Overall it was a nice low key race and I would come back next year. It is always nice spending time with family.
Do you run with family?
Have you received any cool swag during packet pickup?
Deborah @ Confessions of a Mother Runner
May 12, 2015I’ve never done this one! I do love an 8k great distance. It can be very hilly in Bethesda I used to do the Turkey Trot over there. Nice recap
Deborah @ Confessions of a Mother Runner recently posted…Ragnar Cape Cod-Moms Do It All Night Long
Run Jenny Run
May 14, 2015I’m liking the 8K distance more and more now… may trump 10K real soon 🙂 Shares the middle section of the Turkey Trot – maybe see you next year!
Gretchen | Gretchruns
May 12, 2015Great recap! And these have to be the best race pictures I’ve ever seen..you look great! Way to hit your goals 🙂
Run Jenny Run
May 14, 2015Aww thanks Gretchen! There were a few more, but the race ones were “too large” to upload and I didn’t get a chance to compress them.
Amy Lauren
May 12, 2015It looks like this was a great, fun, small race. I love getting reusable bags at races because it’s good for the environment and I always use them (we don’t get charged here but they are talking about passing that sort of law on the Isle of Palms). Honestly for a small race like this to have tech shirts and finisher’s medals, that is pretty cool. Most of the ones in the 200-300 person range here do cotton and no medals unless you win age group or overall.
I guess it’s good to have the rescue workers around in case someone got hurt during the run, but hopefully that wasn’t needed! Glad you finished in your time goal too :).
Amy Lauren recently posted…Training for Summertime 5Ks (May 4-10)
Run Jenny Run
May 14, 2015This 8K was one of my favorite smaller races – so different than the Shamrock 8K (which I loved). I like when there are less crowds and this definitely had a community feel to it. The tech tee and medal was impressive given the size of the event (I even got a random Geico bobblehead, I think they were sponsors). I like using these bags when I travel (since they werent the super huge ones), I can tuck it into my purse. They came in handy when I went to the NYC expo this past fall.
Elizabeth
May 12, 2015I love smaller (well-organized) races! The swag looks great — and I agree: reusable grocery bags are so useful. We have a million drawstring bags from runs. They’re cool, but it would be nice to get some grocery bags!
Great job on the run! I have a race coming up with a gradual hill from mile 5 to 12 and I’m not sure how it will go… I may borrow your hill goal!
Elizabeth recently posted…Race Recap: NES 3-Miler
Run Jenny Run
May 14, 2015That would be a great suggestion to put down when I fill out post race surveys. I know Baltimore and RnR provide drawstring bags, I’ll need to remember it for next time. J&A races rotates between reusable grocery bags and drawstring bags – I really like it when its the former. Good luck with your upcoming race!
Kathryn @ Dancing to Running
May 12, 2015Pizza at the end of a race is awesome! You should have definitely gotten a slice!
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Run Jenny Run
May 14, 2015Haha so regretting it! Love pizza.
Jennifer @ Running on Lentils
May 12, 2015That *is* a nice map! And the finish photos ate awesome. Between soending time with family, meeting your goals, and the medal, it sounds like a great race. Congrats!
Jennifer @ Running on Lentils recently posted…What I Wore Pittsburgh Marathon Weekend
Run Jenny Run
May 14, 2015Thanks, Jenn! It was a nice afternoon – even though a little too warm for my liking (same weekend as PGH). While I enjoy larger/medium races, I think I’ll try to incorporate more smaller races for the 2016 schedule (also will try to run less races next year)
Jill
May 12, 2015It’s SO fun to run races with famy and/or friends! The races I’ve run with my sister have been so memorable. Also I love small races! Good job on this one Jenny!
Jill recently posted…A Sprinkle, Pickle Juice, Mother’s Day, and a Double Rainbow
Run Jenny Run
May 14, 2015Agreed! I don’t mind going to a race by myself, but you forget how fun it is when you have family/friends there. Thanks, Jill!
Kelli
May 12, 2015Congrats on a well executed race! The mantra of trail runners is “even effort, not even pace” so you probably did better than you thought. Does your GPS give you a normalized graded pace so you can see your “pace” when the elevation changes taken into account? You can load Garmin data into Strava and Strava gives you a graded pace for your splits. (basic account is free)
Kelli recently posted…Brain Training For Runners
Run Jenny Run
May 14, 2015Thanks, Kelli – that is good to know, I never heard of that. I will have to upload my Garmin into Strava and see (I haven’t explored Strava that much). Thanks so much for the tip!
Kristina
May 12, 2015Way to go! What an excellent finishing time, especially with facing the hills! WHOO!
Kristina recently posted…My Mom Made Me Do It
Run Jenny Run
May 14, 2015Thanks, friend!
Coco
May 12, 2015The 8K distance is nice. I could do without the roadkill though! 😉
what is that guy doing in your “huffing and puffing” photo?
Coco recently posted…Shop Stella And Dot And Support The American Heart Association
Run Jenny Run
May 14, 2015Me too, I turned away quickly when I saw it. Haha – very observant, I did not even NOTICE that guy in the picture… getting some sun I suppose? 😉
Janelle @ Run With No Regrets
May 12, 2015Looks like a nice race! I really do enjoy smaller races because they have more of that community feel. Nice that your cousin was able to be your personal photographer – great shots of you during the race! I ran an 8K a few years ago, maybe I should see if there are any coming up in Philly that I could do for fun!
Janelle @ Run With No Regrets recently posted…My Best Race Ever – Rock & Roll Philly 2011
Run Jenny Run
May 14, 2015It was nice to participate with family – and I like that it was small. Hopefully you will find an 8K – such a nice distance. I saw there is a Rothman 8K in Philly – is it a tie in with the Philly Marathon (linked to the main page).
Sharon
May 12, 2015Nice job on your run! Always great when the photos are free and you got some good ones! Your cousin took great ones too! Looks like a fun small race, I haven’t done an 8K in a long time! That would be a great distance, I’ll have to see if there are any around here to do.
Sharon recently posted…Boston’s Run To Remember Half Marathon Training Week 3: 5/4-5/10
Run Jenny Run
May 14, 2015Thanks Sharon! I am starting to see more 8Ks in the area (or maybe I notice them because I am growing fond of them) 🙂 Love when photos are free.
Sun
May 13, 2015Congrats on your race! I love your finish line pics – and even better that the race pics were free! What a wonderful perk 🙂
Your goals for this race looked great. I think it’s nice to focus on non-time goals sometimes. Keeps things interesting!
Sun recently posted…In Honor of Newbie Runners
Run Jenny Run
May 15, 2015Thanks, Sun! They turned our pretty nicely -the finish line photo angle was interesting – but free is free 🙂
Tara @ Running 'N' Reading
May 13, 2015What a great cause to support, Jenny, and I’m so glad it was a family-friendly race since, like you said, I’m sure a lot of the kids were fascinated with all of the rescue gear and having those folks participate in the event. The 8K is such a weird distance, isn’t it? You did GREAT! I know the humidity is starting to hang over us and I can’t believe you ALSO had to deal with wires and road kill – ha! Way to get it done! Congratulations!
Tara @ Running ‘N’ Reading recently posted…Coconut Almond Muffins
Run Jenny Run
May 18, 2015Thanks Tara! The 8K is a unique distance, and I am seeing more and more of them out there. I wonder if they took a count if there are more 5M or 8K races. Funny… not too long ago we were all saying “its so cold out”….I am sure the “its so hot out” will be over sooner than we know it 🙂
Ali @ Hit the Ground Running
May 13, 2015I love 8ks, and this seems like a nice one! You look great!
Ali @ Hit the Ground Running recently posted…Semantics
Run Jenny Run
May 18, 2015I am enjoying them more and more! Becoming one of my favorite distances.
Mar @ Mar on the Run
May 13, 2015omg, SO fun! Bethesda is a hop, skip and a jump for me – would’ve loved to do this one. Noted for next year. It looks like a nice, small community race.
Mar @ Mar on the Run recently posted…Life, Currently…
Run Jenny Run
May 18, 2015It was definitely a nice small race. Hope you can make it next year (and me too haha).
Abby @ BackAtSquareZero
May 13, 2015Good job on your splits, and I love races that provide pictures.
Abby @ BackAtSquareZero recently posted…Training for the AJC Peachtree Road Race
Run Jenny Run
May 18, 2015Thanks Abby! Seems like more and more smaller races in the area offer free photos nowadays – so nice!
Sue @ This Mama Runs for Cupcakes
May 13, 2015I like the 8K distance. I like the idea of a smaller race, I need to do more of those! The race photos came out great! I;ve run with my hubby a few times but he’s too fast for me, so we very rarely do races together unless we agree ahead of time that we will run together as a “date”.
Sue @ This Mama Runs for Cupcakes recently posted…5 Reasons You should run a Virtual Race
Run Jenny Run
May 18, 2015Thanks Sue! It was an interesting angle selection, but captured how I felt 🙂 I like the idea of a run date. Loved the pics of you and mini #1 this past weekend.
brittney @ corral b
May 14, 2015awesome job! the race pictures look really cool, too; you look like a badass 🙂 i think the best thing i’ve gotten in a swag bag was two tickets to a baseball game. it wasn’t an mlb game or anything, but it still was nice!
also, good to know about having to pay for paper or plastic bags in dc! i’ll have to stock up on reusable bags 🙂
brittney @ corral b recently posted…life’s timing and race training.
Run Jenny Run
May 18, 2015Baseball tickets is a good one! Yes def bring some with you (I like to carry a small one in my purpose) hehe. When do you start your internship?
brittney @ corral b
May 18, 2015i start june 29th, but i’ll be flying out june 27th 🙂
Nathasha
May 14, 2015Congrats, Jen! Awesome photos. I’ve never done this race, but I have done the Turkey Chase, which I think it’s hilly! May keep this race in mind for next year. 🙂
Nathasha recently posted…9/50 – Tennessee: Country Music Half Marathon
Run Jenny Run
May 18, 2015Yes! Definitely keep it on your short list.
Pam and Christine
May 14, 20158 k’s are really fun and they do not seem to be offered very often. Congrats on the race. It sounds like it was really well done and the small size would be appealing. The medals were a bonus too since 8k’s usually don’t have a participant medal
Pam and Christine recently posted…How do you train to get faster and some tips from the runDisney training guru, Jeff Galloway
Run Jenny Run
May 18, 2015It was definitely unique – I’ve seen a couple more 8Ks pop up in the area, seems to be more popular than a 5M.
Steph
May 14, 2015It was fun reading a recap for a race that I spectated! Chris was so impressed by your detailed account of the race 🙂 Thanks for letting us know about the free race photos…and for the photo credits! Let’s try to convince Chris to run more races with you…it was fun!
Run Jenny Run
May 18, 2015Thanks for your pics 🙂 Hopefully I can convince Chris to run Shamrock next year.
Lindsey
May 17, 2015Sounds like a fun race! Remind me next year and I’ll run, too!
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Run Jenny Run
May 18, 2015Will do!
Cheryl
May 18, 2015I run a lot of races with my husband. Shorter races, like 5ks my kids will run–It is fun to be able to share the experience with family. Looks like a fun day! Great job! Great pictures too!
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