Just Add Water...: Detroit

This week, I decided to run my Jost Running Soaring Virtual Race in conjunction with the Detroit Women's Half Marathon. All I have to say is what a great idea! I love the fact that I am able to run my virtual races anywhere I want and help support some great charities...all the while running with friends in different cities. It gives me the flexibility to be close to home or clear across the country if I so choose! Here is a recap of my races:

Here is my awesome bib for Soaring Virtual

The race route was great. If you have never ran Belle Isle in Detroit, Michigan, I highly recommend it. It is a 982 acre park in the Detroit River between the US and Canada. It is the largest city-owned island park in the US. It is home to the Belle Isle Conservatory and the Detroit Yacht Club among other things. This was the first time running this area. There were so many things to keep the eyes busy. I hardly listened to my music...for 13.1 miles! This was the course map:

Here are some great views while we ran around the island:

The Belle Tower

The Conservatory

View of the bridge and downtown Detroit from the island

Poor Erica was suffering from allergies the whole entire time, but she pushed through it; finishing solid! And I enjoyed catching up with her since we haven't gotten a chance since I moved to AZ! Here is Erica and me making it to the finish line:

Finished smiling!

Go Red for Women was chosen as the charity partner of The Detroit Women's Half Marathon. My other girlfriend that ran the race was chosen as a Heart Hero for the race - this is her story. This is her (gray tank), me, and another friend Kim post race:

Still smiling!!

I also want to give a HUGE shout out to my very close girlfriend who ran her FIRST 5K ever!! Julia, I am so VERY PROUD of you. You have chosen to lead a healthier life for yourself and your young daughter Sarah (my God Daughter), and have persevered through some hard training days and achy muscles. I know that this race was just the start for you! I believe running the half with me next year is a very attainable goal for you...you can do it, and I will be there for you every step of the way!!