Esprit De She - Palo Alto 5k

I wasn't really looking to run any additional races since my race schedule is filled to the brim, but I couldn't resist signing up for the Esprit de She (sponsored by Athleta) when I got an Active.com email saying that I could get free shoes for doing so.

The first 100 people to enter in the coupon code and register would get a free pair of Skecher's GoRun2 shoes. I was pretty quick to pounce on it, so I actually got my shoes within a week (I think?). I wasn't exactly timing the shipping, but it was pretty awesome because I got to pick my color of shoe and it shipped for free! This is my 2nd pair of free Skechers since I won one at the Road Runner Sports Adventure run a few months back. The shoes are actually surprisingly awesome considering that they're Skechers. They are lightweight, comfy, yet low to the ground with a 4mm heel drop. I'd recommend them for sure!

Back to the race. It was only $35 total, so it was easy to justify. It was also on a Thursday night at 6:30, so it didn't interfere with my weekend long runs.

I convinced a friend to join me for the race, so we headed out early since traffic is kind of awful and we weren't sure what the parking situation would be like.

Turns out that there is plenty of parking! We got a decent spot, and still had time to roam around the mini expo that they had there. The race came with really cute tank tops, as well as lots of free samples (Luna bars, drink mixes, lotions n'such). There was a manicure station, and a massage station as well. I didn't bother waiting in the line for a manicure though. The part I found funniest was seeing the feminine products outside of the portapotties. That is a first! Inside the portapotties there were also little bouquets of fake flowers to fem it up. It surprisingly did make it more pleasant seeming.

The race was definitely full of women. I think there were only 4 men total, and over 400 runners there. I'm not usually very into the all women races. There's a bit too much of the whole "girl power" vibe, but this race kept it classy.

The race started at around 6:30. I wasn't sure how fast I could get my legs moving since they were in a lot of pain from my previous runs that week. I started out with an 8:30 pace, and managed to weave around some people. The trail was narrow and it was difficult to pass.  It was flat and on dirt which I loved. It looped around a little airplane runway which kind of surprised me when the first of many planes took off.

It was pretty nice temps that day, but the wind was picking up a bit. After being nearly taken out a few times at the turn around (the narrow path turns even more narrow when you have opposite direction traffic), I managed to pick up the speed and finish in 34th place with a 7:46 min mile.

I ran right into the empty massage stations.

The after food was great and included several types of sandwiches, green salad, and greek yogurts. We were also given tickets for two drinks at the end, which we were given the choice of 3 types of drinks. I chose some raspberry/grapefruit mojito thing, which was pretty tasty. I didn't go back for my 2nd, because it was starting to get a little brisk.

Overall it was a great race, and I'll definitely be returning!