See Jane Run 5k-My Review

Seattle was the third stop out of four for the 5k and Half Marathon series from See Jane Run. See Jane Run is a women operated running store, with locations in Boise, ID; Danville, CA; Oakland, CA; and San Francisco, CA (the first store was opened here in 2000).

I chose the See Jane Run 5k as my July run (per my 2012 race goals), and I lucked out this race was happening on my one free day of July.

The entry fee, $55 (since I registered the week of) seemed a bit steep for a 5k, but the race partnered with Breast Cancer Research, so I knew some of that money was going toward a good cause. Plus, I needed a July race!

This race was appealing because:

• It was a much smaller race than what I usually run
• It was a women’s race
• Champagne and chocolate at the finish (yum!)
• It was run on a course that I know very, very well
• The winners, 1st place overall and each age group, received a pair of Newton shoes

I registered in-person at Super Jock and Jill on Tuesday in hopes I could pick up my number/timing chip then instead of going to the expo on Saturday, but that was not the case (I could have just registered online).

I went to the expo at the Westin on Saturday. The Seattle Marathon in November also holds its Expo at the Westin, and I guess I was expecting something comparable. I also have only been to large race expos, so I am used to BIG expos. See Jane Run’s expo was not big, but the race itself was not big (882 half marathoners, and 509 5kers), so it was just the right size.

We were in and out in less than 20 minutes.

I received a great swag bag (better quality that any other one I have received at a race expo, think Lululemon’s bag quality) with a cute shirt, samples, my number (complete with a coupon for a glass of champagne at the finish) and timing chip.

Morning of race:

The half marathon started at 8AM, and the 5k started at 8:30AM. It was cold, so I didn’t head to the start until 8:15, which was still too early since I was not wearing anything to keep me warm.

I promise it is not always gray in Seattle

The start area was like another expo: all the same booths, and some extras, that were at the expo the previous day. The runners were also being led in some aerobics to warm them up. Also, there was a bag check, which would have been useful had I known.

The race started pretty much on time. The race ran north along Lake Union on the Burke Gilman trail, turned around at mile 1.55ish, and ran back. This was the only annoying part. All the other runners were running against the runners who turned around already, and they were taking up the whole trail (although many of them would shout out to the leaders, “Good job!” which was motivating and nice, and made it hard to be mad at them for taking up the entire trail).

The race was over pretty fast. (amazing how much faster 3.1 miles goes than 26.2)

Although it wasn’t even 9AM yet, I had definitely earned my glass of champagne. So, we walked into the champagne garden to claim not only a glass of champagne but also the glass it was poured into! (and some chocolate, too).

Seattle skyline is on the other side of the glass

I thoroughly enjoyed this race, and might even do the half marathon next year (really flat and scenic course). The race was organized, fun, catered to women very nicely, and was very convenient/easy to get to.

And, even better? I placed 4th overall and 1st in my division with a 22:17! (Not a PR, but I am in the off-season) Yep, I won a pair of Newton running shoes! (I didn’t stick around for the awards, so they will send my shoes to me) I have heard a lot about Newton, and am excited to try them out!

See Jane Run 5k and Half Marathon was also ran in Boise and Alameda. Next, and last stop, is Wichita September 15, 2012. Click here to register.

Does anyone run on Newtons?

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