This past weekend, I had the privilege of vending and running the Cheerio Challenge in my hometown of Covington, GA.
Covington GA
Before diving into the race, let me paint a picture of Covington. It’s a quaint movie town, famous for films like “Remember the Titans,” “Steel Magnolias,” and “In the Heat of the Night.” With just 14,000 residents, it’s a far cry from the bustling metropolis of Chicago where I hail from. But there’s something about its cozy square – the ice cream shop, the hometown bars, the bakery, and that iconic clock tower – that just felt right when I was scouting a place to call home.
Cheerios Challenge
Now, onto the race.
The Cheerios Challenge is a fundraiser put on by the local YMCA, offering a trot run for kiddos under 5, a 1-mile open to all, and both 5k and 10k options. The most exciting part for me? I’ve pounded the pavement of this route countless times during my daily runs. I know every sneaky incline and tricky turn like the back of my hand. But this Saturday brought a new challenge – the humidity. At 65 degrees but feeling more like 75, it was enough to slow even the most seasoned runner down and turn a leisurely jog into a sweaty slog.I went into the race with a game plan: stick to a 10:30-10:00 pace for the first mile, let the downhill propel me to a 10:00 pace for mile two, and give it everything I had for that final stretch. But Mother Nature had other ideas. Mile one clocked in at 11:30, mile two at 11:00, and mile three fluctuated between 12 and 11 minutes, with a burst of speed at the end bringing me in at a 9-minute mile.
Despite the slower pace, I was pleased with my performance, considering the hectic morning I’d had.Before lacing up for the 5k, I was busy setting up my compression sock table, snapping photos of my boys’ mile run, and trying to squeeze in a warm-up. It was a lot to juggle, but with the help of my amazing husband and son, we made it work. The weather couldn’t have been better for vending – perfect for showcasing my products and connecting with fellow runners.
Although this race didn’t offer medals, the sense of community, the cheers from volunteers along the route, and the family-friendly atmosphere made it a winner in my book. Whether you’re looking for a local 5k or need a solid 10k for your training regimen, the Cheerio Challenge is a race worth adding to your calendar.
