My Journey As A Runner

Friday, September 21, 2018

Race Review: The Great Pumpkin Run 5K Tough Pumpkin Challenge


Disclaimer: I received free entry to The Great Pumpkin Run 5K (Lansing) race as part of being a BibRave Pro. Learn more about becoming a BibRave Pro (ambassador), and check out BibRave.com to review find and write race reviews!

When signing up for The Great Pumpkin Run 5K, there was an additional option of the Tough Pumpkin challenge. This is where you select a pumpkin and carry it with you the entire race. Those who finished got an additional medal to go along with the 5K finisher's medal. There were small, medium, and large bins of pumpkins to choose from. Because I got to the race early, I had plenty of pumpkins to choose from. I went with one of the larger ones (turned out to be 13 lbs!). I wanted to make sure I earned that Tough Pumpkin medal.


Picture of the 13lb pumpkin, Linus, I carried with me the entire course.

The weather was great for a race. It was cool, but not cold. This was a welcome change from the recent heatwave from a few days ago. The course was through the woods and trails at Uncle John's Cider Mill, in St. Johns. There was one small hill near the first mile that was challenging to run up while carrying Linus. After that first mile, I worked hard on finding all the different ways I could carry the pumpkin. I carried it by the stem with both hands, holding on to it with both hands, carrying it on each shoulder.

Picture of myself taken during the race.

After crossing the finish line, I received by 5K finisher's medal and my Tough Pumpkin medal. I still had to carry Linus with me back to my truck. I had to make sure I had both hands available, so I could get a gallon of Uncle John's Cider and 1/2 dozen donuts. Freshly made apple cider is something I can't pass up!

This was the first race I've run that isn't the traditional road race. It was fun trying something new. Even with the struggle of carrying Linus with me the whole way, I wouldn't have changed anything. If I run this race again, I might even try a larger pumpkin!

Monday, September 3, 2018

Tough Pumpkin Challenge

"Disclaimer: I received free entry to The Great Pumpkin Run 5K Tough Pumpkin Challenge as part of being a BibRave Pro. Learn more about becoming a BibRave Pro (ambassador), and checkout BibRave.comBibRave.com to review, find, and write race reviews!"

This Saturday (9/8) will be one of the few times I'm not running a "traditional" race. I usually stick to running races where all I need to do is put my toe on the line, run (follow the people in front of me), cross the finish line. It's easy!

When I heard about the Tough Pumpkin Challenge, I couldn't pass up the opportunity to do something different. It's running a 5K while carrying a pumpkin. The idea behind it sounded really fun! I know I can run a 5K. I've done MANY of those before. This gives me the opportunity to break that mold.

Since the beginning of August when I was able to get back to running again, I've been training and thinking about this race. I've been putting in a lot of miles, so I know I can cover the 5K distance. Because I'll have to carry a pumpkin with me the whole time, I've been putting in some extra time at the gym. Kettlebells make great substitutes for pumpkins. I've been lifting those with both arms to help make sure I've got enough strength to carry the pumpkin with me.

I'm looking forward to crossing that finish line and getting the Tough Pumpkin medal to go along with the 5K finisher's medal. That medal will definitely stand out and look great with my other race medals.



The hoodie all runner's are getting looks awesome and is a welcome change from having a tech shirt. The hoodie has a winking pumpkin on the front. Very cool! I will be wearing this hoodie a lot this fall. Might as well look good and stay warm at the same time!



This race will be held at Uncle John's Cider Mill in St. Johns, Michigan. This is about 20 minutes north of Lansing. There are many fun activities after the race for you and your family to enjoy. There are tractor-pulled hayrides, a corn maze, jumping pillow, free win and hard cider tasting (for those 21 and older), gemstone mining, and of course, APPLES and APPLE CIDER!

There is still time to join the fun. Use this link to register today! ow.ly/jN9E30kWxVZ

There is still time to register and join in the fun on race day. Register now! https://t.co/mJCDgxJ262