Glow in the Night 5k Recap

 

Hello all! This past Saturday night I ran the Glow in the Night 5k, it was a themed race and looked like it would be a fun way to burn some calories before a sushi outing. Plus, I really need to start getting into the swing of racing again. I have two half-marathons in August and I haven't done over 13 miles since May. On that note, on to the race recap!

 

The race was held at a local baseball stadium (Hoover Met) and the start time was 8pm. This was the perfect location, spacious and lots of parking. The time was also ideal since it was so hot that day and even though it wasn't cool by any means it was still better than say, 9am. If I'm being truthful I thought this was going to be one of those races where the participants ran with glow sticks. It wasn't. Instead it was neon colored powder that would be thrown at designated "stops". I have done The Color Run (read my recap here) and although I'm all about fun running, I am not really into this powder/paint craze but I was doing the race with friends and I needed the training miles. I also really wanted a slice of cookie cake (Peachtree Road Race flashbacks).

Here's a shot of the neon powder. The race directors and volunteers were giving away little containers of it pre-race so you could toss it on you before the race even started. They also wanted people to line up before the start line so everyone could toss their powder in the air to kick start the race. Cute idea in theory, but it was similar to a huge mound of dust exploding. I think I overheard it's just colored corn starch but I don't really like the idea of breathing anything like that into my body. It was pretty though and everyone looked really festive and neon-y as the sun began to set.

 

One thing I noticed was how small the race was. After experiencing larger races, it's interesting to partake in smaller ones. Not that it is a bad thing. Much easier to get parked and registered, more laid back and if you are speedy you have a better chance of placing in your age group. The event staff was friendly and helpful and I always appreciate it when a race starts on time. We got started right at 8pm!

 

The race began and as we picked up the pace, I soon realized that I have not been training like I should be. The thing about running is that it takes time to build up stamina and endurance but it can be easily lost in what feels like two weeks. Keep up your training! There seemed to be a lot of new runners and first timers at the race which is always exciting to see. Talking during a race is hard at times (especially when it's humid and I feel like I'm out of breath) but it sure makes the time and miles fly by. The course was fine, nothing too special, like 3 loops around the stadium/parking lot. The "color stations" were located three times along the course, the volunteers were very energetic at these spots and kept spirits high. Like I said, I didn't really want a lot of the powder on me so I kind of moved towards the middle in between people to miss out on too much neon.

Pretty soon we were at the finish, I think we finished around 33-35 minutes, I don't really know since there wasn't a clock at the end but this is what my watch indicated. I was sweaty and glad to be done but happy I had participated. Would I do it again? I'm not sure.

 

Themed races can be a blast but they are pricey. I registered for this race at the event and it was $50. That got you a t-shirt, a "swag bag" and some neon powder. Summer races are scarce in the South so this was one of the only choices available in July. It wasn't bad by any means! I'm just not sure it was worth $50. I probably should have registered earlier when the price was $35 which was about what the price should have been. For a lower price, I would for sure do the race again. I think I'm good on the whole color powder race thing for a while. Next time I definitely want to try a Hot Chocolate 15k/5k or the Firefly 5k!

 

One last thing, I was pretty much the only one "dressed up" per usual and I got so many compliments on my Sparkle Athletic skirt! My favorite comment of the night (maybe of all time) is when a girl told her friend and I quote "oh my God Becky look at her skirt". Yes, just like the beginning of a Sir-Mix-A-Lot song. It was amazing. I also recommend wearing a simple, cheap fanny pack. I got this one on Amazon like a year ago to wear during themed races so you don't mess up your actual running belt. That way you can keep car keys, gels (if you need them), medications, and your phone in one easy spot.

 

I am definitely stepping up my training and planning my fall race schedule. Help me find some new races. If you have one you absolutely love let me know! I'll share my picks in an upcoming post.

 

Happy Running!

 

XOXO,

 

 

 

Sloss Fest 2015 Event Review

Hey guys! Hope everyone is recovering nicely from the weekend. Is it me or does July seem to fly by? I can't believe we only have ten days left this month! I'm trying to make the last part of summer count and take advantage of all the exciting things going on in Birmingham. I was so excited to attend the first-ever Sloss Fest this past Saturday. The event held at historic Sloss Furnaces, was a two-day music and art festival and let me just say it was AMAZING!
 

I was supposed to be out of town this weekend but when that got nixed at the 11th hour, I was sad about not going to Florida but a little relieved. I had already gone out of town last weekend and have several upcoming trips that I would rather save my money for. But what to do? A friend quickly reminded me that our own Birmingham, AL would be hosting a brand new music festival. I love music festivals and travel to them quite frequently so how could I pass up the chance to attend one right in my own backyard? I put on my flower halo (my trusty Festy Besty) and the comfiest dress I could find to head over to Sloss Furnaces.

What is Sloss Furnaces? Well, if you want to know the history, don't worry I took the above pic just for you. If you want more of a one sentence answer, it's an old, former furnace in the middle of downtown Birmingham, AL. Think it sounds a little creepy...it is. So much so that legend says the furnace is haunted and it has one of the best Halloween themed attractions in the South by the name of Sloss Fright Furnace. But last time I checked it's July not October so back to the festival. I was pumped about a festival being right here in my hometown and was pretty amazed at the lineup.

 

We arrived a little after 6pm, it was really humid that day due to previous thunderstorms a few hours before but the atmosphere was super energetic. Also, this was the BEST dress ever for a music festival. It was comfortable and I loved the tie-dye in soft pink hues. I will definitely post about the entire outfit and other fashion/beauty tips for any music festival. It was crowded but not unbearable by any means, I think the event team did an excellent job of crowd control and having the three stages set in different locations made things easy to find and watch. I mean just look how relaxed the crowd looks.

After a bit, we got thirsty and needed to rehydrate so the first thing I saw was a juice bar amongst the line of food trucks. Local business Sprout and Pour were offering up some delicious juice options and I just had to try the Watermelon Lemonade. Let me just say it was heaven on a hot summer night. It was delicious! I will definitely be picking up some juices in the future and hope to see them at other events. I took a pic (blogger rules obviously) and then later realized that I had the wrong side facing (blogger fail) so of course I took another one. It was in the dark but hey I got the name in there this time!

 

Sprout and Pour Take 1

Sprout and Pour Take 2...seriously try this stuff!

It was fun walking around the old furnace with music in the background and beautiful once the sun began to set. It's funny how something like an old building can look so serene and lovely at night.

There was also plenty of lighting. If someone were to trip and fall, believe me I would be the victim. But not to worry there were lights all around and every spot of the event area was covered. It was really cool to see how they changed this place up to fit a music festival. Although I shouldn't be too surprised since this venue actually holds lots of weddings. This was the perfect ambiance for the night.
 

As I said earlier there were three stages aptly titled Blast, Steam and Shed (all furnace things ha-ha get it?). Blast and Steam seemed to be the bigger stages and Shed was literally in a Shed, it could have been bigger but that area was packed at the time we checked it out.
 

Blast Stage

Loving the neon pink décor

This can kind of provide you with a better glimpse of Shed, it had these pretty fountains in front and surrounded by a lot of really cool art vendors. I picked up two posters that I can not wait to add to my home! If you live in Bham, I would suggest looking at Yellowhammer Creative, they have some really cool vintage style posters and pictures along with specialty tanks and tees that remind you of landmarks and such from the city.

The Shed lit up

They also had iron pouring stations which went along with the theming of the location. That's right we had IRON POURING at a music festival. Getting pretty hardcore here.
 

Iron Pouring Action Shot

The night was perfect for a music festival, just look how clear the skies were. I think what makes music performances sometimes is the crowd. The crowd stayed hyped and energetic throughout all the performances and no one seemed to be getting out of hand (that I saw) just a really chill group.
 

I also liked how all three of the stages were close enough that you could make your acts on time but also enough space that if you needed a little break for food and rest, you could easily move away from the crowd.
 

Steam Stage

Birmingham has also welcomed lots of new local breweries the past few years and have an extensive lineup of homegrown brews. It was only fitting that they have their own "beer garden" showing off local favorites. I would highly suggest visiting several of the Ham's breweries exclusive to the state (my picks are Avondale and Good People). This was a fun touch to make the event even more "localized" and show attendees from out of state something new to try.

Craft Brew Garden

 After a few hours, my feet were hurting (one of my frequent festival going besties texted me and said if your feet aren't hurting then it wasn't a good festival) and I was pretty tired from the day so we decided to call it a night. I would have to say out of the bands we saw (Young the Giant, Cathedrals, Cage the Elephant and Modest Mouse were so good live) my favorite had to be Band of Horses, they were amazing! I loved Sunday's Lineup but I have to get up super early Monday morning and I'm trying to save money for other trips and concerts so I sadly had to opt out of day 2.

Yes, tickets were a little on the high side ($85) but it's a music festival with legit artists so what do you expect? If you live in Birmingham, I encourage you to experience all the exciting things this city has to offer! There is seriously something going on all the time. And if you are thinking of coming from out of state for this festival, I can not say enough good things about the event. It was run smoothly and efficiently and for a first year fest, I thought the team who put it together really hit it out of the park. Next year I hope they have the event starting on Friday instead of Saturday so I can attend both days, other than that I see this event growing and can't wait to see what's in store!

Happy Festival Season!

XOXO,


 

Passport to Wanderlust Event Recap

Hello everyone! While I am coming back from a lovely weekend (well, Saturday and half of Sunday) spent at Seaside, FL. It's always nice to get away even if it is just for the weekend. I'll have a whole blog post on my Seaside adventures (and lots of fashion picks/ootd's!). But,right now I want to recap a super fun Birmingham event that took place this past Thursday, the launch of the new magazine Good Grit. I attended the unveiling of the southern magazine via the event "Passport to Wanderlust" which was travel themed with a southern twist. Let's start the adventure!
 

Ok, one of my favorite sites in Bham are the rainbow filled tunnels (this particular tunnel is located on 20th Street North) and served as the perfect backdrop for the block party vibe. If you ever visit Birmingham (AL no,not England!) then definitely check out the brightly lit tunnels for a pic. If you live here and for some reason you haven't been...just go, like now. It's basically a Birmingham tradition!  I highly recommend going after a Birmingham Barons (local minor league baseball team) game. Back to the event! Upon arriving, I parked easily on 20th street. I would advise parking closely to the event location and avoid parking decks. It makes it easier and safer to walk back to your car at night. Obviously the first thing I noticed was the delicious spread that was set up.
 

The tickets were $25 a person and that got you into the event, two drink tokens, and access to the snacks. You could have easily made a meal from all the food available! I took pics of what I sampled, there was also gourmet pizza, tex-mex and a few other yummy offerings. My absolute favorite was the feta cheese from local The Pantry by Stone Hollow Farmstead. It was delicious!

I'm pretty picky (my downfall is sweets) give me a grilled cheese or chicken fingers any day but I do enjoy trying new things. I like easy snacks at events so you can talk and mingle plus it was H.O.T hot that night so I wasn't in the mood for anything heavy. Pimento cheese is always one of my top choices and who doesn't love those little butterfly crackers?

Ok, this one was a little sad. I totally thought these adorable macaroons we're going to be one of my favorite due to my chronic sweet tooth. It's blue and pink therefore it has to be blueberry and raspberry? Cotton candy? The possibilities! I took a bite and it wasn't sweet. Nnnnnooooo! Instead it tasted almost like blue cheese and cream cheese. Maybe fish? It was like a meal macaroon.  It's not that it was bad it just wasn't what I was expecting. If I see macaroons I think sweets by the Eiffel Tower in Paris. Or at least the France pavilion at Epcot Center. Your choice.

The theme as stated before, was travel and wanderlust. Our ticket doubled as a "passport" which if you completed five tasks and got the correct amount of stamps then you got a free "swag bag". You also had to be one of the first 250 people to complete the task. Free stuff? 250 people? Game on. When there is a free t-shirt on the line, you walk with a purpose. The tasks were easy, it was things like getting your picture taken and the photo booth. My friend and I finished the passport challenge quickly (maybe even the first ones done?) like I said a free shirt was involved! 

"Swag Bag" after completing passport challenge

 

Rompers and passports go good together

 

The event was very well put together and made for a fun night out. It was extremely  hot but I mean it is summer in the south so that's to be expected. I love finding new things to do in Birmingham and there are always events happening. Be sure to check here to see what all is happening in the city! I'll be singling out more events, concerts, etc. coming up in future blog posts. And be sure to check out local events in your city/hometown, you don't want to miss out on new adventures, right? You never know what's right outside your own back yard (or yellow door!).

Happy Monday!

XOXO,



(outfit details below!)
 

P.S. Seriously obsessed with this comfy, grey t-shirt dress (it's like wearing PJ's but appropriate for public!) from The Happy Goose (almost sold out!) and these adorable mega tassel leather sandals.