We ran the Heritage Centers Foundation 5K yesterday. It’s one of our favorite runs. This year it was insanely hot and I am insanely out of shape.

Just to get that out there.

Other than walking/running – a conscious decision – there has been no walking in our runs… ever. I’m embarrassed to say there was yesterday. It was unusually hot and yes, I have not been doing anything enough to call it training. Embarrassment is great motivation!!

Race: Heritage Centers Foundation 5K

Benefits: Local non-profit organization for the developmentally challenged.

Run: Out and back to the Buffalo Harbor lighthouse along the streets of Buffalo. Nice out and back with fantastic support from the Buffalo police. Starts right in front of the Heritage Centers Foundation building on Oak Street in downtown Buffalo.

Weather: This year it was an unusual scorcher, 75 when we parked the car. We broke a temp record for the day at 89. More water on the run would have been nice… but really who plans for 80-something in May?

Wearing: Running shorts, running tank. hat. It was really hot so sunscreen was the real concern. Tried a new Neutrogena sport with 70 spf. It was a no-fail sunscreen day. Really like it. Thanks to a tip from a friend, if we’re hanging for the party I bring a top change now. Makes a big difference!

After Party: These guys win at race organization. From pickup to after party, it’s all positive. There’s a basket raffle before and after. Water, pop & Flying Bison beer pairs nicely with the bbq chicken meals they have prepped for us coming off the finish. Awards and music kept everyone bopping. One of our favorite runs.

Swag: This year was a nice white dry fit t. Much better than a cotton t. Sorry for the wrinkles but you get the idea.

Registration: Online. It was easy but many pages for multiple entries. I loved that it even let me enter us both with one payment. There is a new trend to turn a 5K into a fund-raising experience. While there will probably be a cause that I support enough to fund raise for a 5K, I’m not on that bus.

This run hits it on all levels – good cause, enjoyable course, nice swag, nice after party.