Trolley Run Race Recap: First-Time Finishers and Perfect Weather

It’s been a few months since I’ve done a race, and the last race I did, well, I wasn’t feeling so hot. So yesterday’s Trolley Run? One of the fastest four-milers in the country that’s mostly downhill that happened to land on one of Kansas City’s most gorgeous spring days thus far this year? And that I got to complete with an FBG team of buds, many of whom were first-time finishers? Um, SO DAMN AWESOME.

First, let’s break down how the a.m. went. We got up plenty early so that we had time to drop a car off down at the finish line—and fuel (Chi Bar review to come up on Fit Bottomed Eats soon!) and caffeinate up. You know how I love my French press…

After that, we met up with our running and walking buds, including those on the FBG team for the Trolley Run (from left to right: Ryan, Marietta, Tessa, McKenzie, me, Jodi, Kristina, my mom Nancy and Tina—shout out also to my dad Greg and Ryan’s dad Greg who aren’t pictured, and Dara, Jessica and Amanda who we sadly didn’t have a chance to see before the race!). A crisp but sunny 55 degrees at the start, it was running weather perfection. Not too cold, not too warm.

Thousands do the Trolley Run every year, which makes for a packed yet super-energetic course. The race begins in Waldo and ends at the Plaza. Did I mention it’s pretty much all downhill? (Part of the reason for its popularity, methinks…)

Now, this race is always an awesome time. In fact, way back in the day (before FBG!), Erin and I did it in a cold drizzle and still had a good time. But today was extra special. Sure, the weather was perfection. And seeing that it’s pretty much been winter here forever, the promise of sunny warmth feels awesome. But it was really special because for five of the people in our group (Tessa, McKenzie, Kristina and my parents), it was their first time completing a race. And races are always fun, but to see it through the eyes of a first-timer, well, it just makes me fall head-over-heels back in love with running and racing. I remember just how darn cool and exciting every step is!

I stuck with Tessa and Jodi for the full time, and we ran all but a tiny bit of it, crossing the finish line strong at about 50 minutes. Happy and proud smiles here at the finish line!

Afterwards we all met up and grubbed some tasty brunch, complete with a pink grapefruit mimosa for Ryan and me. Here are my parents, feeling good after their first race completed and a good breakfast in their bellies!

So, yeah, feeling very proud of my peeps and accomplished from the weekend. Such a fun time to spend time together. And I’m already planning our next race. I’ve caught the racing bug again…and I’m pretty sure I have a couple of newbies hooked for more!

What’s your ideal race-running temperature? And what was your first race experience like? —Jenn