Lake Health Running Series: 20 Mile Drop

Y’all, I’m so excited it’s Friday. This has been a really busy week. And I feel like I’m saying that more and more. Is this what happens when kids get older? Life just gets crazier? Maybe it’s because I’m getting old. Or maybe it’s because I had to run at 5:30 in the morning on Wednesday and my life just hasn’t been the same since. Or it could be because I’m training for a marathon and this is my life now until the end of May.

Speaking of the marathon… I wanted to tell you a bit more about the race I’ll be running in April as part of my training. The 20 Mile Drop is a race in northeast Ohio, about 30 miles east of Cleveland. The race is part of the Lake Health Running Series. It’s a point-to-point downhill run and drops about 700 feet in elevation from start to finish. In addition to the 20-miler, there is a 10-mile option as well.

Runners receive a t-shirt, finisher’s medal, and most importantly — a pancake breakfast! If you know me, you know I love food. Breakfast and brunch just happen to be my two favorite meals. It’s fitting that my love of running also nicely coincides with my love of food.

Ohio has a rich history in maple syrup production, festivals, and pancake breakfasts. It’s an annual rite of passage in the majority of families living in Ohio. Schools, townships, and villages host exorbitant pancake breakfasts with all you can eat pancakes and sausages — and of course, the star of the show — the maple syrup.

Remember how I mentioned the race is 30 miles east of Cleveland? This just so happens to be the heart of all the maple syrup festivities. Can’t. Wait.

Fun fact: did you know Ohio is the fifth largest producer of maple syrup in the United States? You’re welcome.

I’m really looking forward to this race. I’m hoping to be running with a couple friends. By April the weather should be a touch warmer (though I probably just jinxed us), I’ll be nearing the end of marathon training, and a nice downhill route will give me a boost of confidence I’m sure I’ll need.

If you’re training for a spring marathon, the 20-mile drop is a perfect addition to your training schedule. If you’re in Ohio, or in nearby Penna, you should come out for a fun morning run! Plus pancakes… mmm…

And because you’re a Running on Happy fan, friend, or follower — enter HappyRunning when you register to save $5 on either race!

Hope to see you there 🙂

Have a great weekend!

We’re expecting wind chills of about -20˚F this weekend. Tell me: where do you live and what are your temps predicted to be?

If you’re a runner, will you be braving the elements or will you head indoors to the track or treadmill?