I have a love-hate relationship with racing. I don’t love racing. It makes me really nervous and being nervous makes me uncomfortable. And no one likes being uncomfortable, right? And I don’t really care much about race medals. (I much prefer the bibs. But my kids love the medals so now by default, I love the medals, too.)
But there are a few medals that hold special meaning. These are the medals from races that were PRs or new distances. Or even as simple as because I was running with friends. Today I’m going to tell you about my five favorite race medals.
In no particular order, my favorite race medals are…
My Five Favorite Race Medals
1. Iron Horse Half Marathon
The Iron Horse Half Marathon was my second half marathon. It stands out to me for so many reasons. First, it was just amazing. Small field, Kentucky Derby thoroughbreds out to pasture, beautiful rolling hills. I can’t put into words the amazingness of this race. Second, I road-tripped down there with my friend Julie and we had SO MUCH FUN.
We stayed in this disgusting little motel, got lost driving around the ‘hood of Midway, KY (is there such a place?), and met up with friends for a phenomenal celebratory brunch afterward. It was seriously an amazing experience. And third? Well, there is no third. The first and second are reasons enough that this is one of my very favorite race medals from one of my very favorite races.
2. Northern Ohio Half Marathon
In truth, I don’t love this medal. But I do love what it represents. I PRed my half marathon at the Northern Ohio Half Marathon. It was the best day I had had in a long time. I don’t remember being so happy about a race. I worked so hard and really, really wanted that PR. The Northern Ohio Half Marathon medal is definitely the one I’m most proud of.
3. 20 Mile Drop
This medal is pretty awesome. I really dig the design. It’s unique and really illustrates the race. But more importantly, the memories I have of the 20-Mile Drop are fabulous. It was one of the hardest races of my life (my legs literally would not stop hurting at the end. It was awful!) but I had such a blast.
The weather was darn near perfect, I was running with my friends, I was training for my first marathon. Plus we got so many fun photos! It was just a fabulously grueling race. I look forward to running it again in the future.
4. Hoosier Half Marathon
The Hoosier Half Marathon is one of my favorite medals. It just looks awesome. I feel like I’m actually in Bloomington when I look at it. Plus I like how there’s a guy and a girl, not just one or the other.
I also have amazing memories from this race as well. It was a tough go. Hills, hills, and nothing but hills. And despite the weather being just god-awful cold (17˚!), I had a blast running with my friend and his brother, and the weekend that followed. An all around awesome time. I highly recommend this race.
5. Rock Hall Half Marathon
And last, but certainly not least, is the Rock Hall Half Marathon. I had a great time at this race. It was hot, sunny, a small field, and just super laid-back. Starting and finishing at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame was pretty rad, and check out this bling! They did a great job with the medal for the inaugural race.
Like I said, I could really care less about medals. Except now I have kids and a medal hanger so by default I kinda do care about the medals. But what I really care about the most are the memories. Each race is memorable in its own way (hello, first marathon? first half marathon? 5K PR?) and I love having the physical components of bibs and medals to help me remember the experiences.
Plus… okay, fine. The medals are kind of cool.
Hope y’all have a fantastic weekend, and I’ll see you back here on Monday!
xo
TALK TO ME!
What’s your favorite race medal?
What’s your favorite race?
Linking up with the Friday Five, Fitness Health & Happiness, and Friday Favorites.
