Baytown Bud Heat Wave Race Recap

I signed up for this race on a whim, when it became clear that I had no conflicts on the 4th of July. I had remembered seeing information about the Baytown Bud race before, but with Heat Wave in the title, that always put me off investigating it any further. Once I started investigating the race, I knew it was meant to be... everything I read stated that it was a very well organized race, and a lot of fun.

[caption id="attachment_1117" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Flat Vicki ... ready for race morning[/caption]

I have to admit, I felt my training and preparation for this race was a little lax.  If you've read my blog over the past month, you will know that I have been struggling with getting back in the groove on running.

July 4th, I was up and at 'em at 4:00 am to get ready to go.  I did not have a chance to pick up my race packet prior to race day, so I needed to allow plenty of time to take care of that.  I got to the race site in plenty of time to pick up my packet, use the porta-potties (with minimal wait), and get stretched out.

[caption id="attachment_1059" align="aligncenter" width="225"] Banner with all registered runners names[/caption]

At 6:50, they welcomed Ainsley's Angels to the event, it was their first year at Baytown Bud and then it was time for them to start.  The pre-race program continued with presentation of the colors, the National Anthem, and the retiring of the colors.  The race started promptly at 7:00 am.

The route was mostly flat through residential areas, the municipal area and Bicentennial Park.  They had water stops spaced out at about every mile, although the one I was expecting at mile 2 was actually at mile 1.5, I passed it up thinking it was a bonus water station... I was wrong.  At every water station after mile 2, they had cold towels.... at a few they had sprinklers.... those really helped to keep the heat down.  I took quick walking water breaks at each station (except mile 1.5), drank 1/2 a cup and dumped the rest down my back.

It was hot, but I think I ran it pretty well.  I was able to sprint into the finish and I felt I gave it a strong effort.  I finished in 50:34, averaging a 10:07 mile.  I even had a couple sub-10:00 miles in there.  At race finish, volunteers were diligent at making sure you got a bottle of cold water. I was also presented my finishers medal too... a working bottle opener.

[caption id="attachment_1060" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Me and the Budweiser Clydesdale[/caption]

Post race festivities were... well, festive!  Lots of food - watermelon, plums, bananas... ice cream bars, fruit bars... sausage on a stick, pig skin (?) ... and beer. There were lots of big fans to move the air around, and showers for those that really needed to cool down.  There was a huge tent set up in front of the stage to provide much needed shade.  Post race entertainment consisted of costume contest, 6-pack contest, sausage eating contest and of course the awards ceremony.  I stayed for all and enjoyed watching the festivities while sipping on a cold beer.

[caption id="attachment_1116" align="aligncenter" width="300"] Finishers medal[/caption]

The Baytown Bud Heat Wave Run was a very well organized and supported race.  This is the 27th running of this race.  It is a smallish race, this year it exceeded the number of registrants, there were just under 900 that finished.  It was put on by Running Alliance Sport... it was the first race that I had participated in by this group.  I will definitely look for their events as I build my racing calendar for the rest of the year.

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I’m linking up with HoHo Runs and MissSippi Piddlin’ for the Weekly Wrap; MCM Mama Runs, Marcia’s Healthy Slice, My no-guilt life for Tuesdays on the Run; and Nicole, Annmarie, Jen, and Michelle for Wild Workout Wednesday.