Hobby Jogging: Second Empire Grand-Prix Awards & Recap

John & I posing on Hillsborough Street

The Second Empire Grand-Prix Series was something that I always thought was a cool idea and something that I had always hoped to place in. I initially thought this after turning in a scintillating 22:22 5k at the Second Empire Classic in 2006. Fortunately, a lot has changed since then! Despite being injury ridden for quite some time, I am pretty pleased that I was able to put together six races that netted me a fourth place overall finish in the series. I was also happy to have my friend and training partner, John Simons, take third!

Mo money, Mo problems

This weekend marked the awards luncheon that Kim and Rod were nice enough to host at their excellent restaurant (and series sponsor), Second Empire. We were treated to an excellent lunch, a nice video recapping the series and the presentation of the awards. I had no idea what to expect, but I didn't realize that 32 1/2 years into my life, I can proudly say that I am giving up my amateur status and am going professional! This is thanks in part to accepting the $100 check I received for finishing fourth overall in the series. All joking aside, it was a very nice gesture and we were also given a nice embroidered Brooks backpack that I'll certainly carry running gear in (John has other uses lined up for it).

Here are my individual recaps for Second Empire Grand-Prix 2011 Spring Series:

• January 8 - Run For Young 5k - 18:10
• February 13 - Run for the Roses 5k - 17:55
• February 26 - Law Enforcement Torch Run 5k - 17:59
• March 5 - WakeMed Cary Distance Festival 10k - 37:46
• March 12 - Run for the Oaks 5k - 17:56
• April 2 - St. Timothy’s Spring Sprint 5k - 18:30

No diapers in this one!

Now while I don't know if I'll participate in the entire fall series, the races are posted and I know I am excited to run the Mag Mile again, a race I placed very well in during the 2009 season.

Here's the Fall Grand Prix Schedule:

-The Magnificent Mile – Sun, Sep 18
-Triangle Run/Walk for Autism – Sat, Oct 8
-5k Run for Healthier Babies – Sat, Oct 15
-Monster Dash 5k Run – Sun, Oct 30
-Free to Breathe Lung Cancer 5k – Sat, Nov 5
-Inside-Out Sports Turkey Trot – Thu, Nov 24
-Jingle Bell 5k Run for Arthritis – Sat, Dec 3
-St. Michael Jolly Elf Trail Run – Sat, Dec 10

Follow writing about running on Twitter and Facebook