Turkey Trot race report

Submitted by Lupe Steele @LupeSteele

The eighth annual Applied Materials Silicon Valley Turkey Trot drew a record breaking crowd of just shy of 25,000 participants on a beautifully brisk Thanksgiving morning in downtown San Jose. The event raised raised $750,000 for charity plus an additional $500,000 from an anonymous technology company CEO.  The target charities were The Second Harvest Food Bank, The Housing Trust and Children's Health Initiative. The Silicon Valley Turkey Trot brought out families from near and far some decked out in their wacky costumes or Turkey Hats.

Santa Shuffle race report

Submitted by Sarah Diamond, @voxpax2

"Choices"

This is my third 5k run I have done this year. That in itself is a major accomplishment for me. As most of you know I have asthma; running was never apart of my life because it controlled me. I chose to change that. It’s people like Sean Astin who inspire us to make the change.

On December 1,  I ran the Salvation Army “Santa Shuffle” 5k, and while running/walking it (I mix the two in order to keep the asthma at bay) I had another epiphany. There are two routes you can run: the shorter 1K version or  the full 5K route. I had that shorter route staring me in the face saying “You could run me. I'm shorter, I’m easier to run. It wouldn’t be such an effort. I’m safer, I’m dryer then what your doing.”

New Team Captain: Samwise Gamgee!

I hope you will join us in giving a warm welcome to the newest #Run3rd Team Captain: Samwise Gamgee of #3 Bagshot Row, Hobbiton, The Shire!

Sam's first race as Team Captain will be the Hobbiton Half on January 12, 2013 Shire Reckoning. The course begins at the Party Tree in Hobbiton, heads down Bywater Road to the Three Farthing Stone on East Road, then back to the Green Dragon where a generous elevenses—including seedcakes, mince pies, fruit tarts, cheese, scones, ham, roast chicken and the Gaffer's Home Brew™—will be served to participants and spectators alike!

Sam said that he, like many of us, was inspired to run by Sean Astin's #Run3rd mission. "I reckon if I could walk all the way to Mordor and back again, I could run a ways," he explained.

When asked who he'd dedicate his first race to, Sam responded:

"I run first for Frodo.
I run second for The Shire.
I #run3rd for my old Gaffer!"

Year End Greeting from Sean Astin to Run3rd Captains

Submitted by Sean Astin @SeanAstin

A Year End Wish for all #Run3rd Team Captains:

Andrea Barber, Christina Boulard, Tony Conticello, Heidi Corrado, Sarah Diamond, Leah Gutierrez, Mike Hornsby, Linda Iroff, Heather Slawinski, Lupe Steele, Heather Stewart and Cheyanne Witte.

I just want to say a special thank you to everyone!!! Every time I read about another adventure from a #Run3rd Team Captain it puts a huge smile on my face. It's funny, you are the ones running and inspiring others to make dedications and somehow I feel proud. So, I continue to #run3rd on behalf of all who make dedications and I hope you know how much you all mean to me!!!!

Happy New Year and may we all #run3rd in 2013!!!!!

Thank you for your commitment to everyone. Your effort is more than noted and always appreciated. Here's hoping that my running can kick back into high gear in 2013 so I can continue to have fun and expand the #run3rd "movement." :-))

Sean

Run3rd for Sandy Hook

Updated 1/5/13

Several running events are being planned in support of the victims of the shooting at the Sandy Hook Elementary School. We hope you will be able to participate in at least one of them!

• Sandy Hook Virtual 5K Run in support of the Sandy Hook School Support Fund

Virtual 5K Run. Run ANYWHERE you'd like. Run on your treadmill, around a city block, at a school track or where every you'd like FOR THIS WORTHY CAUSE! Donations will be sent to Sandy Hook School Support Fund c/o Newtown Savings Bank, 39 Main Street, Newtown CT 06470

Registration closed. December 29. Registration is $20. Register via active.com by December 28.

• Strides for Sandy Hook 5K

Let's bring Newtown closer together. On January 19, 2013 join us for the first annual Strides for Sandy Hook 5k. This race will be a fundraiser in which proceeds will be donated towards funding for a memorial dedicated to the victims of last week's tragedy. Registration site to come in the following days. Pre-race registration will be $25, day-of registration will be $35.

More information is available at the Facebook group.

• Sandy Hook Elementary Memorial Virtual Half Marathon and 5K

This is a virtual half marathon and virtual 5K. Since it is virtual, you can complete it anywhere in the world. You can run, walk, swim, bike, anything you like, and you can complete the 13.1 miles or 5K all at once, over the course of a week, or whenever you can. Please complete all miles between now and Jan 31st. This is on the honor system - you do not have to report your miles. Race Benefits United Way of Western Connecticut Sandy Hook Victims.

More information at the Facebook event page. Registration is $20 for the 5K, $30 for the half. Register via active.com by January 31 and complete distance by that day.

• 5K Run for the Children of Sandy Hook.  This event will take place in Danbury CT and feature a 5K run and family walk, as well as 1/2 mile and 1 mile kids' fun runs. Date is set for March 23, 2013 with a 10am start time. There is also a virtual run option to run anywhere!

Join the Facebook group or follow @5krunforshf on Twitter to stay apprised of plans.

Registration now open!

• Runner's World covers these and some additional events.

If you know of any other events, please comment below with a link and I will add them. Thank you!

Santa to the Sea Half Marathon race report

Submitted by Heather Stewart @captainstewie

I may be a slow runner, but MAN this year went by fast…
Here’s a little rundown:

• 1 5K Mud Run
• 1 Sprint Triathlon
• 1 10 Miler
• 2 10Ks
• 5 5Ks
• 10 Half Marathons

Plus I chaired a 5K/10K that raised over $20,000 for young adults fighting cancer.

Vegas Rock N Roll Half Marathon race report

Submitted by Heather Stewart @captainstewie

Ten Half Marathons in one year!

On Sunday, December 2, I celebrated a milestone or what I like to call a Runniversary.  I ran (with my friend Ditto) my 10th half marathon, the Vegas Rock N Rock Half Marathon. The 2011 Rock N Roll Half Marathon in Vegas was my very first and it was a strange experience to say the least. (See my 3 part race report here.) I think the funniest part of the blog is where I say my goal for 2012 is 3 half marathons…hahahahaha!

Anyway, we went to Vegas.  Ditto and I left on what I like to call the “Stripper Flight”… Southwest, 8pm, Friday night, Burbank to Vegas ;) and we got there and so did my luggage! I’ve learned my lesson and I carry on my running gear now so all was right with the world! We had a late dinner and stayed up until the wee hours of the morning! It was great fun! (If you get a chance, The Hangover slot machines are really fun!)

The next day we went to the Expo to pick up our shirts and bibs and see what kind of damage we could do!  It was so big and fun! At one point I saw a sign and it said “Scott Jurek will be here from 12-1pm and there he was!  For those of you who don’t know, Scott Jurek is an award-winning ultra runner who was featured in the book Born to Run.  I totally “Fan-Geeked” out! I had him sign my bib for inspiration! It was so cool to meet someone who was so calm and accomplished. I mean, this guy has run a 50 mile race in 5:50. I’ll be lucky to finish a marathon in that time!

LA Rock N Roll Half Marathon race report

Submitted by Heather Stewart @captainstewie

The  week before the LA Rock N Roll Half Marathon on October 28 was a rough week.  By the sheer amount of race reports I’ve put up, you can see I’ve been busy. Needless to say I was less than excited about this race. Don’t get me wrong… I love to run and the thought of meeting up with other #Run3rd Team Captains Leah Gutierrez and Andrea Barber made me giddy.

BUT… I was having a bad week…my car, laptop and Garmin were all having issues. I felt like every time I touched something electronic I broke it…not good. I was busy…it felt busier than normal. AND tired..exhausted even. PLUS, this race was kind of stealing TWO days without the benefit of being out of town. We decided to pick up our bibs on Saturday by taking the subway. This meant driving to North Hollywood, parking, taking the train and walking to the expo. It was super convenient, however, it took about 5 hours of my day and I had a Halloween party that night!

Sean Astin's Walt Disney World Marathon 2013 Greeting

Learn about the WDW Marathon Weekend at runDisney.com.

Santa Clarita Marathon 5K race report

Submitted by Heather Stewart @captainstewie

I live in a sleepy suburb of Los Angeles. Close enough to get to the cool stuff in under an hour (sans traffic) and far away enough to not feel like I live in LA. In fact, I’m often told I don’t have the LA mentality and I know it’s meant as a compliment. The truth is LA is like a melting pot. You have this strong mixture of natives and transplants so I don’t exactly know what an LA mentality is. BUT I do know this: I live in an awesome place. So awesome, in fact, it was nicknamed Awesometown (barf!)!

Sara, Robert, Ryan, Cody, Ditto, Cassie, Neil, Me!

Chicago Marathon race report

Submitted by Mike Hornsby @Mike_Hornsby

Optimistic despite 37• weather!

There is something that is incredibly intimidating about the word marathon. It tells of an experience that does not come easy, or with little effort. There is great risk, but in perfectly proportional fashion there is a great opportunity for prosperous reward.

It was a cool October 2011 morning as I awoke to the sound of cheers and chants outside my Moody Bible Institute dorm-room window. I looked outside to see a multitude of runners passing our school heading south on Wells street, and low and behold I was watching the Chicago Marathon take place. My first thoughts: that is crazy, I would never do that. I proceeded to place my head back on my pillow and drift back to sleep, still hearing cheers and chants outside.

My Spirit did not let me rest with my first thoughts, and I proceeded to start my Chicago Marathon 2012 training in the summer of this past year. I was living in a small neighborhood in Humbolt Park, Chicago and the days were in the 100's regularly. This made training difficult on top of work and summer school.

Pacebook Racing Club and #Run3rd Disney Wine and Dine Meetup

Join us for the Pacebook Running Club (PbRC) and Sean Astin's Team #RUN3rd Wine and Dine meet-up & photo opportunities! This is going to be a fabulous weekend with good friends, good food, and good drink!

When: Saturday, November 10, 8:00pm ET - Group Picture at 8:15pm.
Where: ESPN WWOS Start Area. Find us between the Concession and the Info Tents - we will have balloons to help locate us.

You have to be in your corrals at 9pm!

Also, come join fellow PbRC and Team #RUN3rd members at the Grand Floridian this Friday, November 9! We will meet towards the back of the lobby starting at 4:00pm. Around 4:30pm we may migrate a short distance to the outdoor seating area at Mizners, where you can purchase quick service or drinks.

Inland Trail race report

I had hoped the Inland Trail 5K would be my second race, but a painful neck spasm a few days before prevented me from walking. So instead, I volunteered!

This is another relatively small race (~420 participants), with a full and half marathon in addition to the 5K, proceeds going to benefit the Murray Ridge Center for Developmentally Disabled. The ranks of the full marathon were swelled with about 40-50 runners who traveled to Ohio after the cancelation of the NYC Marathon. (More on that later!)

I learned a lot about how much work goes into even a small event of this type. A relatively small number of volunteers put together race packets, set up the race course, register racers, track finishers, provide food post-race, and more. I spent a couple of hours on Saturday handing out race packets; my pre-race job on Sunday was handing out timing chips. After the race, I handed out finishers medals and water, and assisted where needed. It was the best part of the day: congratulating the runners, seeing their expressions of joy, relief, pain, pride and exhaustion, thanking them and getting their thanks in return.

Sean talks about Run3rd at Agua Hedionda Lagoon

On July 22, Sean ran in the Carlsbad Lagoon Days 5K at Agua Hedionda Lagoon. He talked with Mary Lou Baranowski from SDraceTv.com about Team #Run3rd and the Lagoon and the Discovery Center, as well as Sean's youngest daughter's birthday plans!



Read Sean's race report and see pictures from the event here.

Duke City 5K/Marathon race report

Submitted by Heidi Corrado @ravennaneroon

TEAM #RUN3rd: Captain Heidi Corrado 5K run; Sandy Flores 5K walk; Frank Balderrama full marathon.

5 a.m. Oog.  I hate having anxiety dreams. I dreamt I woke up and it was Monday morning and I’d completely missed the race. Even worse, I didn’t realize it until I was at work and one of my teammates said, “Hey, we missed you, where were you?”

Thus began the morning of my very first race longer than 800 meters. I did track in Junior High. I was 12. Shot Put and sprints. I was lucky to get one mile, let alone 3.1. I’m now 41 (2 days older than Sean, ha!) and I’ve been running almost every day for 6 months. I know I can get 3.1 miles.

Quick breakfast of toast and yogurt, jasmine green tea to wash it down. I grab all my gear and go. My family will be getting up later to meet me down on the course to cheer me on.

San Jose Rock N Rock Half Marathon race report

Submitted by Lupe Steele @LupeSteele

The San Jose Rock and Roll Marathon was held on October 7, 2012—it was a beautiful Sunday morning with a high of about 68 degrees. It was the perfect morning to conquer my 3rd Rock and Roll ½ Marathon.

I knew the drill, I had done it twice before. Got up, got the necessary breakfast in, said goodbye to the sleeping boys and I was off before the sun was up. By the time I made it to the HP Pavilion (home of the hockey team San Jose Sharks), the sun was up. You could feel the energy as fellow runners put on their bibs, snacked on a bagel,  counted all their belongings and jogged over to the start line. As I made my way to the start, the thought of possibly doing a 5 mile run raced through my head as this was not an option that was provided in prior years. This year marked the 1st time that the Mini Marathon was introduced. It was comforting to know that should something wrong occur, there was an option for me to veer to the right and end my run early. However, a part of me knew that I would take my time and do what I was set out to do and run, walk or crawl, I would complete my half.

LifeKraze partners with Sean Astin

"LifeKraze Partners with Film Star Sean Astin"

LifeKraze leaders have tapped actor Sean Astin—of "Lord of the Rings" and "The Goonies" fame—to lead the company's seasonal running celebration. 

"Sean is an iconic figure, but many people don't know about his passion for running," Jonathan Yagel, LifeKraze director of communication and business development, said via email. 

Astin has been a long-distance runner for the past 25 years and has signed on to use LifeKraze to share and document his return to the sport after a recent injury. He will share his progress through his #Run3rd campaign, which is an initiative to encourage runners to use their activity to benefit others, according to a LifeKraze news release.  

LifeKraze is an online platform and iPhone application that facilitates active lifestyles and allows people to share accomplishments. 

Full article here.

Energizer Night Race 5K race report

Submitted by Sarah Diamond @voxpax2

I have often seen the spirit of running during the day, but I began to wonder what that spirit or core of us looks like at night. I found out mine is green. :)

The Energizer Night Race 5K on October 13 was my second run since being inspired by Sean, and this one I think was just as much fun. However I think I have some plans for next year on how to make it even better!

It started off with myself arriving early and meeting a few people off the bus of which ended up us walking around the lagoon lake and doing at least 3k just to get there... I hope i haven’t tired myself out before the run LOL. I could hear the music playing and I must admit, I felt a little self conscious as people were already looking at me with wires on but you could tell they weren’t sure what to think.  The wires surprisingly were much lighter than expected and I had practiced a few times with just the wires taped on before I sewed it, so I could get use to the extra weight of the battery pack and running at the same time.

Disney Tower of Terror 10 Miler race report

Submitted by Tony Conticello @RunDisney 56

The Inaugural Disney Tower of Terror 10 Miler took place on Saturday September 29, 2012. While this was considered the “Inaugural” race, Disney actually had a prior Tower of Terror 13k race, which was discontinued in 2009. Over 11,000 people registered to race this event, which begins at Disney’s Hollywood Studio, weaves 10 miles through Walt Disney World, ESPN Wide World of Sports and then back to Hollywood Studio’s for a finish in front of the Tower of Terror ride.

For me, Saturday began for me at 5:30am. For the past week my family and I had been sailing on an Eastern Caribbean cruise aboard Disney’s new flagship’s boat the Fantasy! As I looked out of my cabin’s window I could see the Cocoa Beach shoreline that would lead us back into Port Canaveral and back to land. We gathered our remaining items, had a quick breakfast, said goodbye to all wonderful memories and walked the gangplank back to reality. Luckily for us "reality" meant another trip to Walt Disney World so that we could race the Tower of Terror 10 Miler!

Agoura Hills 10 Miler race report

Submitted by Heather Stewart @captainstewie

There are some races you plan for.  You wait for registration to open.  You spend money you really shouldn’t on. The Agoura RAD (Reyes Adobe Days) 10 Miler on October 6 was not one of them. Two different people sent me coupons, so we signed up. This was perfect timing since it would be one week before my highly-anticipated Nike Women’s Half Marathon in San Francisco. 10 Miles is a great last training run! So, I signed up.  Last June.

Sue, Sara, Me, Staci

But time flies by quickly and here it was race weekend. And what a busy weekend it was… You see, I got some Jason Mraz concert tickets for the night before. And my friend that I hadn’t seen in 7 years was coming out to visit. Luckily she’s a runner.

The morning of the race came too quickly.  Having gone to bed about 1am, I knew I would be overtired. I had to pick Sara, my out-of-town guest, up at her hotel at 4:45am.  This means my alarms started going off at 3:45am (YES, I’m one of those dreaded snoozers!) I picked up some coffee, picked up Sara and then went to grab Sue and Staci. The four of us would be running together this morning.

Sean Astin Leads "Running Days" on LifeKraze with #Run3rd Campaign

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn., Oct. 17, 2012 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ -- LifeKraze, the social networking platform and iPhone application that rewards and encourages members' personal accomplishments, announced actor Sean Astin (Lord Of The Rings) will be leading the company's seasonal celebration of running. Astin, a long distance runner for the last 25 years, will be using the platform to share his return to the sport after a recent injury and will also be sharing his #Run3rd campaign with the LifeKraze community. The celebration will feature a variety of co-sponsors, which provide different ways for LifeKraze members to engage in the celebrated sport.

Astin's #Run3rd initiative encourages runners to use their activity to benefit others. Since the introduction of #Run3rd, the hashtag has received international use and has harnessed over 50,000 followers. "I run 1st for myself, I run 2nd for my family, I run 3rd to help others," said Astin. "I'm excited to share my passion for running with the LifeKraze community as I gear up to start training again. The online community is encouraging me to move from injury and its attendant lethargy to optimal performance." The launch of the Running Days initiative also brings other running legends to the LifeKraze community, including Mark Covert, who holds the American record for longest continuous streak of daily running: over 44 years and over 150,000 miles run. Covert, now a collegiate track coach, will be sharing the continuation of the streak with daily posts on the LifeKraze site.

Nike Women's Half Marathon Race Report

Submitted by Heather Stewart @captainstewie

Nike Women’s Half Marathon 10/14/2012

There were a few reasons why I was super excited to do this race…

1. It’s HARD to get in to. They draw people by a lottery. I didn’t get in through the lottery, but found a loophole since I am a student. 
2. It is in San Francisco…the city of my birth…kind of my hometown. Although I grew up in Southern California I spent my early years and EVERY significant holiday in the Bay Area. I found the idea of “going back to my roots” intriguing.
3. THE BLING!!! This race is geared towards women and they know how to get our attention….a Tiffany finishers necklace…complete with little blue box and satin ribbon…oh and let’s have a fireman in a tuxedo hand it to me…  Really?  You don’t say NO to that! [Indeed not!]

Read the rest of the report on Heather's stRUNg out runner blog. It's worth it! :-D

Project Homeless Connect Walk on Water report

Submitted by Linda Iroff @LindaofNote

Saturday, October 13, was a beautiful fall day. During the pre-dawn drive south and east to the race location, I watched the sky and high clouds shift through shades of grey, mauve, pink, gold, turquoise and more. Oh but it was frosty! Even by race time, the temperature had only "warmed" to 35•.

I explained #run3rd to other runners.

The Project Homeless Connect Walk on Water 5K was my first race. While I admired Sean and the other run3rd-ers, I didn't think it would be something I could do. I was worried about previous foot/leg issues I'd had and the effect that pounding the payment would have on my no-longer young bones and joints. (I turned 60 this summer.) "Why don't you just walk?" new Team Captain Tony Conticello @RunDisney56 suggested. So Labor Day weekend I bought some running shoes and started walking!

This was a fairly small event, with about 400 participants signed up. There were a total of 328 finishers in the 5K run, 5K walk and 10K run combined. We all gathered by the start line and then took off! The course took us first under the highway and through some quiet Akron neighborhoods. A depressing number of both runners and walkers strode easily past me in the early minutes, but I resisted the urge to look over my shoulder, concentrating instead on keeping a steady pace. A couple of times I heard voices behind me, so I knew I wasn't dead last! I have to say it was really cool to have cops stopping the traffic as I sauntered down the middle of the streets! I also enjoyed being handed a cup of water at each mile mark. I took it both times, even though the second time I wasn't feeling thirsty.

Sean Astin: I'm a Competitor

Sean was the focus of an article in the September issue of Competitor Magazine. Sean talks about how he became interested in running and how the #run3rd idea started. Read article here.

Here are several photos from the shoot, courtesy of Scott Draper:

Video from Hollywood Half Marathon

Team Leader Sean Astin @SeanAstin appears at approximately 2:40, 6:57 and 7:45, and Team Captain  Andrea Barber @andreabarber appears at approximately 1:44, 2:35 and 7:12.

See photos and Sean's times from the Hollywood Half Marathon, run on April 7, 2012.

Sean shows off his medal!

Apple Valley Fall Festival Reverse Sprint Triathlon race report

Submitted by Heather Stewart @captainstewie

I TRIed and SUCCEEDED! (And I did it in reverse!)

When I started getting healthier, I started realizing I could do more than I thought. After discussing it with some friends I decided to attempt a triathlon. BUT, I had some rules:

• It had to be a sprint. This means it’s a 5K, 14ish mile bike ride and short swim
• It had to be a pool swim. I wasn’t ready or willing to train in open water yet
• It had to be reverse. For my first time I wanted to swim last since I wasn’t accustomed to running and biking soaking wet.

Lo and behold what should come across my email but a Schwaggle coupon for a Reverse Sprint Triathlon, about an hour away from my home, for $27.

Sold! I signed up with some friends and training commenced… kind of.

Read the rest of the report at Heather's blog, stRUNg out.

Guelph Downtown 5K Race Report

Submitted by Christina Boulard @ChristinaBWho

First use of new #Run3rd logo in a race!

I was a bundle of nerves. I'd gotten MAYBE an hour of sleep all night. Adreneline was the only thing keeping me on my feet by race time.

The Guelph Downtown 5K isn't a HUGE race, which was one reason I'd picked it as my first, but I sure felt crowded at that start line!

I was about 100m back from the actual line, and the starter gun scared me when it went off! Haha! The whole pack started out running… and running FAST. That first km was my best km time, ever. Sadly, I couldn't keep up the pace and slowed to a walk by minute 5. I'm not yet able to run a full 5K. I knew I'd be walking much of it, and I was okay with that!

The Pacebook Running Club (PbRC)

The Pacebook Running Club (PbRC) is a non-traditional racing group with over 500 members throughout the United States, Canada and even into Europe. At the PbRC, a core focus is to inspire, educate, motivate and support our members and their racing efforts. Our members range in experience from former collegiate athletes to those who have never raced before. Even with this large diversity of members, the PbRC fosters an open environment that is fun, safe and inclusive for racers of all experience levels.

This leads me to the PbRC’s other core focus, which is to have fun and celebrate each other’s racing accomplishments. To this end the PbRC also has a significant social aspect. Our online Facebook group’s message board has a continuous stream of posts on a variety of racing topics. We joke that missing a day on the PbRC message board is like missing a week at most other Running groups.

New #Run3rd Logo!

Check out our new #Run3rd logos designed by Graeme Skinner!

This is just one of several versions:

More at the link above.

The logos are available in several sizes to suit your needs for shirts, avery labels for your race bibs, tattoos, banners or whatever you want to promote #run3rd.

Please note that the term "run3rd" is trademarked by Sean Astin, and may be used only for non-profit purposes involving encouragement of healthy physical activity, and to honor the causes, loved ones and ideas of others.

Awesome 80s race report

Submitted by Heather Stewart @captainstewie

On Saturday I ran the Awesome 80’s 5K/10K. I wasn’t going to sign up for any more races this year...but I signed up for this one for a couple of reasons:
• There was a coupon!
• Who doesn’t love the 80’s?
• My friend Neil wanted to do this as his first race on his 30th birthday.

Devil Dash 5K Race report

Submitted by Cheyanne Witte @CheyGirl1

I had been wanting to get in shape for awhile with little motivation. I heard about the Couch to 5K Running Plan and decided to give it a shot. It was going very well and then I heard about Sean’s #Run3rd campaign. It really got me more excited than I had ever been. The best part about it has been meeting others like me and getting their encouragement along the way.

The first 5k I had planned on running in unfortunately didn’t happen because I was scheduled for surgery on my arm shortly before the race. I was very disappointed but more determined than ever to make the second one I had signed up for.

On September 1st I ran my first 5K in Lyons, CO at the annual Devil Dash 5K Obstacle Mud Run. That morning  I was very nervous and excited about how I would do. I had already decided I would not worry about time at all, especially since this was not the type of 5K where time was important. It was all about simply surviving! I think I did very well! At least I didn't come in last! It was the most fun and hardest thing I have ever done in my life. Everyone there was having a blast and looking forward to the Beer Garden of Eden at the end of the race! This was my first race but it definitely will not be my last! I plan to keep running 3rd for others and helping to spread the message!

Disneyland Half Marathon race report

Submitted by Sean Astin @SeanAstin

Source: mouseinfo.com

Well, the Disneyland Half Marathon was another wonderful event. Thank goodness it started at 5:45 am because the days in Anaheim have been a little more than toasty lately! I believe that I could see stretched before me more than 15,000 runners. I was fortunate to be able to offer a few words of encouragement and share the #run3rd mission with the field prior to the race. [See video.]

As with the Tinker Bell Half Marathon [see reports], Disney puts on a first class event. The course was really fun. Running the first few miles in a pre-dawn hours through Disneyland's signature attractions and California Adventures new Cars Town Street was awesome. At least a dozen high school cheerleading teams lined the route. There was fun music of all kinds: ethnic, rock 'n roll, etc., throughout the route. For about a mile and a half there was an antique car club with vehicles every 10 yards, their proud owners blaring music, waving flags and cheering their hearts out. At one point we hit a stretch of hot pavement that opened onto a dirt path. I think this was around mile 9.

New Press Videos & Article

Check out our Press Page for videos of Sean at the Disneyland Half Marathon, and an featured article from Competitor Magazine.

Photo by Scott Draper, Photo Editor, Competitor Magazine

Color Me Rad race report

Submitted by Sarah Diamond, @voxpax2

Have you ever had a day where things seem so surreal it takes a few days just to fathom what has happened? This happened to me on August 18, 2012, when I ran my first 5k.

 

I had decided after reading the dedications that Sean was collecting during his runs, that I too would change my life and start running again. I trained for 3 months and over that time I kept increasing the distance. I began to understand better how to prevent my asthma attacks from happening by trial and error!

Michigan Ele's Race - Race Day Report

Submitted by Heather Slawinski @Rocksicle_Lover

I apologize that this report is so late. Summer is just a crazy time of year!!! I ran in a 5K called Ele's Race in Okemos, Michigan on 7/22/12. Ele's Race supports Ele's Place which is a nonprofit, community-based organization dedicated to creating awareness of and support for grieving children and their families. Through peer support group programs, Ele’s Place helps children to cope with the death or life-threatening illness of a parent, sibling or other close family member or friend. Ele's Race is a larger race in the local area and has been very successful in raising funds for their organziation. This year there were more than 1,400 people in attendance.

 Because I'm not a famous actor like SOME people ;) I decided to honor my #run3rd dedications by making a shirt with all of the dedications listed. I just got a plain white tank top and used permanent markers and went to work! Once I was done and put it on, I felt SO PROUD to be running in honor of so many important causes and people. It really did give me an extra boost of energy for the day. I shared the shirt on Facebook and some of the people who are honored on the shirt saw it and were very touched to see their cause featured.

Carlsbad Lagoon Day race report

Sean with bearded lizard Lincoln. Photo by Hayne Palmour, nctimes.com

Submitted by Sean Astin @SeanAstin

While the Carlsbad Lagoon Run is still in its infancy (the July 22 race was the second) and not accredited, we had a ball. There was a spirit of adventure among the few brave souls who showed up early to set up the event. I enjoyed helping to set out cones for the start line and lift up the finish banner.

It was quite toasty when we got started, and the 3.5 mile run was essentially up hill until the last 2/10ths of a mile, where a welcome breeze picked up. I was greeted by stalwart #run3rders Leah, Merv and family at the Finish Line. The race times weren't official, but I think I finished around 33+ minutes, a stark reminder that my achilles injury and the few extra resulting pounds have had an appreciable impact on my speed and endurance. I am looking forward to living by example and slowly and steadily rebuilding my strength, stamina and overall fitness as a march inexorably toward the 50 mile everest in late november.

#Run3rd for the 2012 Olympics!

@evelienh in London at the 2012 Olympics in her #run3rd hat!

Oxnard Salsa Dash 10K race report

Submitted by Heather Stewart @captainstewie

I’m going to start this way: I’m a runner. Since I started running in late 2010 not a week has gone by that I haven’t gone for at least ONE run.

That is, until I went to Ireland.

I ran the Clontarf Half Marathon on July 7th and proceeded to not run AT ALL until the Salsa Dash 10K two weeks later.

My body is paying for it.

Oxnard, California throws a “Salsa Festival” each year. It’s the 4th weekend of July. To kick it off, they have the Salsa Dash which benefits the Lymphoma and Leukemia Society through Team in Training on the 3rd Saturday of July. (I wish they did it all the same weekend!)

Original #Run3rd song!

Sarah Moore (@astinland) wrote this amazing original song for the #run3rd movement. Music by Larosity on Youtube. Lyrics and more about the song on SeanAstinZone.com.

Clontarf Half Marathon Race Report from Dublin!

Submitted by Heather Stewart, @captainstewie

Running the World

Clontarf Half Marathon

Dublin, Ireland 7/7/2012

Never in my wildest dreams did I think my passion for running would take me all over the world. Let’s be honest, if you had asked me a year and a half ago if I wanted to go for a run I would have laughed in your face. I’ve said it a hundred times: running has changed my life and it now it’s given me the chance of a lifetime.

My friend, Nicole, is at University College Dublin finishing her MBA. When she left for school, I made the goal to come and visit her and see Ireland (and flirt with cute red-headed boys with sexy accents). She discovered a love of running while living in Dublin and signed up for some races. I decided that I wouldn’t feel as guilty taking a long vacation if I threw a half marathon in there (it’s how my wacky brain works) so I did the research.

Lo and behold, there was a half marathon that Nicole and our friend Sara could do… ON MY BIRTHDAY… IN DUBLIN!

Los Gatos Jungle Run Race Report!

Submitted by Lupe Steele @LupeSteele

"If the hill has its own name, then it's probably a pretty tough hill." —Marty Stern

Ruby, Lupe and "Sister" enjoy post-race mimosas!

The Jungle Run 10K/½ Marathon in Los Gatos, California was my second #Run3rd event. The event has a reputation for being challenging because of its “hilly” terrain. The run lived up to its reputation and gave me a run for my money (literally). I was joined by my partner in crime “Sister” (aka Mari) who had twice completed this run roughly 10 years ago. We were also joined by my younger sister Ruby, who had never participated in a run before. She was slightly reluctant to participate for fear she wouldn’t measure up. She agreed to join after we promised to provide Mimosas followed by Mani/Pedi’s after the race. She was pleased to learn that a percentage of the proceeds went to the Leukemia/Lymphoma Society. Both sisters also had the opportunity to read through the #Run3rd tweets and found all the dedications uplifting. Thank you to all who tweeted your dedications and sent messages of encouragement and support they were all much appreciated!

Vibha Bay Area Dream Mile Race Report

Submitted by Lupe Steele @LupeSteele

June 10, 2012 was my first official #Run3rd event. It took place in San Jose, California on a beautiful perfect sunny day. The temperature at start time was 64 degrees. The sun was out. The birds were chirping and the geese… oh the geese! There were geese. Did I mention my fear of birds? Oh yes, I fear them and they love to taunt me. We don’t have the best kind of relationship. I fear them and they in turn like to chase me. Nevertheless, I put my fear aside in order to participate in this run.

Brenda Mehling Cancer Fund Fight It Race Report

Submitted by Heather Stewart @captainstewie

Sometimes You Run a Race and Sometimes You “RUN” the Race

As many of you know I’m committed to community service. I’ve found a joy in helping nonprofits in my community and I learn so much by giving of my time.  Last year I was honored when I was asked to be on the Board of Directors of the Brenda Mehling Cancer Fund (BMCF). This organization was started by Brenda with the help of the Santa Clarita Valley Chapter of Junior Chamber International (The Jaycees) in 2001 to support cancer patients ages 18-40 as they undergo treatment. It provides services to meet daily needs that are not covered by insurance. Typical grants cover $500 worth of medical co-payments, rent, transportation, repairs and groceries.

Read the rest at Heather's blog, stRUNg out.

Laguna Hills Half Marathon Race Report

Submitted by Heather Stewart @captainstewie

On Monday May 28th, I had the honor in participating in the City of Laguna Hills Memorial Day Half Marathon. This race honors the United States Marine Corp Dark Horse Battalion. The City of Laguna Hills adopted the 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment, of the 1st Marine Division. This infantry battalion, nicknamed “DARKHORSE” is based out of Camp Pendleton, and $3 per race fee went to the 3/5 Support Committee.

A little background for this Battalion: The 3/5 were deployed to Helmand Province in the Fall of 2010. They were sent to the most dangerous place in Afghanistan: Sangin. Their task was to regain the Taliban stronghold, a notorious poppy growing region in a mountainous area north of Marja. The DARKHORSE Battalion lost 25 Marines during this deployment.

I’m addicted to running/racing and wanted to run 10 half marathons in 2012. This particular race made me feel like I was a part of something bigger than myself yesterday. (Isn’t that kind of what #Run3rd is all about?) Not only was the race for a great cause but it was so well organized by Renegade Racing!  I couldn’t have imagined a better race experience. The course was great too even though it was a little bit challenging!

My running buddies, Sue and Heather (aka “The Other Heather” aka “Ditto”) and I got to the race nice and early. The weather was beautiful—little overcast but warm enough for tank top running (which is awesome because it got HOT).  Immediately we noticed the Marines doing their warm ups. There were people of all ages wearing “DARKHORSE” shirts with the names of fallen soldiers. People were all decked out in red, white and blue. It was pretty awesome.

Here’s how it went:

Attention new walkers/runners!

Listening to runners talk is inspiring, isn't it? When Sean Astin talks so passionately about his runs, his excitement is contagious! It kinda makes you want to get out there and try running a 5k yourself, doesn't it? Well, what are you waiting for? Now is the time to try! You CAN do it!

A 5K is a race that equals 5 kilometers (or approximately 3.1 miles). In almost every local community, you can usually find a number of 5K races throughout the year. As #run3rd Team Captain, I have decided to run a local race called Ele's Race 5K Run/Walk in Okemos, Michigan. The race raises money for a healing center for grieving children. The race day is Sunday, July 22. I'm encouraging anyone who is interested to join me, no matter where you are in your walking/running experience! Let's #run3rd this!

To "join me", you do NOT have to join the same race in Okemos, Michigan. Just plan on doing a 5K race in your community around the same time! We'll train "together" and collect our #run3rd dedications as we train!

This is a link to a great couch to 5K program. If you start training now, you would have enough time to work your way up to a 5K by race day, even if you're starting from sitting around on the couch!! And this isn't the only couch to 5K program out there - there are many more. Just do a google search and pick your favorite! These programs do a wonderful job of easing you into running, so anyone can do it. If you prefer to plan on walking a 5K, that is great too! Whatever gets you out on that course is perfect!

If you want to follow me on Twitter @Rocksicle_Lover, I'll post updates on my trainings. I'm concurrently training for a half-marathon in September, so don't be surprised if you see me doing more miles than you on any given day. Stick to YOUR training program! I also have a blog where I post my experiences trying to get in shape. Over the next two months, I'm going to be focusing on the #run3rd race, so you can keep up on activites there too!

You can do this! #run3rd for taking a risk! #run3rd for living life to the fullest! #run3rd for your health!

I #run3rd for you!

Heather Slawinski
@Rocksicle_Lover

Santa Monica Classic race report

Submitted by Leah Gutierrez @Leahmari11 & Sean Astin @SeanAstin

Leah: When I chose the Santa Monica Classic for my first race as a Team #Run3rd captain, there were a few key considerations: (1) my husband had done this race a few years ago when he started running and said the course was a good one, plus it offered the option of doing either a 5K or 10K (great starter race); (2) It is significance for Sean Astin because it was in his birth city, plus the same organizers of this race were the ones who did the LA Marathon; and (3) timeliness—we had a whole month to get the word out about the race, invite racers to participate and get some #Run3rd dedications going.

Heal the Bay is the benefiting organization of this race. Anyone who enjoys going to the beach or uses water in some capacity in Los Angeles County benefits greatly from the work this organization does.

I thought it would be fun to give a dual perspective of how race day went, so below you'll read it from both Sean and Leah's points of view.

New running blog by #Run3rd TEAM Captain

#Run3rd TEAM Captain Heather Stewart has started a new blog "stRUNg out" where she writes about how running has changed her life.

"In March of 2011 I ran my first 5K race, it was my gateway drug. Running has become such a large part of my life and I want to share the joys and challenges that come with being stRUNg out!"

It's great inspirational stuff for runners and non-runners alike, about how you can take charge of your life. Check it out! http://strungoutrunner.blogspot.com/

Sean's report & pics on Miles for Melanoma

Submitted by Sean Astin @SeanAstin

So I read a tweet about a 5k Race to benefit melanoma research at Universal Studios. Awesome, I thought, but I wasn't sure I could make it with work, life and family stuff going on. A few more tweets and I kept checking when the latest time to register was. A terrible habit for a Team #Run3rd Captain to get into, an absolute failure to plan. But hey, #Run3rd peeps are a fun loving spontaneous lot! Sure enough, on Friday (I think) [It was Saturday. Ed.] I headed over to the Hilton at Universal to find a modest little coat closet—ok not quite—but a little room with a bunch of volunteers processing last minute registrations. There were shirts and bibs and information about the Melanoma Research Foundation, and off I went (a few pics, instagrams & tweets later…)

Sunday came and what a great day, er, morning. It was really chilly walking down from the Curious George Parking Structure to the famed massive Green Screen and Water Tank area. Channel 4 News trucks and a host of tents were present. It looked like there were about a thousand people, clearly a great turnout for a 1st event. Next thing you know, bang! We are dropped out of an airplane (steep downhill) and through the legendary back lot of Universal Studios. With a couple of twists and turns you got a glimpse of the families participating together, some walking, all having a blast.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Jason Biggs and Sean Astin

About 3/4 of a mile into the race, I got a pat on the back from Jason Biggs (fellow Teenage Mutant Turtle "Leonardo"). He happens to be 22 years younger than me (7ish) [Slight exaggeration! Ed.] which explains why after a couple of courteous minutes and with my encouragement, he took off never to be seen again (until the finish where he was well rested).

The last 1/2 mile was straight up Kilimanjaro (steep hill). My goal for the race was to beat my Chicago Race to Wrigley 5K time from a few weeks ago (25:11). As I came around the last turn I glanced at my watch and realized I could still do it, but just like at the Los Alamitos Race on the Base 10K on my birthday, my heart gave out for 5 seconds. By the time I "got it back" I ended up with with a 25:02 time. Yay I beat Chicago! Boo I missed breaking into 24 territory by 3 seconds!

Operation School Bell report

Submitted by Heather Stewart @captainstewie

Yesterday I participated in the Assistance League's Operation School Bell 5K in Santa Clarita, CA. It was a beautiful day for a race, but I won't lie, by 8:15 when the race started it was getting H-O-T! This event raises money for local school children to have backpacks, school supplies and other necessities. The coolest part was the group of local high school teachers who raised money for Project Prom. Project Prom helps kids who might not be able to afford this milestone go and enjoy their high school prom. These teachers all had fundraising goals and when they met those goals, they pledged to run in prom dresses. It was really fun to see all these teachers dressed to the nines with their running shoes on cruising down the trail.

The Brenda Mehling Cancer Fund took this opportunity to get the word out about our race on June 2nd, the Fight it! 5K. The Assistance League generously let us set up our booth for free. It was a great day to meet local runners and #run3rd!

Although I really wanted to PR [personal record], I didn't. I ran the first mile at a really fast pace (for me!) and got too tired and hot. BUT I only missed my personal best by 20 seconds soooooo I feel great! Finishing time: 33:19; considering I ran this same race in 39:36 just a year ago it's definitely a win!

#Run3rd for improving at every race!

Two #Run3rd Events on Sunday!

#Run3rd founder Sean Astin will be running in the Miles for Melanoma 5K this Sunday, May 6 at Universal Studios, CA.

Sponsored by the Melanoma Research Foundation and Pale Girl Speaks, this race gives runners and walkers the opportunity to help raise critical funding for new treatments, education and advocacy for melanoma, while experiencing historic sites on Universal Studios' backlot. All Participants will also receive sunscreen samples and educational information about melanoma prevention and treatment.

Also on Sunday, new TEAM Captain Heather Stewart will take part in the Operation School Bell 5K in Newhall CA.

The Assistance League Operation School Bell 5K (formerly called Footsteps 5K) is a family style event starting in Newhall Park and winding its way down the South Fork trail and back. All proceeds from this race go to benefit the Operation School Bell Program which provides clothing and shoes to over 1,800 elementary and junior high age students in the Santa Clarita Valley each year.

Help support these events and causes, follow @SeanAstin and @captainstewie, and tweet your #run3rd dedications to them!

Race to Wrigley 5K pics and official results

The Race to Wrigley was the first official TEAM #Run3d event. Sean Astin was the TEAM Captain, and Mike Hornsby was TEAM Ambassador.

Sean ran the 5K in 25:11 for an 8:08 pace, finishing 718th overall in a field of 3527 runners, while Mike beat out the hobbit by finishing in 24:59 for an 8:04 pace and 681st place. Well done, gentlemen! Results source.

Also, look for a report from Sean later! For now, he has to run over to the C2E2 convention at McCormick Place!

Unless otherwise noted, all pics below are from Sean and Mike. Thanks guys!

Mike Hornsby, TEAM #Run3rd Ambassador, and Sean Astin, TEAM #Run3rd Captain

How to become a #Run3rd TEAM Member

Anyone can join the #run3rd team. Just find a healthy activity—typically running, but it may also be walking, biking, swimming, etc—and start doing it!

• Share your activities via Twitter, Facebook and other social media by using "#run3rd" to ask for and share dedications. When you receive a dedication, honor it and carry it in your heart during your activity. 
• Join the #run3rd Facebook group at http://facebook.com/groups/run3rd.
• Support the efforts of fellow #run3rd team members.

Certain team members may be made Captains by demonstrating their participation and leadership abilities. Their responsibilities include:

• Sharing information about #Run3rd via Twitter, Facebook and other social media sites.
• Encouraging people to make dedications.
• Answering questions about #run3rd.
• Directing followers to run3rd.com and facebook.com/groups/run3rd.
• Tweeting about their event
• Posting date/time/location and updates via Twitter and the Facebook group Events page.
• Sharing Team Captain race day plans.
• Being visible as the #Run3rd Team Captain before and after the event
• Visiting with the #Run3rd community.
• Sharing the #Run3rd story with others.
• Team captains are encouraged to post race reports about their event on their own blogs or Facebook page.

Team Captains are the key to broadening the reach of the #Run3rd idea. Running is an inclusive sport and almost everyone who runs at some time or other uses their experience to honor someone or something else. Members of Team #Run3rd understand that we are custodians of people's trust and faith. When folks make a #Run3rd dedication it is often very personal and heartfelt. #Run3rd Captains are ambassadors who help promote and extend the concept of making and honoring those dedications.

Team Captains are expected to represent #Run3rd with compassion, decency and honor, always reflecting well on their fellow Team Captains and the #Run3rd mission. Failure to do so will result in removal from Captaincy.

Meet the people behind TEAM #Run3rd

Our TEAM #Run3rd Captains are listed here.

• Sean Astin, TEAM #Run3rd Founder @SeanAstin

I love running. I'm 41 years old, I've been married 20 years and have three daughters. Every time I lace up my shoes, I know I'm doing something good for my life. Every time I sign up for a 10k or a marathon, I know that I'm setting a good example for my family. Every time I read a #run3rd dedication I know I'm doing something important. I always make sure to take in the scenery, to marvel at the beauty of the natural world while I'm running, but I can't help analyzing every mechanical detail of every practice and every race.  I thank heaven for my ability to run, it is a gift and what's more it's fun!

"Running makes me a better everything" 


• Linda Iroff, TEAM #Run3rd Chronicler & Scribe @LindaofNote
I'm a geek whose hobbies include gardening, playing with ferrets, and noodling around on assorted Apple devices. I'm not a runner, though I do try to maintain a healthy, active lifestyle and recently starting walking. #Run3rd allows me to be part of a community with the simple goal of encouraging activities that benefit both body and soul, through running and by honoring and sharing the things that matter to others.

"Find what you love, then do it with passion and your whole heart."