Rating Races (By Post-Race Chow, of course)

There are a multitude of ways for a runner, bicyclist, triathlete, etc. to rate the quality of a race. Beautiful scenery, a challenging course, the vibe of the crowd, weather, even the cost (value) - just to name a few. But let's be honest: many of us run because we love to eat with little or no associated guilt. And for post-race chow in the greater Howard County area, nothing tops the Clyde's 10K.

The post-race report on the Striders web site

http://www.striders.net/races/clydes/2009/

sums it up well:

"After finishing, runners and volunteers appreciated the fabulous outdoor brunch served by Clyde's of Columbia. Post-race fare included oranges, bananas, California strawberries, HUGE croissants, fruit salad with yogurt, bagels and granola bars, hearty pasta salad, and a particularly succulent white bean chicken chili. Runners washed down the food with Heinekin and Amstel Light, Coca Cola products, or bottled water. Hundreds of them enjoyed the picnic on the grass overlooking Lake Kittimuqundi."

All this at 9 am on a Sunday morning. I have no problems eating immediately after even the hardest of runs, and so I headed straight for the chicken chili after the race. I was too slow getting to the beer before the kegs were drained however. I'll plan a different strategy next go around.

Apparently I am not the only one who thinks this is a great race for food:

http://www.examiner.com/x-3696-Baltimore-Running-Fitness-Examiner~y2009m3d17-31st-Annual-Clydes-10K--Fun-Run

On a more recent note, the Laurel LARS 5K Turkey Trot (this morning) seemed average from a food perspective at the finish line. Typical stuff: white bread bagels and cream cheese, bananas, oranges, coffee (nice touch on a dreary morning), but nothing to get excited about. But about 20 minutes after I finished, out came the pies (from local bakery Kake Korner). Boxes upon boxes of pies. Initially they were handed out as prizes for the fastest runners. Then a pie for the person who came the farthest (it was California). Then the oldest, the youngest, the last to finish, the person whose bib number was closest to 100, the highest bib number, the family with the most members participating, and so on. I wasn't lucky enough to score a pie (not that I really needed it given what I had for dessert this evening), but this pie giveaway was entertaining to watch.  I'll be back next year but with a strategy: fly back from my Hawaiian vacation the evening before, bring my whole family, run like mad, and be the last to register!    ; )