I love race day. Whether I am running or not, I just adore the atmosphere that surrounds a running race and cannot help but feel inspired and excited by so many people completing their first race, going for a personal best, and just bringing the family out for a fun morning.

Rob and I do not race as much as we would like to any more. Between needing stroller friendly courses, finding time to train, and the cost of races lately, finish lines have taken a back burner. That is why I was so excited when I won two free race entries on Instagram for the Fit Foodie Run taking place in Westminster.

The Fit Foodie Run is where runners with a passion for food (or foodies with a passion for running) merge. After the race, participants can sample tons of delicious eats from various local vendors. The race organizers also had tons of events like live cooking demos, warm ups with Deena Kastor, and a post-race ab workout with a contestant on the Bachelor (I could not find the name). In addition to the fun and celebrity sightings, all the proceeds of the race go to No Kid Hungry.

Since I won two race entries, Rob was able to run the 5k with Zoey in the stroller and I raced the 10k. The distance was a bit long for me in terms of training, but I was excited to push myself. The race itself was really fun as there were food stops every mile or so and everyone seemed to be genuinely enjoying their time out there. You could grab a bag of chips, an energy bite, or some licorice as you winded through the bike path on the lollipop course. I did not eat anything while running because that would have meant stomach issues for sure!

Rob and Zoey were at the finish line cheering me on as I came through. It is so motivating to see their smiling faces in the crowd, especially when the last 200 meters are uphill! Rob said I looked strong at the finish, which was surprising because I certainly struggled through the last mile. It must have been my proximity to the food vendors that spurred me on.

I finished in a pleasantly quick 52:33. My Garmin clocked the race distance at 6.38 miles, so a touch long for a 10k, but I am still thrilled with my time. Rob was out there for fun and finished in 32 minutes due to some crowding in the first half mile. He had to be a bit more careful since he had the stroller. Zoey had a blast during the race and was clapping and cheering as Rob moved through the crowds.

After the race it was time to eat! We stopped at almost every vendor to same nut milk yogurts, cheeses, breads, salads, drinks, probiotics, meats, and smoothies. The lines were pretty short, which made it easy to stop at every booth.

Zoey was a super happy camper at all the different foods to try and the ability to “walk” around in the grass. The volunteers at the finish line also gave Zoey her own medal! She was completely thrilled with it and it is still in her toy box.

We finished up our morning with a relaxing half hour in the beer garden. There were four different drink companies and you could sample each one! We each had two while finishing our Panera bagels and watching Zoey crawl around.

Overall, the Fit Foodie Run was a fantastic race. It was well organized, the course directions were clear, and the after party with tons of vendors was a delicious way to end a race morning.

Find a Fit Foodie Run in your area here.

Are you a runner who likes a food, or a foodie who likes to run?

Get your 10k and Half Marathon Training Plan here. Cross that finish line feeling strong and ready for more with interval workouts, long runs, strength training, and core stability work.

Brooke Selb

I’m Brooke Selb, a Personal Trainer and Health Coach specializing in helping busy moms and moms to be to easily juggle mom life with family friendly recipes, and easy exercise routines to help you achieve your fitness goals that fit in with your already busy life with sound nutritional advice.