So last weekend I participated in the Annapolis Running Classic. I had opted to run the 10K course. Now when I signed up for Phantomrunner’s Virtual Race to benefit the Special Operations Warrior Foundation, I had registered for the 5K. However, I figured since I’ll be running a live 10K race, why not use the course to run the 10K for SOWF? The time allotted to run the race for SOWF was from November 23rd to December 7th. Knowing I had a busy schedule with the holiday, it just made sense to run the races simultaneously. With Phantomrunner, you simply log into your RunKeeper account and it automatically submits your race time to the company.

I’ll write about my experience with the Annapolis Running Classic in another post. Let’s chat first about SOWF. If you aren’t familiar, the foundation, they are a nonprofit organization that provides support to the families of fallen and wounded special operations personnel. They have two primary programs. The first is to provide college scholarships to the children of fallen Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps special operations personnel. The other program is provide immediate financial assistance to the families of severely wounded special operations troops. Amazing programs from an amazing organization! When I came across the run where proceeds went to the foundation, I knew I had to sign up.

Now unfortunately I didn’t get my pack from Phantomrunner in time before I ran my 10K. I had wanted to wear my SOWF shirt for the ARC race, but it’s all good. Not the end of the world! To honor SOWF and all the Operators who made sacrifices for our country, I’ve been wear my shirt during my practice jogs.

Now I did complete my challenge to benefit Operation Enduring Warrior, but I’m not happy with my time and I want to see if I can complete the 5K with more weight in my ruck. I have until the end of the year to finish my challenge, but we’ll see if I can squeeze it in. The weather is becoming absolutely awful here, harsher than usual. I have have to rejoin a gym and complete my runs on a treadmill!

As far as other races go, I have one to benefit the One Boston Fund in January, and another with a local moms running club in February. I’m also debating whether to sign up for Warrior Dash in May. This would be my first true mud obstacle course.

Have you participated in a mud race/obstacle course? Which ones do you recommend for beginners?

I’m looking forward to 2014 for runs and races. I’m hoping to run the Inaugural 10K across the Chesapeake Bay Bridge, and definitely plan to run the Never Leave a Fallen Comrade 5K at our local base (Fort Meade). Of course I’d like to run more virtual races in additional to live runs when they benefit our military and first responders community. I just need to make sure I don’t get too out of shape during this winter break!

All opinions are 100% my own.