Valley News – February 7

I don’t know about you but I am so happy for this mild winter. Today is exactly what I needed and I hope you all spend a little bit of time outside, whether it’s for a run, a walk, a bike ride, or just chatting with your neighbor at the end of the driveway. Go out and enjoy it!

This year’s Superbowl 10k was a welcome change from years past. A typical race day includes black ice, snow, altered race courses … this year was perfect and the race went off without a hitch. Well, except for a false start but what else do you expect on Superbowl Sunday? All kidding aside, this year’s race really topped it’s 11 year history with great food (the soup was delicious, wasn’t it?), race shirts and the volunteers even got some love with those hoodies! Big ups to the race directors for such a smooth race. Over $3000 was raised for the HCM Foundation through the special fundraising entries. Great job to the runners who took that on and helped to raise funds for this amazing foundation. (Read more about HCM here.)

Congratulations to:
1st Male: Phil Celona, 33:11
1st Female: Flo Barnes, 39:40
1st Male Masters (over 40): Todd Wiley, 35:08
1st Female Masters (over 40): Joan Hunter, 42:26
Best Dressed Football Costume: J.P. Gallagher, 16, of Quakertown

WHAT’S UP THIS WEEK?

Finish Line Group Run – TUESDAY – 6pm, Emmaus. Link
Aardvark After Dark – WEDNESDAY – 5:30 pm, Bethlehem. Link
BCR Group Run – SATURDAY -. Great folks to run with and a variety of paces. Be sure to join them for post-run breakfast! 7:30 am. Check their FB page for location.
T-rex Group Run – SATURDAY – 7:30 am. You’ve been waiting for this! Join this run, it’s a perfect addition to your training. Visit FB page to RSVP and get directions.
LVRR Group Run – SATURDAY – 7:00 am. Meet at the Covered Bridge in Lehigh Parkway. You DO NOT need to be an LVRR member to join in this run.
Half Marathon Training Run with Laura Michaels - SUNDAY – 7:30 am, Lehigh Parkway. This group keeps growing and growing. All paces are welcome to join. Meet at the LVRR Clubhouse.  Email Laura
The Fast and The Flurry-ous 5k – SUNDAY- Run Lehigh Valley’s next race takes place in Bethlehem. Earn 1 point for each school supply donated, earn up to 10 points. 9:00 am. Race details.
Shiver by the River – SUNDAY – Head out to Reading for race 3 of 4 in the series. This low key, no frills race is very popular over the winter months. Hosted by Pagoda Pacers. Race Details.

EXTRA GOODIES

Mongolian Sunrise to Sunset 100k Photo: Steen Holck

Looking to mix up running and travel? This race caught my eye, the Mongolian Sunrise to Sunset 100k. The Mongolia Sunrise to Sunset is organised on a non-profit basis and all proceeds are used to keep Hovsgol National Park pristine and to support the culture of Hovsgol and Mongolia ’s local population via the “ecoLeap foundation” registered in Geneva , Switzerland. I think I’ll add this one to my Running Bucket List.

Here is a healthy recipe from Bon Appetit: Long Bean, Cucumber, and Tomato Salad. Ingredients include hothouse cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, peanuts, green beans, and dried tiny shrimp.

Today is the 200th birthday of Charles Dickens. Check out Amby Burfoot’s nod to Dickens posted today over on Runner’s World.