July 2014 Preview

The next two months are my annual vacation. The lighter schedule allows me to get stronger and sleep later, which is good preparation for the coming fall racing season. It's a recovery period, not just for my aching legs, but for my bank account that doesn't see the constant registration fee deductions.

There are several free events on tap for the month of July, as well as several races that are well worth the nominal cost. Evening start times make many of these more inviting, with post race parties that last well into the night. Info for each is below, with the name being a link to more details.

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Summer Series Race 2 Mile (Wednesday, July 2nd @ 7 p.m.) - Join The New Orleans Track Club in City Park as they host the third Summer Series event along with Phidippides and The 5:20 Club. All NOTC members participate for free, and nonmembers will pay $5.

Four on the Fourth 4 Mile (Friday, July 4th @ 7:30 a.m.) - Wear your red, white, and blue for this Independence Day tradition in Covington, LA. Following the four mile race, show off your summer bod in the bikini beer mile.

Hotter Than Hell Marathon (Sunday, July 6th @ 12:00 a.m.) - Runners participate in this all night fun run marathon benefiting RaceMD. Participants lap Audubon Park 13 times to cover the 26.2 mile distance. The start time is anytime after midnight, but the laps need to be completed by the 9:00 a.m. awards ceremony to receive a shirt and medal.

Spillway Classic Trail Run 3 Mile (Sunday, July 13th @ 8 a.m.) - For the 27th year, the Track Club hosts a muddy run in the Bonnet Carre Spillway. Stick around for the post-race party that overflows to the Spillway Bar across the street, culminating with a watermelon sacrifice that I've yet to witness.

All Comers Track Meet 1000M to 2 Mile (Friday, July 18th @ 7 p.m.) - No fee, no awards, just fun & great competition! Meet at St. Martin's Episcopal School in Metairie for this casual track session.

Spartyka Wounded Warrior 5K (Saturday, July 19th @ 8:00 a.m.) - Runners and walkers of all ages with a patriotic spirit show support for the troops and veterans who have served our country. Everyone will receive a finishers medal once they cross the finish line.

Happy's NOLA 5K (Saturday, July 19th @ 6:30 p.m.) - Starting and finishing at Happy's Irish Pub on Poydras Street in Downtown NOLA, the course has runners lap the Mercedes-Benz Superdome and Smoothie King Center. Benefiting Crimestoppers of Greater New Orleans, the post-race party last all night and features beer and food with a great cover band.

Summer Series Race 2 Mile (Wednesday, July 23rd @ 7 p.m.) - For the fourth and final NOTC Summer Series event, Louisiana Running Company, Team Spot Tees and Heavy Rollers all co-host. Same fees as above apply.

Rivershack Tavern's River Run 2 Mile (Saturday, July 16th @ 6:30 p.m.) - An out and back run on River Road, the new course is flat and fast. If you've had food from the Rivershack kitchen, you know you'll want to see what they're dishing up after the run.