February 2015 Preview

February is typically a month where NOLA runners get to decompress from the hectic racing schedule of January. After multiple weekends in a row of distance events, it's easy to get wrapped up in Mardi Gras festivities, abandoning a training schedule and much needed discipline. While that recovery period is necessary, it's important to keep focus on coming spring 10K's and the goals you want to achieve at the Allstate Sugar Bowl Crescent City Classic 10K (April 04th).

As I sit here writing this preview of February races, I'll admit that there's a piece of my favorite King Cake within reach (Haydel's tradition unfilled, in case you were wondering). It'll be tough taking these next few weekends in moderation, but I've committed to getting back under 50 minutes for a 10K. Having that goal to work toward will give me motivation to tackle some of these shorter distances in between parading and repenting.

Uptown Classic 5K & 1/2 Mile (Sunday, February 01st @ 8:30 a.m.) - The course for this Uptown race is an out-and-back on St. Charles Avenue, starting and finishing at the JCC on Jefferson.

504K (Sunday, February 08th @ 8:30 a.m.) - A great event in its second year, the 504K has a course like no other through the Bywater and Marigny. Proceeds benefit Youth Run NOLA and Make Music NOLA, two non-profits in the city that do amazing work.

Running USA Conference (Sunday, February 08th - Tuesday, February 10th) - If you're downtown in mid-February, expect to see lots of moisture wicking material mixed with the typical CBD business attire. Running USA conveniently brings their annual convention to the Crescent City mid-Mardi Gras.

Run on the Bayou 10K, 5K, 1/2 Mile (Saturday, February 21st @ 8:00 a.m.) - This race's course inside scenic Bayou Segnette State Park brings you closer to wildlife than most other area races. Added this year is the option to choose between a participant shirt that is either short or long sleeved.

Al Briede Gold Cup 10K, 3 Mile, 1 Mile (Saturday, February 28th @ 8:00 a.m.) - Named for one of the founding members of the New Orleans Track Club, the race benefits the LASPCA and the Chris Briede Scholarship Fund. This year's event highlights an added 10K course that's flat and fast, perfect to qualify for a spot in the CCC10K seeded corrals.