Wow!!! is all I can say about the Runner’s World Half Festival and the amazing extended weekend that I had!!!!
I needed a day to recover, recuperate and take a little break from the immersion in running, blogging and driving down and back (9 hours each way). I have had a long drive back and a day to think about and reflect on what happened and the people that I met during the Festival
To be honest, the Runner’s World Half Festival was probably the highlight of my running career. From the people that I met (other FitFluential Ambassadors, Runner’s World Staff, Race Sponsors and other runners), to the races themselves and the support that the City of Bethlehem provided, everyone was simply amazing.
Here are my previous posts on the Festival:
-
AVR – Week In Review #RWHalf the Main Story 10/21/12
-
Runner’s World Half Marathon Recap 10/21/12
-
Runner’s World 5K Recap 10/20/12
-
#RWHalf Rave Run Through Bethlehem – 10/19/12
-
Runner’s World Meet and Greet BBQ
While running in the Runner’s World Festival inaugural races and setting a this year PR in the 5K and running my first “official” half marathon were really cool, the most important and best part of the Festival were the people that I met!
I am trying to use photos, that I haven’t used before 
. I only took over 1,000 photos during the event, so there are a few to choose from.
The people are what made this event so special!
These are just a few of the pictures that I took during the weekend, but most of them are people that I met for the first time and like I said it was the people that made it such a fantastic event.
I even got to stop in at the Peeps store and picked up 2 of my favorite candies: Peeps and Hot Tamales – I earned them after that Half.
I did finish second in my Age Group for the 5K and have the plaque hanging on my wall in front of my workstation, so that when I look up, I will always remember this race.
Some very special thank you’s go out to David Willey, Bart Yasso, David Trask, Laura Beachy., Coleen Logan, Golden Harper, the Altra Running Staff,the Runner’s World Staff, Volunteers and the City of Bethlehem, who organized this wonderful festival that I was fortunate enough to attend.
It was so great meeting so many of my fellow FitFluential Ambassadors and being picked on so much because I was the only guy – Remember Bart’s famous words Harold’s Harem – it something that I will remember for a long time!
I love being home, but I will miss all the people that I met this weekend and the friendships that I started. However, in today’s world I can keep in contact with those new friends using Social Media instead of them just becoming great memories – which is a good thing.
I participated in the inaugural Runners World Half Marathon as a FitFluential Ambassador. My race registration was provided by Runners World. No other compensation was received. All opinions and comments are my own.
17 comments
1 ping
Skip to comment form ↓
Carrie
October 24, 2012 at 9:58 am (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I can only imagine the awesome time you had!!! Welcome home!
RunToTheFinish
October 24, 2012 at 12:25 pm (UTC -4) Link to this comment
i’m still really digging the peeps
Harold L. Shaw
October 24, 2012 at 12:31 pm (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Amanda the 10 Peeps somehow had their head bitten off, and I just couldn’t stand seeing the bodies laying around
.
Ericka Andersen
October 24, 2012 at 12:25 pm (UTC -4) Link to this comment
What a blast! I wish I could have been there, so jealous! Perhaps next year. Thanks for the recap!
Ericka @ The Sweet Life (sweetlifeericka.com)
David H.
October 24, 2012 at 12:52 pm (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I feel like this weekend made everything feel “real.” I’ve met a few people at other races, but nothing like the scope of this weekend. Truly a special event.
Tina Reale (@tinareale)
October 24, 2012 at 12:53 pm (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Congrats again on 2nd place in the 5K! Agreed that those Hot Tamales and Peeps were well deserved. i should have gotten some Hot Tamales while there. They are some of my favorite!
misszippy1
October 24, 2012 at 2:38 pm (UTC -4) Link to this comment
This post made me smile, Harold! It was such a treat to meet you and the others–truly the people are what it was all about. Fantastic weekend we’ll all remember!
Erin (@girlgoneveggie)
October 24, 2012 at 6:44 pm (UTC -4) Link to this comment
This weekend was sooo fun! Thank you so much for taking so many pictures Harold. I hope we get to hang out again soon!
Harold L. Shaw
October 24, 2012 at 8:17 pm (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Erin – I totally agree with you! I hope that you enjoyed the photos and who knows where I will turn up.
Laura @ Mommy Run Fast
October 24, 2012 at 9:02 pm (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Love all these recaps! Way to go on 2nd place age group at the 5k- I’ll have to go back and read the report. Sounds like RW did a fantastic job with this weekend, and I agree- the people you met, bloggers, RW folks, etc would definitely make it a fantastic weekend!
Harold L. Shaw
October 24, 2012 at 9:06 pm (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Thanks – it was a total shock when I was called up to the podium, but what a great feeling
. The people made the Festival what it was, you can run the distances almost anywhere.
Erik
October 24, 2012 at 9:03 pm (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Alright, I’m doing the races next year! It looks like you all had such a great time!
Harold L. Shaw
October 24, 2012 at 9:07 pm (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Erik – you will love it, but make sure to do a little hill work the one at mile 10 isn’t bad, but where it is – is. I highly recommend this as one of those “have to do” races!
Runninglovingliving (@tonee78)
October 24, 2012 at 9:43 pm (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Great post Harold!! What an awesome experience!!! Hopefully we can repeat it next year!
Harold L. Shaw
October 24, 2012 at 9:46 pm (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Thanks Toni – I really want to go next year, but depends on how close to MCM 2013 it is, would like to start a streak of consecutive races.
Christina
October 26, 2012 at 4:57 pm (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Many many congrats to you on your RW Half weekend success! It looks like you had a wonderful time!
Harold L. Shaw
October 26, 2012 at 5:12 pm (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Thank you Christina – it was a once in a lifetime opportunity and I I enjoyed every moment
Runner’s World 1/2 Marathon Race Recap
October 24, 2012 at 7:42 pm (UTC -4) Link to this comment
[...] was talking to Harold and Amanda, and for some reason, I just lost it. I know I should be proud of my race. I ran a sub [...]