ANNE KINSLEY | C-VILLE-athon Streakers

I love the NYD 5k. The vistas are beautiful, and I just feel so virtuous, starting off the year with a run! It doesn’t hurt that the race starts later in the day, either.
 
I also love the Monticello Holiday Classic and the Montalto Challenge. I’ve been the last person across the finish line at Montalto, but even getting to the finish line feels like a real accomplishment. It’s such a treat to be able to see parts of Monticello and its surroundings that aren’t typically on display. I love running the Holiday Classic in costume, and drinking hot cocoa afterwards while listening to live music is a great end to the running year.
 
I find the Cville-athon checklist and t-shirt to be very motivating. It’s a goal to aim for, and speaking as someone who will probably never run a marathon all at once, the Cville-athon is an attainable goal.  I like seeing the same friendly faces of the running community and hearing the stories of the other back-of-the-packers. It’s great to know that you’re helping the local community, while doing something good for yourself. I remind myself it's okay to move slowly--in the end I've still covered the distance.
 
I always check with the race directors, and if it’s okay with them, I bring my pug mix with me.  Matilda ran 19 miles in charity races last year.