Mama Runs on The Fourth of July

There is just something about the Fourth of July that makes me want to run a race. I think it may have to do with the camaraderie between runners or seeing young kids running with their parents, or maybe it's just a justification to pig out during the evening's festivities. Whatever it is, running a 5K on the Fourth has become an unintended tradition for me.

My first Fourth of July 5K was in, of all places, the very small town of Bristol, Vermont. My husband Chris and I were vacationing nearby and I was going to get in a quick morning run. Chris mentioned he had seen a banner for the 5K and recommended running that instead. So, I headed down to Mt. Abraham Middle/High School for the race. Of all the races I've ever run, this may be my favorite. It was exactly what you would expect from a small town. No one was wearing fuel belts or singlets. Runners weren't obsessively checking their pace or trying to get into the zone. It was just local folks out to have a good time and and enjoy the mild weather.

The race headed out down Main Street past the Village Cremee Stand, Martin's Hardware Store and toward the back of town along the base of Mt. Ellen. Throughout the route, residents cheered us on from lawn chairs on their porches and yards in front of American flag draped houses. The race finished up on the town Green where kids were preparing to compete in the Great Bristol Outhouse Race. Yes, I said Outhouse Race.

There was no chip timing or even a clock at the finish line. Just a couple of guys with watches and clipboards. There also were no medals or prizes handed out. If there were, I would have given the award for biggest bada$$ to the barefoot guy sporting a multi-colored mohawk and plaid kilt.

This year and last I ran the Let Freedom Run 5K sponsored by Pacers in Fairfax. And while it's good family fun that includes Ben & Jerry's at the finish line, there's just nothing like a small town Fourth of July. Especially when it includes Outhouse races.