Latest reviews by Shannon Chenoweth

(2021)
"Virtual Bahamas Run"
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The 2021 Marathon Bahamas went virtual this year due to the covid pandemic. I was able to run the race in Orlando/Winter Park with a couple of runner friends. I was fortunate in that one of those friends is from the Bahamas and runs the actual half marathon there each year.

I had a great time hearing about the race from my friend, who shared information about what we might see running in the actual location. I'd really love to go there in 2022 if possible and experience the actual race event. Hearing that the event ends at the beach sounds amazing!

While the virtual race wasn't as fun as running in the actual Bahamas, it got me excited to put this half marathon race on my must-do bucket list!

Check out the video I made of some of my virtual race experience on my YouTube channel:
https://youtu.be/2-x6336R-p8

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(2021)
"Virtual Chocolate Fun"
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Due to the corona pandemic, this race became a virtual event. It's not the same running an Atlanta race in Orlando, but I was happy to be a part of it nonetheless.

I ran it with some of my running group and had a good time during the 9.3 miles. Was glad it wasn't as hot as it can be, as it was 58 degrees when I ran it on February 6th. Anything slightly cooler in the Sunshine State gets a thumbs up.

After the run, we enjoyed breakfast of acai bowls with chocolate! I always recommend the Hot Chocolate run series, as the swag is some of the best out there. I look forward to running the event in person again soon!

BLOG REVIEW: http://girlsgotsole.com/blog/race-recap-2021-hot-chocolate-atlanta/

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(2020)
"No Bumpus hounds on this run!"
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Race Management
SWAG
Virtual Support

I was excited to be able to run this race virtually, as A Christmas Story is one of my favorite Christmas movies. Would love to get out to Cleveland and actually run the real race one year.

Loved how the RAM race series kind of made a competition between #TeamRalphie and #TeamElf when it came to this race versus their other Christmas race, The Elf Virtual Run. I know a couple of my fellow BibRavePros made a fun morning out of it. :)

Leading up to my race day, I enjoyed seeing the trivia and fun posts on the race Facebook page. Was a great way to get everyone excited about the virtual race experience.

The day I did my 10k virtual, it was a pretty nice day here in Florida. Temps were in the 60s and that was great IMO. Of course, if it was colder, I may have gone out dressed like Randy from the movie! Yes, I'm such a Florida girl. :)

I loved the swag, as the hoodie is a really nice quality jacket, the beanie is great, and the medal is fun. My only suggestion would be to have the medal be more movie themed in the future. How cool would it be if it was a leg lamp or the pink nightmare? Or, a Red Ryder BB gun even. Ha!

You can check out my blog review on the race here:
http://girlsgotsole.com/blog/race-recap-a-christmas-story-virtual-10k/

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(2020)
"My Favorite Hilly Race"
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This was my 4th year running the Mount Dora Half Marathon and I just love running this race. With the pandemic, I was so happy that this one was able to be in-person this year.

The race handled the social distancing and mask required protocols well. Runners had to wear masks before the start and after finishing. As soon as you crossed the starting line, you were able to remove your mask and enjoy the race. They just asked everyone to maintain a 6 feet distance from one another.

This race has awesome scenery. I feel like I see something new every year. And, since it's Christmas time, I love seeing all of the neighborhood decorations. Now, I do tend to forget how hilly parts of the course can be, but I suppose that's good, because I always come back for more. :)

Loved how some of the neighbors still came out to cheer for us on the course route. The encouragement is always very appreciated. Some may say marathon running isn't a spectator sport, but I have to tell you, as a runner, I think it is. We appreciate every single spectator out there.

I give props to the race management and the city of Mount Dora for making this race happen in 2020. It meant a lot to me to be able to get out there and run it. Next year will be my 5th year in a row running it, and if you make it to 5 years in a row, you earn a race jacket! I know I can't wait to get mine in 2021!

Highly recommend this race if you can make it down to Central Florida in December. It is the perfect holiday race experience.

You can check out my blog review here:
http://girlsgotsole.com/blog/race-recap-2020-mount-dora-half-marathon/

And, my video race journey here on YouTube:
https://youtu.be/VALkPK45Lzg

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(2020)
"Fun Virtual Race Experience"
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Race Management
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Virtual Support

I had a lot of fun talking about this race to friends with furry friends! My friend that I live with has a puppy, and I was able to get her into the Scooby fun!

While my pup buddy didn't do more than a few "training walks" with me, she was a part of the virtual experience for me. My buddy, Honey and I had a good time doing some videos leading up to my actual running of the 10k.

I ran my 10k as a part of one of my Saturday morning group runs. If you can't run with your furry pal, run it with a friend or group (if you can). It was an enjoyable morning, and I was excited to earn my swag. Looking forward to wearing the long sleeve tech shirt once the weather gets cold here in Central Florida.

You can check out my full review on my blog:
http://girlsgotsole.com/blog/race-recap-scooby-doo-family-pet-virtual-run/

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