Wow, what a difference a year makes. Last year I breezed through the Turtle 10, at a killer for me pace, knocking out those hills at the Hickory Creek Junction like we were old friends. The fact that I had ran a 20 miler just 2 days prior didn’t even enter my mind as I flew on the downs and attacked the ups. This year, I knew would be quite different but I wasn’t about to miss one of my favorite events just because I’m out of run shape. Here I am last year heading out of Hickory Creek toward Old Plank as I get ready to tackle the last 4 miles (photo source PFRPC). I remember hitting that clock and seeing 46:xx something for my time and thinking, “This is a good day”.
This year, when I hit the same spot as the above photo, I stepped off the course because I had hit my mileage limit. I was not feeling at all serene or in control. I struggled thru the hills and the heat, I walked quite a bit and it took me 55 minutes this year for the same distance. Not great but I’m still glad that I went.
The Park Forest Running and Pancake Club always delivers a first class event at a very low cost, plus they usually throw in some wacky SWAG and FREE PANCAKES to all the participants. The fee for the non-members was a mere $5 for a 10 mile supported event on one of the most beautiful trails in our area. Participant numbers are normally low for this event. I would guestimate possibly 50 or 60 people this year which works well for this trail since it remains open during the event.
Water and Gatorade stations were located at approximately 3 miles, 6 miles & 8 miles. The bathrooms were located at miles 0, 3 & 6. The volunteers were very helpful, friendly and the certified course was marked well to avoid confusion. There is no chip timing or numbers but they did present awards this year and everyone received a finishers medal.
Overall, this is probably the best bang for your buck on the racing scene. I encourage you to join us next year at the Turtle 10 to brave the hills of Hickory Creek. It may not be easy but it will be worth it. The way this course it set up it is easy to do 6 miles if you are not ready for the full 10. Myself, a couple of my fellow Frankfort New Lenox Running Club members, in addition to a few others showed up to support the PFRPC but opted to step off after 6. This race is very informal. So if you are intimated about the racing scene, this is a good one for you because it feels more like a group run than an actual race and many people treat it as such. Very relaxed atmosphere!
Frankfort New Lenox Running Club – Turtle 10 Runners
Top Left: Jenny G, Lynn, Barb, Kim, Me, Jen L, Kevin, Susan & Speedy Kristin
Bottom: Jill, Jen E & Sam
The next race presented by the Park Forest Running & Pancake Club will be the MidWinter Cruise in Park Forest, IL on January 20, 2013. Another great race by this awesome run club. I’ll see you there. If you would like a sneak peak as to what you can expect, read my 2012 MidWinters Cruise race report HERE.
Side note: One of the Mission AthleteCare giveaway items were not claimed. I let the Random Number Generator draw a new number and Cynde Gillispie (#28)has won a Sun Defeated Continuous Spray SPF 30. Please shoot me an email with your address, Cynde, and I’ll ship out your sunscreen!
** Happy Running ** Amanda – TooTallFritz.com ** amanda@tootallfritz.com
TooTallFritz 
You showed up and had a good time, well done! Showing restraint is a lot harder at times than pressing on. 🙂
Aww! I love your group pic! I am happy you were able to get some miles in this year, even though it was not as awesome as last year 🙂
Don’t be dismayed bout those hills – I struggled to run through them just as well and had to tape it back after 2nd mile. I was 45:35 back at start and just like you stepped off to not overdo it and risk injury this late in the marathon training schedule. Those hills were not easy, even harder coming back through them on the return stroke when it seemed to be a lot warmer! But it was a good work-out and most importantly, a great time watching others grind it out doing the full course and enjoying the festivities afterwards.
It’s always a good race. I’ll definitely be back for next year as long as I’m healthy and able!
Far from a fair-weather organization, the PFRPC is active all year long — rain or shine, snow or sleet, heat or humidity — sponsoring races, weekend recreational runs, speed workouts, training runs, Moon Runs, road trips and just plain social get-togethers. It doesn’t matter whether you’re a walker, 12-minute miler or a world class runner (we have them all in the club), all are welcomed by the PFRPC.