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XTERRA Georgia Trail Run Series – Deep South 15K, Dauset Trails

Monday, May 18th, 2009

It’s time to get Dirty again with Dirty Spokes Productions, LLC’s next event, the 2nd Annual Deep South 15K at the Dauset Trails in Jackson, GA on June 7th. It’s almost like you don’t need SeriousRunning.com to find awesome trails to run because Dirty Spokes Productions, LLC does the work for you by hosting trail races on all the best trails in Georgia and Alabama in their XTERRA Trail Race Series Georgia/Alabama. Notice I said you almost don’t need SeriousRunning.com’s trail run listings.

The Dauset Trail System is a 17 mile system that is a great trail run for all levels of trail runners from beginner to expert. This is a single and double track off-road running experience with beautiful scenery. The race will start in an open field (required for spacing) but will soon lead into the woods. The terrain is made up of a little bit of everything, rolling hills, climbs, single track, double track, roots, gravel and concrete drive along with some technical sections. The trails are well marked and fast with minimal climbing. This is a beautiful course that offers something for every runner. Variety and beauty? I’ve been seeking that my whole life!

Make the Deep South 15K a family weekend trip! The Dauset Nature Center has a lot to offer families of all ages. There are farm animals at the barnyard exhibit, a “wonder room” with alligators, turtles, and snakes, or you can search for wildlife on your own by hiking the animal trail where you will find hawks, owls, raccoons, bison, and bobcats! Like to view your wildlife in a more relaxed setting? Perfect. Sit at the picnic tables overlooking the lake while your children feed the large bream, catfish, turtles, ducks, and Canadian geese from the bridge. You can even bring your own horse and hike the 10 miles of horse trails. Stay the weekend in the campgrounds and have a family fun weekend. Don’t have a family yet? That’s ok, bring your significant other and get married or even re-married at the beautiful chapel. How romantic. You know what’s even more romantic? Running a 15K trail race for your honeymoon. Awe yeah. You dog you.

Bottom line, you don’t want to miss this trail race. I’ve run many of the Dirty Spokes produced XTERRA Georgia Trail Run Series Races and each one is superb. The trails are great and the organization is like a well oiled machine. There are always plenty of restrooms, post race food and drink, and quick race results. I like to be able to brag about how fast I ran as soon as possible. Always a good time and a lot of fun trail racers to socialize with post race. Great race director, great racers, and great trails, what else do you want? Sorry, only you can determine whether or not you run a great race.

Go ahead and register online or print off a registration form and send it in the mail. The entry fee is $35 from now until May 27th so you have 9 days to get your significant other to want to re-marry you. If you aren’t that smooth, you can register by June 5th for $40 or on race day for $45. See, it pays to plan ahead. What do you get for this entry fee other than the experience of running one of the best trail runs in Georgia? A Zorrel Dri Balance Race Shirt; but those aren’t guaranteed for late registration so hurry up and register. Want more? Then run fast. Awards are handed out to the top 3 overall male and female finishers plus the top 3 male and female finishers in each age group. Here are the age group categories.

‘Ditch the city’ and run the XTERRA Georgia Trail Run Series Deep South 15K. You’ll be glad you did.

Tags:Dirty Spokes, trail race
Posted in Events, trail running | Comments

Challenge your Body when not Running

Tuesday, May 12th, 2009

I injured my knee and have taken 7 days off of running with no improvement, so I went to the doctor to be referred to another doctor next week. While I wait for my prognosis, I’ve begun to think about what I may do to take some of the pressure off my knees that the constant pounding of running creates; hopefully I will not need to. Should I get on a bike? I really don’t see the thrill in that. Plus Pee Wee Herman loves bike. Should I start swimming? I’ve never felt like I can push myself to the limits in the water. If you push yourself to exhaustion you drown, right? What other things can I do to challenge myself and test my whole body instead of just pounding directly on my knees? Adventure racing.

I haven’t been on an adventure race challenge but have done most of the activities that they compete in when I was an Eagle Scout, outdoor loving teenager, and in the Army. Shoot, I’ve “adventure raced” in enemy territory! I thought about an adventure racer that I met not too long ago, Robyn Bennicasa, when she was promoting Project Athena. I was able to find some races on the Project Athena website which look a lot like what I was thinking of, like the one coming up soon, the Mt. Whitney Challenge. Hiking up a mountain for days? That’s just like a long trail run, but with some climbing and more adventure involved of course. Why stick to merely adding swimming and biking to running to do a trathalon? I want to mountain bike, rock climb, and kayak, and everything else, all while blazing my own trail….just not in enemy territory this time.

Tags:Adventure Racing
Posted in Events | Comments

Teton Dam Marathon and Races – Rexburg, Idaho

Friday, May 8th, 2009

The Teton Dam Marathon and Races will be held on June 13th in Rexburg, Idaho this year. Why June 13th? Well, the event is scheduled every year around the anniversary of the Teton Dam breaking which caused over 500 million dollars in damage, 11 lives lost, and thousands to become homeless. This horrible event was a very difficult challenge for the Rexburg community to overcome. They worked together, built the community back up, and are stronger now because of it. The Teton Dam Marathon and Races are a showing of a thousand runners who flood the streets for their own personal challenges! What an inspirational reason to challenge yourself to participate in this great event! Need another reason to feel good about yourself? How about that a portion of the proceeds is also going to benefit Cysitic Fibrosis Fondation? Still need another reason to feel good about yourself? Well, you are helping me achieve me goals by reading this blog. Thank you. Need another reason?! Um…ok, now you’re just being needy.

The Teton Dam Marathon and Races include a marathon (that’s why it is in the name of the event), 6 man marathon relay, half marathon, 10K, 5K, and 1 mile fun run for the kids. See, there’s a race fit for everyone! The marathon and relay will start at the Historical Teton Dam Site, outside of Rexburg. The half and 10K will start at the north-west corner of Smith Park. The 5K will start at the corner of Madison Ave. and 1st North, ½ a block from Smith Park. The fun run will start at the south-west corner of Smith Park. Overall, all races will run the streets of beautiful Rexburg ending in the Southwest corner of Smith Park. Party at the EXPO at the finish line with booths from sponsors and local businesses, crafts, food, and music! Not to mention a large group of homestretch hereos, the citizens and volunteers of the Rexburg community!

So come and travel to this great race with a small town, community feel with an exciting large race atmosphere! Early Registration ends May 31st. From June 1st-10th all entries have an added $15 fee so get on it now. The marathon is $40 dollars to $3 to the kids one mile fun run. Check out the prices and find which race is best for you! FYI The Potato Bake Dinner ticket is free only with the marathon, half-marathon, and relay entries. Participate in the Potato Bake Dinner and meet other runners, pick-up your packet, listen to race information, and watch a video about the historic breaking of the Teton Dam. What better way to get motivated to achieve your personal best than an inspirational film and plenty of carbs?! Nothing. Be Dam Proud!

Tags:10k, 5k, half-marathon, marathon
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Ruff Buff 7K Trail Run

Sunday, May 3rd, 2009

I’ve never run a trail race…naked. Although I am always for trying new things. I truly believe that success is most accurately measured by how many great cocktails stories you have…and how many visitors you have on your running website. Thanks for hanging out. You’re the key to my success. I’m just Running Down a Dream and going wherever it leads.

The Inaugural Ruff Buff 7K Trail Run will be held on May 30th at the Sunny Rest Resort which encompasses part of the Pocono Mountains in Palmerton, Pennsylvania. It is the 3rd race in the 2009 B.A.R.E. Butt Chasers East Coast Race Series and will be as awesome as all of the other races in the series. Go check it out and run for a day of fun, bare or clothed, it’s up to you. It’s always good to have options when it comes to clothing. Bring a friend for a small fee of $15.00 to relax at the resort with you. Entry into the resort will start at 7:00 AM for race-day entries and packet pick-up. If you want to stay after the race there are great deals at Sunny Rest Resort. Make a weekend of this destination event! There is a restaurant, pool & hot tub, tennis courts, showers, and restrooms available on site.

Early entry fee is $25.00 by check or money order by May 22, 2009. Late entry fee of $30.00 after May 22nd and will be accepted online only until midnight, May 28th. After that you can bring cash, check, or money order on race day. You can register online at www.sportsoften.com for a small fee. Do the responsible thing, write a check and put it in the mail right now.

Who knew running naked down a trail would make you more successful?! Frank the Tank and I did. But now you do too!

Tags:naked running, running down a dream
Posted in Events, trail running | Comments

2009 Komen Atlanta Race for the Cure!

Friday, May 1st, 2009

It’s time to start running for someone other than yourself, by running the 2009 Komen Atlanta Race for the Cure. All funds for this 5K run/walk and 1 mile walk, on May 9th at Atlantic Station in Atlanta, are put toward enabling women to detect breast cancer. The race is also a celebration of breast cancer survivors and an opportunity to remember those who were lost to this terrible disease. Run this race and dedicate it to your mother, sister, co-worker, or friend. You can run for your own life or run for the future. The Susan G. Komen race series is the world’s largest and most successful education and fund raising event for cancer. What a fantastic way to help a great cause than by doing something that you love, running. Anyone can participate, the race FAQs even asks the questions, “What if we are not serious runners?” Just like seriousrunning.com, all types of runners from serious ones to walkers are encouraged to participate; however, they do ask that walkers line up in the back at the start line. Here at seriousrunning.com we allow slower runners to line up shoulder to shoulder with elite athletes! Those with slower Internet connections are asked line up in the back though. Thank you.

You need to register now so you can start raising money from your supporters. They have many ways for you to contact your friends and family to support your running and this great cause. Once you are registered you can go on the Susan B. Komen Race Center to help you get the word out. Here you can personalize your page, keep your address book, send emails, and track your progress. You can even let your friends on Facebook know that you are running for this great cause. They make it easy to ask for donations or sponsors! Currently the race has achieved 72% of its goal of 1.8 million dollars raised. You have until May 5th to submit your donation so get your good karma now and join the team!

Online registration closes Tuesday May 5th at 5 pm. If you are a procrastinator then you can register on race day at 6:45 in front of Rosa Mexicano for 35 dollars. After you register at 6:45 attend the survivor’s breakfast at 7:30, then the 1 mile walk starts at 7:45. At 8:30 the 5K run/walk starts. Soon after at 8:45 the Jazzercise and Aerobic Cool-Down starts. At 8:50 the last person who considers themselves a serious runner crosses the 5K finish line. At 9:15 the most serious runners get their awards at the awards ceremony. Also, serious fundraisers will be recognized. Lastly at 9:40 there will be a survivor recognition ceremony and photos. This race may sound serious but it is all about having fun and raising money for a great cause. After all of those festivities hang out at Atlantic Station for the day to enjoy some shopping, good eats, or take in a movie. Better yet, go bowling and keep your muscles loose!

Also, wish you’re mother a Happy Mother’s Day on race day and be a day early. Happy Mother’s Day Mom! I love you! That’s the best way to get it done without forgetting.

Tags:5k, running for a cause
Posted in Events, Women's Running | Comments

5th Ranger Training Battalion Ranger Run, Mountain Bike Race, and Duathalon

Monday, April 27th, 2009

Have you always wanted to be an Army Ranger? Then join the Army and go to Ranger school. However, if you have other commitments that won’t allow you to join the Army then do the next best thing, participate in the 2009 Mountain Ranger Run, Mountain Bike Race, and Duathalon.

The 5th Ranger Training Battalion (5th RTB) in Dahlonega, GA is hosting a 5K and 15K run, duathlon, 34K mountain bike race, and children’s 1 mile fun run on May 30th, 2009 to benefit local charities. The courses are the most challenging and scenic trails in North Georgia. They are the trails that Army Rangers use to train on, did you think they would be easy? Challenge yourself in any of these events. If you want more of a challenge than just running then try the dualthalon which starts with the 5K runners, transitions into 34K mountain bike race, and ends with a 2 mile run. Are you more of a team player? Perfect. So are Army Rangers. Teams of six people will participate in the 15K and will be required to stay together through out the race. Just like a Ranger. Never leave your teammates behind and finish the race together. Use this event to bring your organization, club, or business closer together by accomplishing a difficult tasks as one unit. The Army has been using this technique to build teams and teach leadership for years, it will work for your group too!

Not only is this a challenging race but it is also a great event for the entire family. Even your young Rangers can compete and challenge themselves in the 1 mile fun run. After your family is done being all that they can be, stick around for the other activities. There will be static displays, awards ceremony, fallen Ranger Memorial Dedication, and a Rangers in Action Demo. What a great way to see what the men (and not women, who are technically not allowed to be Army Rangers) who are defending the United States. There will also be a open house which will have Army Ranger combat techniques, military mountaineering, hand-to-hand combat, as well as the static displays. What a great opportunity to take a peek into what real United States Army Rangers do!

You can register for this awesome event online or by paper. Register by May 25th to pay the lowest entry fee possible. The 5K and 15K are currently $25, 34K is $30, duathalon $35, a team of 6 is $100, and the 1-mile fun run is $5. See, although the Army is uniform they are still able to differentiate prices. Pay for what you race and stay around for the free Army Ranger entertainment!

Be all that you can be, in the 5th RTeeeeee-B…2009 Ranger Run, Mountain Bike Race, and Duathalon! What a great way to challenge yourself and see if you have what it takes to be a United States Army Ranger!

Tags:10k, Army, mountain biking, trail race
Posted in Events, trail running | Comments

Big Peach Running Company Event: Adventure Racer Robyn Benincasa

Wednesday, April 22nd, 2009

I attended an event last night hosted by a local Atlanta running shoe and accessory store, Big Peach Running Company. It was a lot of fun and featured the guest speaker, adventure racer Robyn Benincasa. Big Peach Running Company events are a great way for runners to come together to talk and learn more about running. What better place to talk running than at a Running Company store? Big Peach puts on a lot of great events which attract a variety of organizations from Get Fit Atlanta to Trail Blazers Adventure Racing. If you are a novice runner or fitness guru, there was information available for you. Not to mention the free food provided by Sweet Tomatos in Kennesaw! I probably should have just mentioned that at the beginning.

I was a real treat meeting Robyn Benincasa. Robyn is a EcoChallenge Adventure Race World Champion, Raid Gauloises Adventure Race World Champion, has finished in the top 5 in over 20 Expedition Adventure Races, is a 10 time Ironman finisher, and is a San Deigo firefighter on an all female crew. Obviously she has pushed herself to the limits both physically and mentally numerous times. Robyn was able to share with the group in attendance video clips of some of the amazing stories she has had in Adventure Racing. During her presentation I kept thinking of similar situations I had been in while in the Army in Iraq, Afghanistan, and even Ranger School. I thought to myself, ‘I had to be in these stressful situations. Why would anyone volunteer to do such strenuous challenges?” To push and learn about yourself. To become mentally stronger.

This is why Robyn does a lot of corporate presentations, to motivate organizations, build leaders, and focus on teams. Sounds like the Army to me. Robyn was able to share some amazing stories like the local villager who was recruited to fill a spot on a team and compete in an Adventure Race without ever being in a canoe or even riding a bike! The team finished in 2nd! The local villager at the beginning of the race said, “I’m not sure if I can do these things, but I know we can as a team.” The strength of teamwork is universal. No matter who you are or where you live in the World, the team is always stronger than the individual. This is the main difference between pushing yourself to your limits while running versus Adventure Racing.

Another inspirational story and video she shared was when her team, in 1st with a 3 hour lead, reached the final stage of the race and could not find their support team who had their bikes. They found out that their support team was about day behind them. Robyn’s team was visibly distraught by this news. However, one team member didn’t lay down in exhaust and anguish, he set out to solve the problem. He was able to break the language barrier and arrange to purchase locals’ bikes to finish the race on. They even incurred other obstacles in the form of penalties from race officials for not using proper bicycles, although the ones there was using were far inferior to the official race bikes, and were able to overcome and finish the race. This was a true test of mental toughness and determination.

Robyn is sharing that mental toughness and determination she has gained from adventure racing to start Project Athena. The mission of Project Athena is to help women with breast cancer and other medical or traumatic setbacks live their athletic and adventurous dreams. Awareness for Project Athena is achieved through the ultra endurance endeavors of an experienced and high profile all-female adventure team who embody the spirit of Athena. It is a non-profit foundation that encourages women to not just survive–but go on to STRIVE after enduring life altering yet life affirming medical conditions. Robyn Beninecasa and Project Athena aim to keep the dream alive. Please click here and donate to help keep this dream alive.

In order to keep our dreams alive we all have to work together to accomplish our goals. Thank you Big Peach Running Company for organizing this great event and bringing a magnificent team of runners and experts together.

Tags:Adventure Racing, Army, Big Peach Running Company, charity, Motivation, Project Athena
Posted in Events | Comments

Big Peach Running Company 5k Run/Walk

Tuesday, April 14th, 2009

What a good reason to get a new pair of running shoes, to run a 5k! You can save money on both by buying a pair of Nike running shoes (or any other Nike product purchases totaling $75 or more) at the Big Peach Running Company. Not only will you get to take advantage of their competitive prices on running shoes but you also get a free race entry in the Big Peach 5k Run/Walk. This is the 4th running of this popular Atlanta road race. Since Big Peach Running Company takes the time to go through their fit process to find the best running shoe for you, give them the best thank you possible, run your PR at the Big Peach 5k Run/Walk!

The race is on May 2nd at the Big Peach Running Co store in Brookhaven. Try to take the Brookhaven/Oglethorpe MARTA because you won’t be able to park in the Cherokee Plaza Shopping Center on race day, plus you’ll save the environment a bit. Go environment! If you must drive (like most Atlantans, don’t worry, MARTA apparently is “too large to fail” and is getting bailed out) you can park at the Brookhaven MARTA station parking lot. The course rolls through the beautiful Brookhaven neighborhood and has an exciting finish right on Peachtree Road! Just like the Peachtree Road Race…just half the race distance, about 50,000 less people, and a finish line 2 miles North of the Peachtree Road Race start line. So it’s pretty much the same thing. All Big Peach Running Company 5k race participants will get a NIKE Dri Fit technical T-shirt which will have the Big Peach Running Company name on it. A T-shirt with the word “peach” on it is all the Peachtree Road Race is good for anyways, right? Need another reason to run this race? How about the proceeds go to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society/Team In Training-GA Chapter? I spoke with a friend this past weekend that is participating in Team In Training and it is a great organization. Not only is she working to raise money for Leukemia and Lymphoma but she is getting in better shape than she would have on her own. Everyone’s a winner! Well, in this 5k race the top 3 overall male and female finishers along with the top 3 in each age group are the biggest winners. Big Peach Gift Cards will go to the top 3 overall M/F ($200, $100, $50) along with 1st overall Masters M/F ($100/$100). Also, age group awards presented to Top 3 M/F in 13 age groups. If you are more of a team player then compete in the corporate challenge. No matter what your team’s strengths, you have a chance to win with awards going to the top teams for most participants, fastest team, and best team T-shirt design. Overall, Big Peach Running Company wants to promote the pedestrian active lifestyle or P.A.L. So get out their and move your body forward anyway you desire. Just get moving! After you’re done moving for 3.1 miles hang out for the post-race party with lots of food, music, and raffles! Partying is fun.

I don’t want to hear any excuses about why you were not able to register for this race. You can register online. You can download and entry form and send it via mail. Or if you want to get it done quickly and free then go to any Big Peach Running Company store location, buy any Nike shoes, apparel, accessories, or a combination thereof totaling 75 dollars or more and register on the spot (Note: you can register at a store location without buying Nike apparel). Registration is $20 from now until April 21st and the NIKE dri fit T-shirts go to the first 1700 runners who register. After April 21st the registration fee is 25 dollars and registration closes at 5:00 pm on May 1st.

So go ahead and register for this great 5k and while your at it, try out all the running shoes you desire at Big Peach Running Company. Maybe you’ll find some faster running shoes.

Tags:5k, Big Peach Running Company, running shoes
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Sweetwater 420 Fest 5k

Saturday, April 11th, 2009

We as runners know that water is pretty sweet, but what is the sweeter than water? Sweetwater 420 Fest 5K. Well, maybe this race isn’t as sweet as water, but it does feel great when it touches your lips. The Sweetwater 420 part of the race name is referring to an alcoholic beverage, Sweetwater 420 brew. The Sweetwater 420 Fest 5k is raced in conjunction with the Sweetwater 420 Festival in Candler Park. How much in conjunction? Well, all race participants over 21 will a recieve free beer at the awards ceremony! What a great way to celebrate your hard work! Stick around for the festival afterward and continue to congratulate yourself; over and over.

The Sweetwater 420 Fest 5K is a week from today, April 18th at 11:00 am, which gives you beer drinkers a couple of hours to re-hydrate from your activities the night before. The 5k starts at Epworth Methodist Church at the intersection of Page Ave and McLendon Ave, near Fellini’s and Candler Park. The course continues through the beautiful, historic Candler Park neighborhood. If you live in the Atlanta area you need to come and experience this beautiful part of intown living…and running.

Registration is 23 dollars which includes a 100% Cotton short sleeve T-shirt with the Sweetwater 420 Fest theme so you can show off to all of your friends that not only do you run road races, but you also drink good beer. You are so sweet. Of course, race registration also includes your free beer at the awards ceremony where the 1st overall male and female and 1st in each respective age group will receive an award. Beer is reward enough for me. Cheers to every runner!

Make a day of this event and stick around the the entire Festival. There will be a lot of great live music including Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe, Robert Walters 20th Congress, The Heavy Pets, Enthropy, and a whole bunch more. The event is aimed to promote a greener enviroment with a lot of interactive games to help you learn. Portions of the Sweetwater 420 Fest 5k race will go to park improvements. You can’t get any greener than helping a park. What a great reason to run.

So come run to the Sweetwater 420 Fest 5k to earn yourself a beer! It takes so much sweeter when you earn it…and it’s free. Double Sweetishness!

Tags:5k, beer, sweetwater 420 fest
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13th Annual Fig Leaf 5K

Friday, April 10th, 2009

I am naked right now, typing this post. It’s a bit cold, but overall I don’t feel that much different. I do feel more free in my key strokes. I also have a towel on my chair so my skin doesn’t stick to the pleather. I enjoy the fine things in life. Clothing does serve a purpose other than concealing our bodies from others, but why do we always have clothes on? I know people so shy that they shower in their bathing suits! Why do we want to hide our bodies? Were are all runners here. We all have fit bodies. It’s time to show off what we work hard for!

Show off what you have been able to accomplish at the Fig Leaf 5K in Dawsonville, GA on April 25th! I’ve run this race before, completely naked minus running shoes and socks, and it was the best time I’ve ever had naked in my life! Well, one of the best times…it was pretty cool when I was born. At any rate, this 5k race is held at Paradise Valley Nudist Resort so its legal to be totally bare Frank the Tank. This race course varies between off-road and on-road. I wouldn’t recommend running it barefoot. There are a couple of hills because the resort is located in the beautiful mountains of North Georgia. Don’t worry, your naked body makes up for the steep inclines with the decrease in wind resistance. Clothes are so restricting.

After the race, hang out at Paradise Valley Nudist Restort and enjoy the pool or one of the other activities they have available at the resort. Who knows, this may become a weekend getaway for you and your significant other. At Paradise Valley Nudist Resort they have three pools, indoor and outdoor hot tubs, tennis courts, hiking trails, table tennis, billiards, and a nightclub with a full bar. Your race day entry gives you free access to all of these areas! Play a game of naked Marco Polo during the day then dance the night away in the nightclub. Add in a 5k race and some naked table tennis and you’ve got an awesome Saturday!

If you are a novice naked runner, (I’m not I ran around the house naked when I was only 3 years old) then there are a couple of things you may want to remember when running this race. First, you need to wear sunscreen. Portions of your body will see the light of day that may have never been exposed to the sun. Also, bring an extra towel. It is proper etiquette to always sit on your personal towel when using the facilities at the resort. Makes sense to me. Also, please remember not to tape your nipples for this race. It looks weird if you aren’t wearing a shirt. Go ahead and tape them if you are wearing a shirt though. Remember this race is clothing optional. There is a wide range of runners from fully clothed to fully nude. Running brings us all together. It’s a beautiful thing.

Some of the race proceeds will go to benefit the American Cancer Society so go ahead and register for a the small entry fee of only 20 dollars! The entry fee increases to 25 dollars after April 13th so go ahead and register now and save that 5 dollars you got from your tax refund for something else. Not clothes though, that’s a waste of money. Packet pick-up is from 8-945 with the race starting at 10. There is also race day registration available for you procrastinators.

So have fun, show off your fit bod, and be naked! I am.

Tags:5k, GA, naked running
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