In 2020, I decided to start the racing season with a very symbolic start, which is held in the city of Bohorodchany, Ivano-Frankivsk region. It's called "Friends Run" - this start is timed to one of the most important dates in the state-building of our country. Running event "Friends Run” timed to January 22 (Day of the Unification of Ukraine) - it was on this day in 1919 that the western and eastern territories of Ukraine were united, creating a modern country as we know it.
Registration
On the website runstyle.net participants were registered for the "Friends' Run". During the application process, everyone had the opportunity to choose one of two distances: the main one for 32 kilometers, and the satellite route - 16 kilometers. The race route is one circle that passes through the asphalt and dirt road of Bohorodchany and surrounding villages. The cost of participation in the race was from 200 UAH. depending on the selected distance.
Run
I started my new running adventure on the train that went to Ivano-Frankivsk on Saturday night. From there I had to get to the venue of the race, which was located in the city of Bohorodchany. Initially, I planned to get to the place of the race by bus in the morning after arriving in Ivano-Frankivsk. But the participants were pleasantly surprised by the organizers of the run - they prepared a direct transfer to Bohorodchany from Ivano-Frankivsk, so I gladly took advantage of this offer.
The starting place of the run was waiting for me in the building of the local school - the starting platform of the “Friends Run” was set up near the school. The morning here was quite crowded, because preparations for the run began in the morning. Upon arrival at the starting town, I immediately went to pick up my starting number. After that, it was possible to calmly prepare for the start of the race.
The start of the main distance of the "Friends' Run" was scheduled for 10:30 - that's when my new running adventure began. In 2020, this race was my first in the running season and at 32 kilometers. It was a great workout for further starts and showed me that I get in the right shape quite quickly after the winter holidays.
The first three miles after the start of the "Friends' Run" were quite lively for me. The distance was easy to overcome - mostly due to the fact that I had a long period without training and I have not yet regained a sense of pace while running. Because of this, I sometimes ran fast enough, not keeping up with my comfortable pace. 6 hydration points were set up along the entire 32-kilometer race, which I did not neglect - I ran to each one to catch my breath and refresh myself.
It took 1 hour and 41 minutes for me to cover the first ten miles of the race. As for the start of the season, this is a pretty good result. But this stretch of road took away a lot of my strength, which was not enough for the next ten miles.
The second half of the "Friends' Run" became more like an exciting walk for me than a run. I admired the beauty of the surrounding landscapes, thinking about the next races I planned for the new running season. It took me 3 hours and 51 minutes to cover the whole distance. Crossing the finish line, I was happy with this result, and I was waiting for a treat - a delicious pilaf.
Impression
I was very pleased with the good organization "Friends' Run", as well as a convenient route for running - an asphalt road with sections of dirt, as well as with small ascents and descents. The only downside was not very good condition of the road - I would like it to be repaired. All participants were very well supported by the audience, especially at the hydration points.
The "Friends Run" was a good opportunity to assess your level of preparation for the new running season. The new running adventure gave me a lot of pleasant impressions of the beauty of nature.
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