Carrera Avon: Solo para Mujeres!

(Title Translation: Avon Race: Only for Women!)

A group of teachers (and babies!) before the race...photo taken by the school director herself who participated in the race!

Last weekend many of us lady teachers participated in a run sponsored by Avon (pronounced Ah-BON) to raise money for women's health care. Only women were allowed to register, and the race was "sold out" at 4,000 women! I chose to run the 10K, which is 6.2 miles. Other than CAG teachers, our awesome Spanish tutor Patricia (pronounced Pah-TREE-see-uh) was there, also. She's the best!

Patricia is in the red jacket

The race was on a beautiful day of course, and it was on the main , flat street of Guatemala City, Reforma. In most aspects, the race was like American races; some people were decked out w/belts holding carb shots and water (for a 10K? I know....it was a little overboard), Nike gear, and New Balance shoes. There were fast sprinters who won and many people who walked. Lots of women were wearing the pink shirts they got for participating, and lots of women were out there with their kids. It was fun to see the men as only volunteers, or cheering their spouses on!

In other ways, the race was very different than American runs. For starters, the race didn't begin until 8:00 a.m. in a major city. In the U.S., most races seem to start at 6 or 7 at the latest. Also, there were many women racing in jeans, jean shorts, or shoes other than tennis shoes. Odd! But hey, whatever gets the job done! Also, instead of your typical water station where you run by and grab a cup, down the drink, and keep going, they had bags of water! You just had to tear into the baggies with your mouth and suck out what you could. I thought it was hilarious, but having a drink in a baggie is actually pretty common...you can get water, juices, and even beers by the baggie here sold at stores, so it must be a cheaper way to go. I also wonder where all of these women are training/running on their own time b/c there certainly aren't that many women at the gym when I'm there, and I can only assume they don't chance running on the street....

A classic Pre-Race Stretch Pose!

4,000 women!

It was a really great experience to be running outside (for once) in such a beautiful country, and enjoying the company of other women! Guatemala City never looked so good. Or pink.