Parsnips, I Love Thee

on February 18, 2010
in All Posts

I am obviously becoming obsessed with parsnips.

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Did you know parsnips are richer in vitamins and minerals than carrots?  The veggie is especially rich in potassium!  Here’s a whole article on why potassium is important for athletes – basically, “potassium is a mineral that works with sodium (also a mineral) to balance the fluids and electrolyte levels in your body. And since steady fluid levels help to regulate your heartbeat and prevent muscles from cramping, potassium is of particular importance to runners.”

 

In fact, 100 grams of parsnips has more potassium than the average banana!  But handing out parsnips after a race doesn’t quite work.  🙂

 

I coated sliced parsnips in olive oil and pepper and roasted them at 375 for about 30 minutes to make parsnip fries:

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Parsnips taste kind of “woody” – they are GOOD!

 

Although the star of lunch was parsnips, I also had a Morningstar Black Bean burger with feta cheese, spinach, and mustard in a whole wheat pita.

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Plus, ketchup and mustard for dipping!

 

Body Image Awareness Week Walk in Washington, DC

 

Jacquie from The Sweetest Thing asked me to spread the word:  There will be a Body Image Awareness Week Walk hosted THIS Sunday at American University.  Please go here for details about the event or here to register.  The walk is hosted by American University’s Office of Campus Life, Office of Dean of Students, Student Health Center, and Wellness Center and is supported by The F.R.E.E.D. Foundation and The Eating Disorders Coalition.  If you are in recovery (and have a doctor’s OK to exercise), know someone with an ED, or just want to support the case, please consider participating in the event!

 

More NEDA News

 

Operation Beautiful is collecting stories about how positive self-talk and/or Operation Beautiful post-its have helped girls, women, and men recover from their eating disorder.  The stories will be included on Operation Beautiful during NEDA Week.  If you have a story (one paragraph or so) to share, please e-mail it to me at seebriderun@gmail.com.  Please include your name (or state you want to be anonymous), age, location, and blog address (if you have one).

 

And Some Thoughts on Race Entry Fees…

 

This morning, when I was suppose to be writing an article on time management, I was goofing off by browsing the Internet to learn more about the Charlotte running scene (oh, the irony).  I had a small freak out because it appears that Charlotte’s running scene is not quite as organized (to put it lightly!) as Central Florida’s.  If anyone knows any good Charlotte races (for the entire year), please let me know about them!

 

Anyway, one thing I did notice about a few of the Charlotte events was that entry fees are RIDICULOUS.  Like, $70 for a super sprint triathlon. 

 

I’ve run 20 races.  If each race cost me an average of $40 (which might be a low estimate), that means I’ve spent $800 on races!  I’ve raced a total of 239 miles (on the nose!), which works out to $3.34 per mile of racing.  Racing is an expensive habit!

 

I was also thinking about how I determine whether a race is “too expensive” to do.  I think a lot of it has to do with distance.  I wouldn’t pay more than $30 for a 5K, but I paid $95 for my upcoming Olympic Triathlon.  I need to get my money’s worth, I guess!  (I know races are expensive to organize and some money goes to charity, but come on… you gotta be realistic in what you charge people.)

 

How much is “too much” for a race?  What swag do you need to receive to consider a race entry fee “worth it”?  I really love those tech t’s!

{ 113 comments }

 

  • Jessica @ The Process of Healing February 18, 2010, 1:01 pm

    I would say if it’s for a charity, I would pay more. Less if it wasn’t. I live in Upstate SC near Charlotte and it doesn’t seem like there are too many races. Not compared to FL anyway. But they’re out there, just gotta find them!!!

    Parsnip fries…sounds interesting!

  • Molly @thevegandorm February 18, 2010, 1:02 pm

    Did you get the website I tweeted you? It had a ton of races, just about every weekend! Sorry about the fees – not much I can do about that 😉

    • Caitlin February 18, 2010, 1:05 pm

      yes! they are just so scattered. bah! thank you 🙂

  • Heather (Heather's Dish) February 18, 2010, 1:05 pm

    i would definitely pay more for charity since it’s for an actual cause. but a race? probably no more than 100-150 and i would like to get food, water, and at least an awesome t-shirt 🙂

  • Tasha - The Clean Eating Mama February 18, 2010, 1:06 pm

    YUM! I am loving parsnips right now too!

  • Angela (Oh She Glows) February 18, 2010, 1:07 pm

    The big races around the city all seem to be really steep. I don’t think Ive paid anything under $60-70. I am starting to do small races now in smaller cities and they are much cheaper. It’s a different experience I guess.

  • Laura@FindingAHealthyBalance....after a 100+ Pound weight loss!!! February 18, 2010, 1:08 pm

    I recently ran the Lady Track Shack 5K per my friends request and because of the long sleeve black shirt we got as well……it cost $20 to enter, which isn’t so bad and about average in Central Florida for a 5K race! The 10K I did back in November cost $30+, which was doable for me. However, it will be really hard for me to spend more than $50 on a race as I am on a VERY TIGHT budget………but I will do this when I run my 1st 15K, ½ Marathon & Full Marathon as they will be worth it to me!

  • JAMcKenna February 18, 2010, 1:08 pm

    i’ve found that you really get what you pay for with race entry fees. high entry fees equal great swag and a safe, well-organized race! and plus, if it’s expensive, you know the other racers are just as serious and care about it as much as you do.

  • Kt F @ ThroughTheFinish February 18, 2010, 1:08 pm

    I’m going to have to try parsnips! Any type of “fry” is always good with me haha. I’m with you on race fees being somewhat ridiculous at times… I’m debating between 2 Chicago halfs right now… one is $45 & one is $85! Big difference but the expensive one is the “Rock n Roll” one, which I’ve heard such amazing things about. But at the same time.. they’re both the same distance. Same city. Same time of year. Hmm.

  • Estela @ Weekly Bite February 18, 2010, 1:09 pm

    I think it depends on how expensive it is and what the cause is for. If I really want to do a race, I’ll usually pay whatever.

  • Julie @ Peanut Butter Fingers February 18, 2010, 1:11 pm

    agreed about race fees… i think anything over $25 is too much for a 5K… i am more intrigued by races that offer long sleeved t-shirts and medals… yes, i like the swag!! 😀

  • Freya @ foodfitnessandfreya.wordpress.com February 18, 2010, 1:12 pm

    Oh Caitlin, I think I’ve just fallen in love with you!! AT LAST another blogger who has recognised the sheer AMAZINGNESS of parsnips!!! I’m in love with them, I have them everyday (and since you said about the potassium thing, I might actually be tempted to snack on them before/after a run…any excuse!) – try baking them with cinnamon and agave 🙂 I’m so glad you’re promoting them on here lol!
    I have no idea about race fees – I can’t convert $ to £ so it’s really hard to compare :s but I think it totally depends on facilities, the swag bag after, the medal, the food…my first race was cheap and my medal was a BEER BOTTLE LID on a ribbon. My second one was like, £25 and I got a real medal, so yeah 🙂
    Have a good day!

  • Sara @ ActiveGal February 18, 2010, 1:14 pm

    Racing really is expensive especially when you are on a budget. The boyfriend and I always make sure to budget the money out for his marathons (I believe Boston was $175!). I know how much he enjoys them so we always find a way, but if you factor in the race fee and travel fees racing is an expensive habit! All of the races we have paid more money for were well worth it in terms of swag and security, so I guess the more you pay the more you get.

  • La February 18, 2010, 1:15 pm

    Love. Parsnips. Love them more than carrots, roasted.

    Thanks for the thoughts on race fees! I’ve never entered a race before but I decided that this year I want to, so I’m starting to look into it, and this really isn’t something I’ve even considered before! Definitely food for thought.

  • Nicole, RD February 18, 2010, 1:15 pm

    I love the T’s, too!

    I wouldn’t pay over $75 for a marathon and 5K’s over $20 have to be pretty awesome races to consider.

    I’ve run 2 races this year which are rewarded with beer at the finish. THOSE are my kind of races!

  • Raya February 18, 2010, 1:15 pm

    I think $20-25 for a 5K is acceptable and that’s what they tend to run in the central florida area anyway, and you get a t-shirt. My sister and I each paid $35 for a 4-mile race up in North Carolina at Carolina Beach State Park over Thanksgiving but you got a t-shirt AND they served a big buffet breakfast afterwards which I thought was so cool. They had eggs, biscuits, grits, bacon, fruit, etc…all served outside! I also fully expect to pay more for the half marathon I’m planning on running in november (Baldwin park) so I guess I just assume that the entry fee should be relative to the mileage they’re offering you. 🙂

  • Meghan@traveleatlove February 18, 2010, 1:16 pm

    Eating parsnip soup right now, yum! I think it depends on the race. For me $250 for the Boston Marathon is worth it, but I wouldn’t pay near that for many other races.

  • Tonyne @ Unlikely Success Story February 18, 2010, 1:17 pm

    If a portion of the race fee goes to charity I take that into consideration and would pay a little more. I paid $20 for my first 5k (didn’t go to charity) and $30 for my 2nd (went to charity). I think I paid $30 for my 10k in April, doesn’t go to charity (I don’t think) and the Half-Marathon I’m considering in October is $60. All of those (except the half which is right across the border in SC) are in NC.

    • caitlin February 18, 2010, 1:21 pm

      whats the half in SC???

      also can we be frineds when i move?

      • Jen February 18, 2010, 1:27 pm

        Is it the Spinx half marathon in Greenville? If so, such a beautiful course. Did it the past two years!

      • Tonyne @ Unlikely Success Story February 18, 2010, 2:03 pm

        It’s the Myrtle Beach Mini Marathon ( http://www.runmyrtlebeach.com/ ) I live just north of the SC border at the beach. It would be my first half and I think it’s awesome because it goes through Freestyle Amusement Park and ends up on the beach. 🙂 The medals sound awesome too! (not that I care about that at all…:/)

        And of course we can be friends! However, I’m 3 hours away from Charlotte, but anytime you want to come to the beach, I’ll be around! 🙂

  • Lily @ Lily's Health Pad February 18, 2010, 1:19 pm

    I’ve been racing since high school, and it is astonishing how much race prices have steadily increased in about 10 years! I just don’t race that often anymore. And I rarely run 5ks. I’m not going to pay someone 35 dollars in order to run 3 miles!

    I find it interesting that the amount of racers has significantly increased in recent years AND race prices have gone up.

  • swimsutra February 18, 2010, 1:20 pm

    The Turkey Trot 8k in Charlotte is a good race! If I remember, I think it was a little pricey too, though. :-/

  • Paige February 18, 2010, 1:21 pm

    I live in East TN, and race prices here range from nominal to outrageous. I base my entry fee price limit on two things: how much I really want to do the race and how well organized the race is. For instance, when my husband and I decided to do the Chicago Marathon this year, we really wanted to do it; so the steep entry fee didn’t bother us at all. Chicago is so well organized too; so the fee is well worth it. On the other hand, if it’s a small time race charging $25 for a 5K, then I will just let it go on by…

  • Amy February 18, 2010, 1:21 pm

    Triathlon entry fees are always more expensive because of the cost of lifeguards, boats, sometimes scuba divers etc. Certainly wouldn’t want to do a race without them, though!

  • Megan @ Megzz Wins At Life February 18, 2010, 1:22 pm

    Racing is expensive.. In fact I just decided not to run the NJ half because it is so expensive 🙁

  • Laura Georgina February 18, 2010, 1:23 pm

    I second the parsnip love! I saw Nigella Lawson roast them with maple syrup and they were amazing–so good that I must have had them for about a week straight after that, so definitely worth a try for you 🙂

  • Katie February 18, 2010, 1:23 pm

    I can’t really comment on the whole cost of entering a race, but applying to a juried art show is the same deal when it comes to entry fees. Usually applying with 2 or 3 images ( this isn’t to say you’re accepted to be in a show), costs at least $35. Some even go up to around $65. It has to be a really established gallery or museum for me to even consider forking over that much money, considering art doesn’t necessarily provide any income at the start.

  • megan February 18, 2010, 1:23 pm

    definitely depends on the race, and the experience. I’m pretty cheap, and I don’t like to run all that much, so I’m not willing to pay very much just to run. But…if all my friends were doing it, or if it was a challenge for me and my husband, or something I wanted to accomplish, that’s different.

  • Kelly February 18, 2010, 1:24 pm

    I just recently qualified for the NYC Marathon and the entry fees for that race were close to $200!!! But it is worth it to me…to run that race!!

  • Samantha Angela @ Bikini Birthday February 18, 2010, 1:25 pm

    I only enter races if they are for a cause I support. I’m not near good enough to ever WIN a race so I don’t feel like a race is any different from my regular outdoor runs.

  • Jen February 18, 2010, 1:26 pm

    I could not agree more with this post! I recently moved to Charlotte and am having SO much trouble finding people to run with. I was going to try the local running group in my town but the fast group runs a 7:00-7:30 pace and the slow group runs a 12:00 pace. Ummm what? Can we please get something in between! I’d love to organize a local group, but don’t know how to do that since I don’t know many people yet 🙂

    And, yes, races around here seem to be pricey! I just registered for a 10k and paid $25 (not bad) that’s in Greenville, SC- about 1.5 hours from Charlotte. Seems like the more affordable races are further away. So you’re obviously not saving money if you have to drive further.

    But the priciest races have to be the Disney marathon weekend ones. I get you’re paying for the Disney magic but geez!

    • caitlin February 18, 2010, 1:27 pm

      let’s be running buddies when i move!!

      • Jen February 18, 2010, 1:29 pm

        Deal 😉

    • Erin February 18, 2010, 2:59 pm

      My local running group is similar…except their “slow” pace is still my fast pace! I just joined them anyway and I enjoy the camaraderie before and after the runs. I’ve been going long enough now that they know me and sometimes people even “slow down” to run with me. I figure that if I keep going then anyone else who shows up randomly who runs my pace won’t have to run alone and maybe word will get out that there are some “slower” runners in the group.

  • Megan @ Eat.Scrap.Run February 18, 2010, 1:27 pm

    I will pay just about anything for race entry fees if it’s a race I want to do. I live pretty simply in other areas of my life, so I don’t feel bad about paying for the entry fees for a race or triathlon.

  • Paige (Running Around Normal) February 18, 2010, 1:29 pm

    I’ve never tried parsnips! I’ll have to pick one up at the store this weekend.
    Wow races on the east coast are expensive! The most expensive race I’ve signed up for is for the half marathon I’m doing this spring – the Illinois Marathon. It cost me $45. I’d say my average is $30, but so far I’ve only done 5 and 10 k’s.

  • Matt February 18, 2010, 1:32 pm

    For a race that I really want to run, I usually don’t mind paying a little more. If it is a smaller race, I better get a free shirt!

  • sarah February 18, 2010, 1:34 pm

    Ugh, DON’T come to New York then! I was all set to run the NYC Half Marathon, but the $80 entry fee just put it out of my budget. The Nautica Triathlon in New York is something like $180. Even local road races can set you back $30. I think would absolutely run more if it didn’t make such a dent in my bank account.

    • Stephanie February 18, 2010, 1:42 pm

      If you live in NYC you should become a member of the NY Road Runners. You pay a yearly fee, I think it’s around $30/year, but then all of your race fees are lower. Most members only pay $17 per race regardless of distance. Unless it’s something like the marathon which is obviously more expensive.

  • Lauren February 18, 2010, 1:35 pm

    One race in charlotte is the Thunder Road marathon! I had wanted to do the 5k this year but I couldn’t make it back home in time (I live in Charlotte but go to college in Greensboro)
    Try going to sportoften.com – they have a ton of races listed.
    http://www.sportoften.com/framework/searchActionHandler.cfm
    I don’t know if that link will work, but I searched all races in North Carolina for ya 🙂
    Maybe some day I’ll bump into you on the trails!!! 🙂
    PS Parsnip fries = amazing! Try carrot and green bean fries sometime!

  • Laura @ Backstage Pass to Health & Happiness February 18, 2010, 1:37 pm

    Interesting topic! I volunteer as the marketing manager for Milwaukee’s Lakefront Marathon, and keeping the entry fees low is a major priority for us. At the same time we strive to offer cool perks, like the technical shirts you mentioned, a kick-ass expo, and interesting finish line vendors. It’s tricky when a race as big as a marathon is run by a volunteer staff, but by keeping the entry fee LOW and fair, our participants come back year after year.
    The parsnip fries look great, I honestly have never tried a parsnip before and this looks like a great way to try one!
    ~Laura
    Backstage Pass to Health & Happiness

  • Caitlin @ Right Foot Forward February 18, 2010, 1:39 pm

    I don’t mind paying more for an entry fee if part of it goes to charity. I’m running a race for charity this weekend that is about double the cost that I usually pay (it is 4 miles and I think $40 or $45), but half the fee goes to Haiti. To me, that is completely worth it, and I won’t mind if there isn’t any swag.

    That being said, if I pay a race fee I expect a safe course, plenty of water/fluid, and possibly some food at the finish!

  • Anna February 18, 2010, 1:42 pm

    Hey! That’s my school! I had no idea about that walk. Sounds awesome.

    Re: race fees…. ugh. They suck. But I totally understand why they’re so big. Planning those races is a ton of work and requires a lot of manpower.

    I was training for my second half-marathon last spring but had to drop out because I got really sick. I was SO pissed to lose that $75!

  • Shannon (The Daily Balance) February 18, 2010, 1:50 pm

    wow! i can’t believe the ebtry fees are that much! I’m OK with it when I know a lot of it is going towards a good cause, but otherwise, i dunno! I mean you are esentially paying to run — I’d almost rather go to one of my favorite parks with a few of my friends and have our own little race –at least then I know i’d have beautiful scenery and wouldn’t worry about tripping over others!

    but then again, i’m super lame 😉

  • Maya February 18, 2010, 1:53 pm

    I LOVE parsnip fries! They do taste kind of wood-y.

  • Morgan @ Life After Bagels February 18, 2010, 1:56 pm

    hey can parsnips be eaten raw like carrot sticks?!?!

    • caitlin February 18, 2010, 1:57 pm

      I’m sure they can! But I haven’t tried to.

      • Jennifer February 18, 2010, 3:16 pm

        Parsnips raw have a little bite (spicy) to them. I like to call them carrots with attitude! 🙂

  • PinkSass February 18, 2010, 1:56 pm

    How do you cook your black bean burgers?

    • caitlin February 18, 2010, 1:58 pm

      microwaved it for two minutes 🙂

  • Erin @ Erin Eats and Exercises February 18, 2010, 1:59 pm

    For 5ks, I try not to spend more than $25. I mean, most of the time they money is going towards something fun but like you said, it adds up! If I could, I would really like to do one every weekend but you did the math, way too much! For my tri, I paid about $60 and dont think I would spend more than $90 unless it was really something spectacular. Things that I usualy look for when paying up is…

    -how nice are the tshirts
    -whos spondering (additional swag)
    -food maybe beer at the end?
    -location, location, location, and parking

  • Kelly February 18, 2010, 2:01 pm

    I just registered for the Philadelphia Broad Street Run, and it was $33. It’s a ten mile race sponsored by Blue Cross, I think last year we also got free parking for the expo, and race day at the stadiums. I think i’ve been spoiled because this is really cheap. There are also 30,000 participants though. I can’t imagine spending more than 50-75.

  • adriana February 18, 2010, 2:10 pm

    Off the subject, but how did you carry your gels and other fuel during the marathon?

    • caitlin February 18, 2010, 2:13 pm

      I wore a spibelt (which are awesome) and my pants had a zippered pocket in them.

      • Amanda February 18, 2010, 2:15 pm

        I just bought a Spibelt before my Half last weekend, and I was skeptical, but I LOVE IT! I was afraid it would bounce or slip, but it didn’t budge 🙂

      • adriana February 18, 2010, 2:30 pm

        Thanks!! one more thing, what kind of pants were those?

        • caitlin February 18, 2010, 2:33 pm

          they were champion brand from target.

  • Amanda February 18, 2010, 2:14 pm

    I have also been concerned about the price of entry fees, especially because my hubby and I are both runners we have to pay double fees. The Half Marathon I ran last weekend cost us $150 entry fees, plus hotel (had to travel), food, gas, etc. It probably ended up costing us over $500!!!

    I wouldn’t do that every weekend by any means, but I try to look at the cost of races as an investment in my health, fitness and future and I feel like you can’t put a price tag on that. So when I get upset about having to pay entry fees I remind myself that this is my hobby and my health.

    I would rather cut out other expenses in my life than cut back on my racing 🙂

  • Lauren @ Eater not a runner February 18, 2010, 2:14 pm

    Over $25 for a 5k seems like a lot. I paid $55 for my half marathon. The only good thing about the high race fees is it makes me more committed!

  • Jenn @ Livewellfit February 18, 2010, 2:16 pm

    I was talking to my brother about this (he is a unique being). He does Ironman competitions and they pay over $500. Granted that is a very involved race and the athletes need the support.

    I appreciate the race fees when there is a charity benefit or donation cause. Otherwise- I have a hard time accepting that it truly costs that much. : ) Swag is a MUST. Not just throw away swag but good swag.

  • Robyn February 18, 2010, 2:19 pm

    Parsnip fries = genious

  • John February 18, 2010, 2:26 pm

    Up here some of the races will reimburse your fee if you raise a min $ amount for the races chosen charity. If you don’t mind doing that sort of thing it would help…around here anyways.

  • Karen W February 18, 2010, 2:33 pm

    You always have a way of making me try foods I would have never imagined! I am not even sure what a parsnip looks like but I must find one. 🙂

    I usually pick a couple of “major” races each year and for those I will pay most any price although I will say I just forked over $315 for the goofy challenge in 2011 which was beyond ridiculous. Normally, I think 25 to 35 for a road race, slightly higher for a tri. For me, I will pay more if I know it is a well organized event, there are cool perks like hats or goody bags or post-race food besides bagels. if it is an interesting course or a great charity. I signed up for a 5k this year that has free beer, cool hats and is an obstacle course – definitely didn’t mind paying a little extra for the warrior dash..

    I wonder if the lack of races has to do with the size of the city. I am in ATL and there are more races than you could ever want to run. Does http://www.active.com have listings for Charlotte?

  • Diana @ frontyardfoodie February 18, 2010, 2:37 pm

    I have been trying to grow parsnips for a while but the weather for some reason hasn’t been super conducive. I love the idea of parsnip fries!

  • Mary (Food Fit & Fun) February 18, 2010, 2:39 pm

    I never thought to make parsnip fries. I just made a Winter Vegetable Chili with parsnips. I’m actually having leftovers for lunch right now. Glad to know I’m getting potassium!!! You should try the recipe !

  • Rae February 18, 2010, 2:47 pm

    Just a thought….some of the fees are deductible on your taxes if you keep your reciepts, because they go to charity 🙂 i hear you though….I paid $575 to race Ironman Lake Placid…EEK!!

  • meghann February 18, 2010, 2:53 pm

    I think you just convinced me to eat more parsnips. 🙂 Especially since I don’t eat bananas.

  • Brie (The Fit Bride) February 18, 2010, 2:56 pm

    If I REALLY want to do the race, I don’t care what I get–Chicago Marathon was $130, and I know I get some swag from it, but I just want to run the race.

    Usually I can’t even figure out what’s included in a race because race websites are pretty crappy, so it winds up being a fun surprise at packet pickup!

  • Ali @ Food, Fitness, Fashion February 18, 2010, 2:59 pm

    Your lunch looks great. Interesting facts about parsnips- I never knew that.

  • Erin February 18, 2010, 3:02 pm

    I’ll be honest: race fees don’t make or break a race for me. If I want to run then I’ll run it. I tend to base whether or not I’ll run a race on how close it is to my house or what the course is like as opposed to how much it cost. I didn’t bat an eye when I paid $130+ for the Chicago Marathon this year because I knew i wanted to run it.

  • Angela (The Lady Loves to Eat) February 18, 2010, 3:03 pm

    I have never had parsnips before, I’m totally inspired to try them now!

  • Megan @ Healthy Hoggin February 18, 2010, 3:04 pm

    Okay, you may have just convinced me to try parsnips again… the first time I tried them, I over-cooked them into a gross-tasting mess! The potassium might make them worth a second try, though!

    I’m pretty picky about paying for races now that I live in Los Angeles any spend all my money on rent!! I will not spend money on 5K’s anymore, since I pretty much run that distance everyday! But I will pay for 10K’s, half marathons, and a full marathon, because it’s worth it to have a course cleared for me! I hate stopping at stop lights during my runs! My max is still about $100, though. I just spent $90 on my first marathon!

  • Jessica February 18, 2010, 3:10 pm

    One of my best girlfriends lives in Charlotte and is a runner. I tried to run the Thunder Road Marathon & Amica Insurance Half-Marathon with her this past December but it didn’t work out.

  • devon February 18, 2010, 3:14 pm

    I am so cheap when it comes to race fees. I only paid $35 for my half-marathon!

  • Lauren February 18, 2010, 3:15 pm

    I live right over the border in SC about 10 min from Charlotte! I ran track in college and was middle distance… so I am still in the short fast mode… looking to get into longer races… and back into shape! haha… but when I researched things I came across the Charlotte Running Club, I haven’t joined yet but I am really considering it… but they have a website with parks in Charlotte to run, and maybe they would know of some races. Also there are a lot of local races that recreation complexes put on that are a lot of fun… more 5K, 10K, trail run type things. Since being here I have met a ton of people that love to run and workout! It is a very energetic outgoing city!

    Are you looking to live right in the city?

    • caitlin February 18, 2010, 3:16 pm

      yes i think so! at least until we buy something.

  • Jo February 18, 2010, 3:20 pm

    I *heart* parnsips too, they are my favourite veg to roast.

    Races in the UK are pretty cheap. I entered a 5k race for £5, a 10k for £10 and my half marathon has only cost £17 so not too shabby 🙂

  • Shannon February 18, 2010, 3:20 pm

    Haha, I love that you calculated the cost per mile! I don’t mind if one of my big planned semi-annual races is expensive (which means $60-100 in my mind), but I’m not willing to pay much for a 5k that I’m just running for fun.

  • Jennifer February 18, 2010, 3:21 pm

    I entered my very first 5k race ever that takes place in May (so excited!!!). It is a Mother’s Day fun run and mom’s are allowed to enter with one of their children and those with younger children are encouraged to decorate their strollers and jog with them…sounds like SO much fun and not very intimidating for a first-timer like me. Anyway, I entered my daughter and myself as a team and it cost $35. After reading some of these comments, I think that may be a little too high for a 5k??? However, it does go to a really great cause. It raises money for battered women and children.

    • caitlin February 18, 2010, 3:24 pm

      for a charity race, that sounds perfect! especially for two people! you guys are going to have so much fun!

  • Ami February 18, 2010, 3:28 pm

    At the last half marathon I ran they were giving out free 5 oz containers of Oikos at both the packet pickup and on race day. I stocked up on those babies! Totally made the race fee worth it.

    I will also spend a little more on a race if I know the t-shirt is really nice/cute and I will wear it. The Chase corporate challenge gives out cute baby tees for the runners and I wear them all the time. In fact I wore the first one completely out. It has a hole in the back.

  • Lisa (bakebikeblog) February 18, 2010, 3:45 pm

    Boy do I love parsnips too 🙂 Especially when they are roasted…so delicious!
    Hmm races here are also expensive – and they often come with little or no goodies to make up for it. I guess for me though – I don’t spend a lot of money on going out / dinners out etc – so I am happy to spend the $$ on my hobby.

  • Anna @ Newlywed, Newly Veg February 18, 2010, 3:58 pm

    Mmmm, I LOVE parsnips! Unfortunately, my hub isn’t wild about their flavor– he much prefers sweet potatoes or carrots 🙁

    I hate spending $$$ on a race and then not getting a cute shirt or nice bag!

  • julia February 18, 2010, 4:03 pm

    It really depends on the race. I spent over $100 on the Disney Half, but I wouldn’t do that for a local race. Also, I think it depends where you live. $30 for a 5k doesn’t seem like a lot to me. (I live in Boston.)

    That said, I was considering signing up for the NYRR virtual race for Haiti but I thought the $30 fee for a virtual race was too expensive! I know it is for charity but it is just too much for me for a virtual race.

  • Lindsay Perrone (goodiesgalore) February 18, 2010, 4:05 pm

    I recently signed up for Boston Organics which is a home delivery service so every other week I get a huge bin of organic fruit and veg. Last box contained tons of turnips which I had never had before so I ate them constantly and am now turniped out. New box came with even more! What to do with all these turnips…

  • Lindsay Perrone (goodiesgalore) February 18, 2010, 4:06 pm

    I just realized Ive been calling them turnips but I really mean parsnips. haha.

  • Amber K @ sparkpeople February 18, 2010, 4:25 pm

    The price (and my own laziness) is definitely one of the things that turns me off to “racing.” I love just working out to feel good!

    I have never had parsnips, but they look so interesting! I’m not sure what tasting “woody” means, but I definitely must try them.

  • Samantha February 18, 2010, 4:34 pm

    Charlotte is a wonderful area…I think you’ll love it there! (I’m a North Carolinian just displaced 🙂 . I know very little about running in NC as I didn’t start until the Navy moved us away. But Greensboro, about an hour and a half away, has a very strong running group. That might be an option to consider for some races, and to get more info on running in NC in general. I must say I’m a little jealous, I haven’t been home to see family in almost a year and a half!

    Parsnips are a wonderful wonderful thing! Can’t find them here. 🙁 (that’s common with many things ha ha!)

  • Jen February 18, 2010, 4:45 pm

    Congrats on your swim last night!! You are definitely going to kick butt in your triathlon. I’ve never had parsnips, except in soup. I think i’ll give them a try sometime soon! Thanks for the parsnip fries idea!

  • Ivan February 18, 2010, 4:53 pm

    Running, races, and statistics…YES!

    Now I have to go and calculate my own races and cost/race and cost/mile.

  • pen February 18, 2010, 5:06 pm

    I paid $550 for my Ironman Registration, since then, everything has seemed like peanuts to me.

  • MarathonVal February 18, 2010, 5:08 pm

    I love parsnip fries too, but I honestly had no idea how nutritious they were… thanks so much for the info!

  • Evan Thomas February 18, 2010, 5:09 pm

    Carrot juice has one of the highest concentrations of potassium post run! It’s also 10 times sweeter than bananas, in my opinion

  • Catherine February 18, 2010, 5:11 pm

    Considering I’m not huge on bananas I feel like I should really try those parsnip fries! I love parsnips steamed and then pureed with some fresh vanilla bean, non-dairy milk and a tiny bit of earth balance – or not – personal preference really.

    I would say over $100 is my limit although I suppose I have different parameters when things are done for a charity. I had to raise $2,500 for the NYC half-marathon and $5,000 for my spinning for cancer research even and I was happy to do that although raising money can sometimes be more of a headache than just dishing out the cash yourself!

  • Ellen Collis February 18, 2010, 5:44 pm

    Whoa, your lunch looks YUM! And I can’t believe parsnips have so much more potassium than bananas! One time I got a TERRIBLE charley horse in a sports conditioning class, and the instructor went and got me a piece of a banana and then told me get back up. I felt like such a wimp, but I was in too much pain to continue! I’ve been eating a lot more bananas since, but it looks like I need to hop on the parsnips wagon now!

    http://www.firednfabulous.blogspot.com/

  • Leena February 18, 2010, 5:48 pm

    wow! i love parsnips so much, but i never knew they had so many nutritional benefits! i’m always trying to add more potassium into my diet, i always thought bananas were the best source! i guess i’ll have to start eating more parsnips! thank you so much for the info!

  • Allie February 18, 2010, 6:14 pm

    Can I just say that we Carolinians (just outside Charlotte for me) need to get together and run sometime? Or get a group together. Or something? I agree with the others there doesn’t seem like there are many people/places/events (however I could be looking in the wrong place) in town! I’ve never participated in a 5K, but I’d love too :).

    • Allie February 18, 2010, 6:52 pm

      (And by ‘too’ I mean ‘to’). Yay grammar :D.

  • Daniel February 18, 2010, 6:58 pm

    Oh my, those fries look phenomenal! I never thought to make fries out of parsnips, usually I just roast / broil them after cutting them in half. I’ll have to try those sometime!

  • skinnyrunner February 18, 2010, 7:09 pm

    I think $40 is really low. I paid $135 to run a marathon in vegas!! im thinking of doing LA but at 125 for a crappy course, i dont know…

  • Heather February 18, 2010, 7:55 pm

    too funny about the potassium today of all days. I am teaching a nutrition unit to my 5th graders in science and today we talked about minerals and potassium!

  • Jessica @ Fit Chick Wannabe February 18, 2010, 8:46 pm

    I’ve really only ran 5Ks so far, and they are always $20 or $30 entry fees. I never really thought about how much they add up though. I’m not sure what is the highest I would pay…

  • Laura S February 18, 2010, 10:12 pm

    There’s a triathlon series in NC called the Ramblin Rose and there’s a stop in Charlotte-I’m doing the Raleigh one in May. I live in Raleigh-2 hours away from Charlotte-maybe we could do a race together someday?? 🙂 And check out fsseries.com-they have races posted for the Charlotte, Raleigh, triangle area. There’s an awesome run club in Raleigh called the Nog run club-it’s run by a pub and a running store so there’s varying paces and a $1 pasta dinner with trivia/entertainment and beer specials after the run. It’s definitely more of a social aspect and so fun!! By being part of the club, we get special race discounts so it makes races more affordable!!

    • caitlin February 18, 2010, 11:44 pm

      thank you sooo much! i hope we can meet up 🙂 i’m moving in may or june… yay!

  • Jolene (www.everydayfoodie.ca) February 18, 2010, 11:43 pm

    I have been into parsnips lately too! I love the smell when they are cooking. They are way better than carrots. I use them in stew!

  • Melissa (Getting Fit If It Kills Me) February 19, 2010, 12:46 am

    Who knew at 12:30 at night after watching the olympics (yay Evan!) that I’d be craving parsnips?! Guess I’ll have to get some tomorrow…

  • sirenjess February 19, 2010, 6:55 am

    So would you pay 30 if the race was the Susan B. Komen race for the cure? I think that if the race benefits something then it’s worth it. I will no longer run anything done by Rock and Roll because the money from those races benefits NOTHING!

    • caitlin February 19, 2010, 8:44 am

      sure! im down to pay more for charity runs.

  • sirenjess February 19, 2010, 6:55 am

    I love parsnips too. Try steaming them.

  • Meredith February 19, 2010, 9:49 am

    I’ve found that triathlons (even sprint ones) are much more expensive than an event that only includes running. The main difference, I believe, is the insurance aspect. Tri race directors have much more liability to cover than than road race directors. I routinely pay $60-$75 for local sprint races. And an Ironman? Those entry fees are at least $500!!

  • Gina February 19, 2010, 2:55 pm

    You inspired me with all the parsnips so I tried this recipe for parmesean parsnips last night and it was excellent! http://sproutedkitchen.com/?p=918

  • Kristilyn (My 29th Year) February 19, 2010, 10:26 pm

    I can’t remember if it was parsnips or turnips, but it took forever when I tried to make them into fries! I love carrot fries … my husband even likes them!

    I really haven’t run that many races – only a few 5Ks – but they do get expensive. I like to see what exactly you get out of what you pay – is there food after? a t-shirt? I’m running the Las Vegas 1/2 Marathon in December and I decided that the amount I paid (something like $130) is worth it since it’s Vegas and a once in a lifetime experience – at least for me, it is!

    K

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