Pop Art & Beyond: Tom Wesselmann

Still Life with Liz, 1992. Alkyd oil on cut-out steel ,72 x 96 inches © Estate of Tom
Wesselmann/Licensed by VAGA, New York, NY

Pop Art was inspired in the early 1960s by popular culture, advertising and kitsch.  Think about soup cans, pictures of iconic celebrities, comic book-inspired pictures and bigger-than-life billboard advertising. The artist Tom Wesselmann was a leading Pop Artist, and his peers included Warhol, Lichtenstein and Oldenburg, all of whom are represented in VMFA’s collection.

The museum’s permanent collection also includes an entire room dedicated to the Pop Art movement. In fact, two of VMFA’s own Wesselmann works are traveling as a part of the Pop Art and Beyond exhibition. The Wesselmann estate has loaned two additional works for permanent collection galleries so his work can be represented in the context of that important collection.

This show is a retrospective, which means it is an overview of an artist’s entire lifetime of work. Wesselmann made his mark as a Pop Artist, but his work continued to evolve throughout his career, and that’s what makes this exhibition so rich and informative. Retrospectives allow viewers to understand the complete artist, rather than to just see several of his works in isolation.

Color and scale have a dramatic effect on the visitor’s experience. Some of the elements are taken directly from billboard advertising, as the artist appropriated these elements of popular culture. But the art is also grounded in formal art history. Just like the Mona Lisa, many of his paintings contain a window with a curtain and a view to the world beyond. This artist had a creative vision which included rich, saturated color that shaped his work throughout his entire career.

VMFA always offers dimensional experiences for all age groups, providing many ways to deepen understanding and enjoyment of art. Adult lectures and classes, programs for teens and younger children, and free daily tours throughout the museum are offered. Amuse Restaurant and the VMFA shop allow the art to inspire their offerings as well, so you can appreciate Pop Art when you shop and dine as well! Find a list of related programs here: http://vmfa.museum/exhibitions/wesselmann.aspx

VMFA is lucky to have a magnificent building and over 40,000 members. And they are the only art museum in the US which is open 365 days a year. So don your beret and indulge your artsy side!

Go! Discover Richmond

It’s amazing what you can get done in less than two and a half hours in the City of Richmond. On a chilly Saturday morning last weekend, I saw the tomb of President James Monroe at Hollywood Cemetery, admired a Tiffany window at Grace & Holy Trinity Episcopal Church, sipped on basil-infused tea at The Jefferson Hotel and listened to Virginia Union University marching band members, all while participating in a 10K. Go! Discover Richmond wasn’t a race, though (thank goodness!). It was more like a walking tour, at your own pace, highlighting the amazing diversity of Richmond neighborhoods, attractions and businesses. I’m not sure if other cities do this, but they should. It’s an active, time-efficient way to explore city highlights whether you’ve lived in the area all your life or you’re just passing through for the weekend.

The event started and ended at the Virginia War Memorial, a graceful tribute to Virginia veterans. From there, we walked along a charming Oregon Hill street to Hollywood Cemetery, the picturesque resting place of presidents, governors and other significant historical figures. I could easily spend two hours or more just studying the monuments and mausoleums at the cemetery, but that will have to come another day. Our path led onward to magnificent churches – places I’d driven by a million times with barely a glance – where I stood in awe at the luminous stained glass windows, giant organ pipes, and soaring, artistically crafted ceilings. The course also took us past vibrant theaters and to historic sites in Jackson Ward, once called the “Black Wall Street of America” and “Harlem of the South.”

One of my favorite stops was the National Donor Memorial at UNOS, the United Network for Organ Sharing, a place I’d never think to visit on my own. This thoughtfully planned garden is full of meaning for organ donor family members and recipients, and it is also a peaceful and beautiful surprise amidst the concrete jungle of the city.

Along the Go! Discover Richmond course, we were greeted by costumed characters at the theaters and various attractions, and just like any other 10K, there were plenty of water stations to keep us hydrated. Friendly greeters at various locations gave out candy, kazoos and other goodies, including delicious chocolate chip cookies at the DoubleTree hotel’s Two Trees Café. I came home with a stack of tour brochures and performance schedules to inspire more Richmond outings with family and friends. And even though I didn’t break a sweat, I felt a sense of accomplishment from walking six miles and discovering and re-discovering some of the great treasures in my hometown.

Times Dispatch Go! Discover Richmond
Presented by Sports Backers
(804) 285-9495

Carla Murray is a Richmond Region native who enjoys outings in RVA with her husband and daughters, lunches with friends at new restaurants, and promoting Maymont via social media. Her obsessions include turtles, Cirque du Soleil, Costa Rica, books and wine.

Casa Del Barco: Upscale Mexican on the Canal

My favorite food is Mexican. I love the sauces, cheeses, seasoned shredded meats… yum! There are several good options in Richmond where I can get my enchilada and taco fix, but Casa Del Barco brings some unique, upscale menu items to the table. You can still find favorites like guacamole and empanadas. Casa Del Barco adds some interesting twists though, like guacamole with crab and tacos with slow roasted duck. The restaurant is also one of the latest to join the local, sustainable food trend.

Situated along the canal across from some of the coolest wall murals in the city, the scenic location is a bit challenging to find in a car. I’d suggest calling for directions instead of relying on a GPS. On the other hand, it’s in a perfect location if you’re exploring the Canal Walk, an easy stroll along the canal from Brown’s Island and The American Civil War Center at Historic Tredegar. The interior is dramatic with high, custom-stenciled ceilings, Mexican-style chandeliers, exposed brick walls and dark wood furnishings. A long bar on one windowed wall offers plenty of space for a hopping happy hour.

On a recent lunch visit, our table started with an order of guacamole with bacon and tomato. The guacamole was super fresh, and the bacon added a nice salty crunch. I mean, how can you go wrong with that combination? I ordered the queso fresco (fresh cheese) enchilada for my main dish. My gluten-free friend and I were both excited that the enchiladas are served with corn tortillas instead of flour. This was not your average rolled up and filled enchilada. Instead, it was served in a dish with layers of tortilla, cheese and sauce. It was an interesting, light and tasty alternative to the norm, but the real standout of the meal was the side serving of frijoles negros, or black beans. They were sprinkled with bits of queso fresco and fresh cilantro, and they were incredibly flavorful…my favorite black beans ever.

Besides its upscale take on Mexican favorites, Casa Del Barco’s other claim to Richmond fame is its extensive tequila bar. Who knew there were more than 100 different kinds of tequila, much less that you could find 140 in one place?!

Casa Del Barco
320 South 12th Street
Richmond, VA 23219
(804) 775-2628

Carla Murray is Assistant Director of Marketing & PR for Maymont. She is a Richmond native and a Virginia Commonwealth University graduate. She lives in New Kent with her husband, two daughters, a dog, a cat and a turtle. Some of her favorite activities include letterboxing, long walks, Cirque du Soleil shows, wine tastings, reading novels, and spending time with family and friends.

Making Images for History

Let’s do a little word association…

When you hear (or read) “President of the United States” (as in the office, not the specific person currently holding it), what comes to mind?

For most people, words like “powerful,” “commander,” and maybe “leader of the free world” pop up first.

“Accessible” and “human”? Not so much.

However, head over to the Virginia Historical Society for The President’s Photographer: 50 Years Inside the Oval Office and I bet your feelings will change. Featuring dozens of rarely seen images of recent U.S. presidents, this exhibit gives us a more complete picture of the men who’ve held that office. We get to see them in both official and informal moments as they experience joy, frustration, exhaustion, sadness, and everything in between. We walk away remembering that while these men had (or have) an extraordinary job, they are, in the end, as human as they people they serve.

We owe that perspective to the individuals responsible for capturing these images: the official White House photographers. John F. Kennedy kicked off the tradition of the presidential photography by hiring Cecil W. Stoughton. Since then almost every president has followed suit in an effort to create a photographic record of the ins and outs and highs and lows of his administration. Those records are made richer for us by the commentary accompanying each of the images in this exhibit. We learn the story behind each image, why the photographer chose to capture it, and how it fits into the complete narrative of the presidents themselves and the country as a whole.

Every image is worth a nice, long look, but highlights include the iconic swearing in of Lyndon B. Johnson following the assassination of JFK; a close-up of Barack Obama’s handwritten edits of the State of the Union; George W. Bush addressing rescue workers at Ground Zero, and Betty Ford’s unexpected (but fantastic) final hurrah before turning over the White House keys to the Carters. A shot of Obama’s exchange with a particularly bold preschooler is also delightful.

The exhibit also includes the National Geographic documentary on Peter Souza, the current Chief Official White House photographer for President Obama. It clocks in at about an hour, but is well worth your time as it helps viewers fully grasp the special relationship between president and photographer. It illustrates  the important role that relationship plays in, as Souza puts it, “creating a good photographic archive for history…creating this archive that will live on.”

The President’s Photographer: 50 Years Inside the Oval Office runs through July 8^th. The Virginia Historical Society offers free admission to the museum and its research library, but it’s always nice to drop a couple bucks in the donation box on the way upstairs if you can swing it.

Also, heads up: the folks over the VHS tell me this the last time this exhibit will be in Virginia for the next few years—so don’t miss it!

Virginia Historical Society
428 N. Boulevard
804-358-4901

Valerie Catrow is the former editor of RVANews and a current contributor to their parenting column, Raising Richmond. A Richmonder through-and-through, she grew up in Midlothian, graduated from the University of Richmond, and currently lives on the city’s Northside with her husband, Ross, and their son, JR. You can see what she’s up to on a day-to-day basis via Twitter and Instagram.

Raise the Roof Inspires Giggles, Grins and Delighted Concentration

“Look! He’s raising the roof!” exclaims a young guest while his father turns the crank on a simple machine inside the dome. “The walls are moving up and pushing the roof pieces together,” continues the boy with a grin as he figures out the exhibit.

“Listen how my voice echoes,” a young girl tells her family as a microphone amplifies her words. “Can you guess the kind of room where that sound might be made?” asks her father as they make their guesses, then lift the exhibit flap to find out.

Giggles emanate from the Dogtastrophe exhibit as a young boy builds a dog house on a video screen, and then tests its durability with a lawn sprinkler flood.

These are the kinds of happy sounds you hear daily in the Science Museum of Virginia’s Raise the Roof exhibition. This truly experiential exhibit allows guests to discover what is behind the walls and structures they see every day.

A six-year old, particularly drawn to Dogtastrophe, sits down and starts creating a new dog house to test. He’s totally wrapped up in what he’s doing and doesn’t realize his two-year old brother is spying on him, watching his every move. The older boy builds several dog houses, then moves on to another exhibit. Now the coast is clear! The younger brother sits down at Dogtastrophe. He knows exactly what to do now and happily starts creating his own dog house! His smile could not be wider.

You are invited to join people of all ages and discover your inner engineer as you build tall block towers, test model skyscrapers on an earthquake table, discover how to keep a column from buckling and explore a round Mongolian ger (yurt). And don’t forget the ever-popular demolition videos and learn about the art and science behind the destruction.

Raise the Roof is at the Science Museum of Virginia through Sunday, April 28.

Science Museum of Virginia
2500 West Broad Street, Richmond VA 23220
804.864.1400

The Science Museum of Virginia’s mission is to inspire Virginians to enrich their lives through science. Gone are the days when science sat idle in a textbook. Since its founding by the Virginia General Assembly in 1970, the Science Museum of Virginia has brought learning to life with hundreds of experiential exhibits, awe-inspiring artifacts, and interactive technologies.

Richmond Ballet’s Leap Week

The Richmond Region will be swept off its feet March 17-24 when Richmond Ballet takes dance off of the stage and into the community for the first-ever Leap Week, a weeklong celebration of the Ballet’s recent successes and dance as a whole.

Kick off Leap Week with an afternoon of four dance-themed films on Sunday, March 17, selected by our company dancers and then voted on by our Facebook fans. Enjoy amazing cuisine Monday evening at Can Can Brasserie, a French bistro in the heart of Carytown, while tasting specialty drinks such as the White Swan, the Balanchine and more – with a portion of the proceeds benefitting Richmond Ballet.

Head behind the scenes Tuesday with a special sneak peek of our company dancers and The School of Richmond Ballet as they train and rehearse in the Ballet’s spectacular home studios. Participants may also take a free Rhythm and Motion Class, a new dance-based workout originating in San Francisco, offered exclusively in Richmond by Richmond Ballet.

On Wednesday, dig deeper into the culture of dance by paying a visit to Assemblé, an art exhibit showcasing five acclaimed local artists’ depictions of Richmond Ballet dancers by invitation only. Mix and mingle with company dancers at Heritage’s after-party, again featuring dance-themed cocktails and benefitting the Richmond Ballet. (Assemblé will also be open to the public on March 30 and can be seen by appointment April 4-14 at Richmond Ballet New Works Festival.)

Ballet in the ‘Burbs headlines Thursday’s events as Minds in Motion, Team XXL, ambassadors for Richmond Ballet’s acclaimed education and outreach program, will head out to three Richmond Region libraries to perform dances based on different children’s books. Area restaurants will help Minds in Motion celebrate these performances by hosting an evening with the Ballet. Customers will have the opportunity to meet company dancers and can even enter for a chance to win a pair of tickets to next season’s performance of The Nutcracker.

Round out the festivities in our Studio Theatre with performances by the Royal Ballet School, Richmond Ballet II, our touring company and Richmond Ballet trainees.  A post-performance reception, catered by FeedMore Community Kitchen, will be held in honor of our guests from London.

Please visit RichmondBallet.com for the most up-to-date information on Leap Week happenings.  We hope to see you showing your support at any or all of our fabulous events!

Richmond Ballet, The State Ballet of Virginia, is dedicated to the education, promotion, preservation, and continuing evolution of the art form of ballet. Richmond Ballet strives to keep meaningful works of dance alive and to produce and foster new works that remain true to these values. Now in its 29^th professional season, Richmond Ballet’s mission is to “awaken and uplift the human spirit, both for audiences and artists.”

Rappahannock: Fresh from the River

Richmonders love the river. We live, work, dine and play along the banks of the James from Goochland to Downtown to Charles City. But we also like to travel a little further east, especially to the mouth of the Rappahannock River where it meets the Chesapeake Bay. That’s where you’ll find what could possibly be the greatest tasting oysters in the world.

Rappahannock River Oysters has been growing the Chesapeake Bay’s native oysters since 1899, and they have developed a faithful following across the Commonwealth for their delicious delicacies. Their goal is to make sure Rappahannock oysters are consistently available and asked for by name. They’ve taken one step closer to that goal by bringing their plump, briny bivalves to the Richmond restaurant scene.

I visited their sleek new Rappahannock Restaurant on Grace Street for lunch recently. I didn’t have the oysters, but I did have seafood that tasted fresh off the boat. My grilled rockfish sandwich boasted a large filet of the white, flaky meat and dripped with a flavorful aioli and gribiche sauce. The fresh bread was just right for the hearty sandwich – two crunchy, chewy slices of baguette-style goodness. A salad of mixed greens with chunky home-made croutons and a light dressing served as the perfect complement to the meal. Lunch prices were slightly higher than my usual choices, but so worth it for truly fresh seafood.

Other lunch offerings included the server-recommended local fluke ceviche seasoned with an intriguing combination of citrus, Thai chile, coriander, pomegranate and cilantro as well as oyster chowder, shrimp, pork belly, caviar, clams, and of course, those famous raw oysters.

Already, this has become a hot spot for lunch, happy hour and dinner among the locals, building a fast reputation as the place for amazing seafood and outstanding cocktails. Make a reservation and be prepared for a vibrant crowd. Richmond diners are gathering in schools at this pearl of a restaurant.

Rappahannock Restaurant
320 East Grace Street
Richmond, VA 23219
(804) 545-0565
www.facebook.com/RappahannockRVA

Carla Murray is Assistant Director of Marketing & PR for Maymont. She is a Richmond native and a Virginia Commonwealth University graduate. She lives in New Kent with her husband, two daughters, a dog, a cat and a turtle. Some of her favorite activities include letterboxing, long walks, Cirque du Soleil shows, wine tastings, reading novels, and spending time with family and friends.

The Continental: Something for everyone

(C) RVANews

I first visited The Continental Westhampton (or simply “The Continental”, as most know it) when the VCU Rams took on Indiana in the third round of the 2012 NCAA tournament. A few weeks later, my husband and I enjoyed a meal out on the patio to celebrate our anniversary. Countless weekend brunches with our preschooler followed, along with a handful of delightful catch-up sessions with friends over a few cocktails.

That’s quite a mixed bag of experiences when you think about it–and quite an impressive one as well! After all, it’s not often that you come across a restaurant that manages to wear several different “hats” and wear those hats really, really well. But somehow, The Continental has managed to do just that ever since it opened early last year. It truly is a neighborhood go-to spot…for everyone.

Owned and operated by local chef and restaurateur Johnny Giavos (also of Sidewalk Café, Kitchen 64, 3 Monkeys, and Stella’s), The Continental sits right near the intersection of Libbie and Grove—specifically in that prime Near West End location formerly occupied by the beloved Phil’s Continental Lounge. The atmosphere is fun and laid-back, so it feels perfectly acceptable to request a booster seat upon on arrival. However, the attention to detail in the design and branding of The Continental–I’d call it “retro with a few modern, quirky twists”—also makes it feel just special enough.

Offering up “American fare re-imagined”, Giavos’s extensive menu has something for everyone. The breakfast and brunch options are solid (my son wants to marry their waffles), and the lunch and dinner menu is massive. Choose from 14 different starters, almost 20 sandwiches and burgers, oven-baked pizzas, generously-portioned salads, steamed shrimp or crab legs, egg creams and milkshakes…it just goes on and on. But lest you think Giavos just churned out a huge, generic menu to please the masses, let me assure you that he included a few surprises that shift The Continental’s cuisine out of the realm of standard diner fare to something a little more fun. I mean, come on, they serve pancake sandwiches…as in sandwich fixings surrounded by actual pancakes. Does it get more fantastic than that?

Our family’s favorites include the Cone of Dirty Chips appetizer (potato chips fried in-house and topped with bacon, chives, and an absurd amount of cheese), the Kale Caesar Salad (always fresh and super crisp), and The Home Run (a single burger served with sliced brisket, house-made poblano barbeque, and pepper jack). And although I’m normally a sandwich kind of a lady, I’m looking forward to our next visit when I can focus more of my gastronomical attention on the entrée section of the menu; the salmon glazed with pomegranate molasses sounds amazing.

The Continental does offer a kids’ menu, but it’s pretty standard—grilled cheese, chicken fingers, etc. I suggest you use your time at The Continental to encourage the little ones to branch out a little. The food is familiar enough that they probably won’t fight you too hard on it but also offers just enough edge to expose them to flavors they might not experience in other family-friendly places around town.

And who cares if they don’t like it? That just means more for you.

 The Continental Westhampton is open for dining-in or carrying-out Monday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.; Friday from 10 a.m. to midnight; Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to midnight; and Sunday from 9:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Walk-ins are welcome. Most dishes are in the $7-$10 range.

The Continental Westhampton
5704 Grove Avenue
(804) 285-0911

Valerie Catrow is the former editor of RVANews and a current contributor to their parenting column, Raising Richmond. A Richmonder through-and-through, she grew up in Midlothian, graduated from the University of Richmond, and currently lives on the city’s Northside with her husband, Ross, and their son, JR. You can see what she’s up to on a day-to-day basis on her personal blog: Made in Richmond.

Soul Food Round Up

Comfort Banana Pudding
Photo (C) Garnish Food Photography

In the seat of the south, the Richmond Region has more soul food restaurants than you can shake a stick at. Here are a few of my favorites.

Comfort
200 W Broad St. | Richmond, VA 23220

Bourbon is king! Comfort’s bar has the largest bourbon selection in Richmond and craft bartenders who know how to mix it. This is my favorite bar for dinner and a casual evening. You never know who will walk in.  During one meal, I sat next to Patti LaBelle and her stage crew, who were enjoying piles of banana pudding while singing praises to Chef Jason Alley.

Croaker’s Spot
1020 Hull St. | Richmond, VA 23224

Croaker’s Spot is located in the Manchester neighborhood of Richmond, which was originally a bustling turn of the century African American business corridor.

Try the “hot buttered soul wedges,” also known as cornbread with a caramel-like sauce. The delectable treats double as dessert and are wonderful alongside a shrimp Louis salad, a reminder of mid-century fancy luncheons. My personal favorite is the fish boat, a tremendous tangle of fried lake trout, peppers and sweet onions, cabbage and spicy potatoes. This dish is easily shared, yielding two full tummies. Go hungry as portions of everything are massive.

Croaker’s has a bustling take-out window, but the dining room, which includes artwork of famous African American musicians, is fancy enough for a special night out.

Family Secrets
5310 Chamberlayne Rd. | Richmond, VA 23227

Family Secrets has been around for more than a decade and is known for their wings which can be served spicy, hot, mild or just plain ol’ deep fried. The wings are served whole, so an order of five will do for even the largest of appetites. These guys are delicious without sauce and extra decadent with buffalo sauce and blue cheese. All the other southern favorites– greens, mac and cheese and baked, smothered chicken — are excellent here too. Make sure to have a glass of sweet tea, dubbed “liquid crack” by owner Reggie Littleton, whose name is on the front door.

The food is the star here, not the ultra-casual, man cave decor paying tribute to the Washington Redskins. This is a restaurant for adventurous foodies looking for a “secret” soul food experience in Richmond.

Johnson’s Southern Comfort
2306 Jefferson Ave. | Richmond, VA 23223

One of Richmond’s newest soul food restaurants, Johnson’s Southern Comfort, is owned by the Johnson family who has opened four soul food restaurants in Richmond over the last five years. The signature dish here is chicken and waffles, which is offered with a choice of toppings including strawberries and whipped cream.

The interior is dark wood, with booths for privacy and comfort, and includes a long bar for extended happy hours. Check out their Sunday brunch buffet after exploring the Church Hill neighborhood.

Mama J’s Kitchen
415 North 1st Street | Richmond, VA 23219

Carrot cake, red velvet cake, coconut cake and Reese’s Pieces cake are just a few of the flavors of mile-high desserts served up from under glass cake domes at Mama J’s.  The menu of homemade soups, salads and traditional southern dishes, like meatloaf and fried catfish, hits a home run every time and their daily specials knock it out of the park.

Mama J’s is a fun neighborhood joint located in Jackson Ward. Go early for dinner, lines can run out the door.

Genevelyn Steele gets a rush from the kitchen. She loves its erratic hours, theatre of polite chaos and working with committed cooks who respect natural order and simplicity. She’s worked in the restaurant industry for 22 years.

LOVE ROX

Photo Courtesy of Virginia Tourism Corporation

If you’re an overly-ambitious runner, like me, you’re likely currently stuck with a serious case of the Winter blues.

Right now, we’re in that in-between that comes after the big Fall races, but before we thaw out enough for our glorious Spring outings. During this time, it’s often difficult to convince ourselves to leap out of our warm beds in the morning — frequently pre-dawn — and hit the cold, dark streets with only the promise of it paying off, a few months later. It’s hard to focus on training and keep your eyes on the prize when the prize is full of cherry blossoms and tweeting birds and we’re stuck staring at sticks in silence. I know I sometimes find myself doing my best David Byrne impersonation, mid-run, wondering “How did I get here?”

Well, your (and my) running prayers have been answered. The good people at Richmond Multisports, an organization formed in 2001 precisely to fill another void — at that time, the lack of triathlons and duathlons in Richmond — has created the LOVE ROX Half Marathon and 10k.

Set to be run on February 16, the LOVE ROX event will incorporate a Valentine’s Day theme. Fun extras will include a DJ at the post-race party, who will be taking requests and dedications to the ones we love, and a scenic “proposal hot spot”, complete with photographer, should the burning need arise to pop the question to a fellow runner. There will also be optional race number stickers to indicate your relationship status (since I got married a few weeks ago, I’m hoping there’s a “You Missed Your Chance, Sucka” sticker), a “couples” division for sweethearts (even platonic) who run together, finish line flower delivery service by Strange’s Florist, a completely unlicensed Justice of the Peace to unofficiate vow renewals, and best dressed awards for those who want to put some love into their running attire.

Other cool features of the race will be a valet bag check, a start/finish line at the beautiful American Civil War Center, and a heated tent at the finish, featuring an Over 21 Brunch and Bevvies Cash Bar. Add to all of this a mid-morning start time of 10am for the half marathon and 10:45 a.m. for the 10k, which allows us to beat the bitter chill that we often have to conquer to warm up our muscles for those early morning races, along with the promise of no hills over 400 feet in elevation, and I’m in.

I’ll be running the half marathon, in preparation for the Shamrock Half Marathon in Virginia Beach in March, but the 10k would make a great qualifier for the Ukrop’s Monument Avenue 10k presented by Martin’s, should you want to run with the big boys in that one. That’s right, you have to actually hold proof that you can run fast, and this counts.

The LOVE ROX Half Marathon is $55 until February 1, $65 until the race, and $75 on race day. The LOVE ROX 10k is $45 until February 1, $55 until the race, and $65 on race day. Discounts are available for students and February 4 is the last day to register and be guaranteed a race shirt (and, really, don’t we all race for the shirt?). More information about these races, and all of the events that Richmond Multisports sponsors, can be found at their website. See you at the starting line, loves!

Jennifer Lemons is a writer/comedian/storyteller/ukulele enthusiast/optimist who has called Richmond home since 2007. She likes pop music, petting dogs, play-doh, and pinafores. Also, alliteration. You can find more info about her here: JenniferLemons.com.