Latest reviews by Amy

(2016)
"Sparkling Gem"
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Very well organized half marathon in a planned community on the Florida west coast. The race is a loop course that begins and ends in the lovely downtown area of Lakewood Ranch. Runners get a tech shirt, gender specific and a cap at the finish. Medal is attractive and AG awards are trivets, so you can hang or use them. Runners are on paved roads with some very gentle inclines that go by several small lakes. You run as the sun rises and have birds for companions as you tick off the miles. Better than average food at the finish. Pick up can be had in the days before the race or the morning of, and is efficient, no hassle and easy. In 2016, they even has a baritone from the Met sing the Star Spangled Banner; very cool way to start!!

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(2015)
"Be Prepared"
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I live here; I say I wouldn't recommend this race because the last half is tough and because the race starts too late. Too late because it is still hot here in SW FL (I live here) and a 7 am start means you have a lot of people running over bridges (the latter half of the course) in mid-to late morning.
Agree with the reviewer who recommended reversing the course. The McGregor Blvd portion is lovely and shaded in parts, as the bridges of course, are not.
Race volunteers are incredibly supportive and a real highpoint. Some of them had brought ice on their own, which was much appreciated. The RD would do well to be sure there are ice buckets at the aid stations in the last 13 miles of the marathon course, and keep them supplied with fresh ice.
Starting the race at 5:30 or 6 am would be in order. A lot of Florida Marathons do this. You could advise runners to bring a flashlight, or even give out little lightweight ones (you can get a pack of 4 at discount stores for $4) at the start or in the race packet.
I really want this race to succeed. I've run the marathon every year since it started. I would love to invite my friends to come visit and run this one for their Florida Marathon. It just isn't there yet. I'm including a photo from 2014, when it cooler.

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(2015)
"Beautiful course, fantastic experience"
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OK, this race is in a place where I used to live, so I may be biased, but consider the facts:
1) a fast, downhill course
2) very scenic surroundings -- seriously, just spectacular
3) no crowds, but plenty of deer, birds and natural beauty to spur you on, not to mention the guys at the aid tables and on bikes patrolling the course
4) well stocked aid stations, regularly spaced
5) hands-on attention from a well-organized race director -- one of the best, and she's a runner
6) great pre-race speaker/easy packet pick-up
7) in addition to classy medal, a long stemmed rose and a moistened, lemon-scented towelette at the finish line
8) finish in a park with party
9) neat awards
10) incredibly interesting & supportive running companions!

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(2015)
"A real Classic"
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This race has been going on for years, so you can count on things going as expected. In fact, it oftens serves as a qualifier for the Senior Games, a national program. Featuring downtown Ft. Myers and the river district, you run over two bridges and enjoy some special river views. Finishes in Centennial Park, so you can enjoy the food spread and more views with friends and fellow runners. Shirt is nice, results posted online and Florida in December. What more could you want? As you know, there aren't many 10Ks around. If that's your distance, this one is worth traveling a bit in order to participate. Introduce yourself afterwards to the friendly volunteers from the local track club, who put it on every year. Proceeds always go to a local non-profit.

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(2014)
"Be Extraordinary!"
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Running more than one race in a weekend. Yes, you can do it. It’s fun, different and just the thing to shake up your running routine. Let’s make our paths cross at one. In 2014, I ran the Asheville Marathon, thanks to my friend Jami. She told me about it, and our friend Carolyn decided that would be her first marathon. It was a most excellent choice.

Now comes the Asheville Backyard to Biltmore Challenge. This one is going to be special. I’m really excited about it and hope you will join me. The half marathon is Saturday, March 11, 2017 and the full is Sunday. There’s a cap on the races, and they fill up early, so sign up now.

Situated on the grounds of the Biltmore House, the largest private home in the U.S., this is a truly unique course. Frederick Law Olmsted, the man who designed Central Park, created the Biltmore Gardens. We’ll run through those. Lest that sound a trifle tame, there’s also the striking westside of the course. You’ll find some rolling hills to conquer, as well as old carriage paths, dirt/gravel and rocky roads.

Trail runners will delight in running on softer surfaces than asphalt and concrete. Road runners like me can navigate the less civilized stretches so long as we leave our more minimalist shoes at home. I love the juxtaposition of the cultivated swards of grass with the more natural terrain, complemented by glimpses of horses and farm animals in the meadows.

The Challenge affords us two days to delight in this 8,000 acre estate. To prepare for it, you just need to tinker a bit with your traditional marathon plan and take into account a few other factors. Of course, you should have run a few half and full marathons before taking on the challenge.EscapingOrdinary

You want to build your base through the end of 2016. Challenge training then begins in earnest January 1, 2017. Run 14 miles that Sunday. During the week, follow a plan you’ve used with success. Consider backing off of the more intense speed work: go slower, or decrease the speedy intervals within the same mileage amount. Continue with that approach for the duration of Challenge Training.

Beginning with Saturday, January 7, run both weekend days, gradually increasing your distances. That will be our pattern for this training. Run 6 miles on Saturday and 16 on Sunday, the 8th. The next weekend, run 8 and 18, then on the 21st, run 10 and 20 on the 22nd.

Cut back the last full January weekend to just 7 on January 28 and 14 on Sunday the 29th. The following two weekends, run 8 on Saturday but go long on Sunday. I’m going to run at least 20 on both; I’d say 18 is the minimum. That brings us to February 18 and 19. This is the toughest weekend: run 10 Saturday and 22 on Sunday.

After that, taper. Reduce your mileage as you normally do, but keep on running both weekend days. During your taper, consider your Challenge Goals. Going for a PR in both races would be setting yourself up for Major Injury. So don’t. The best goal, especially if this is your first challenge experience, is to set a non-time goal. Always wanted to try run/walking? Now’s the time. Incorporate it in your training. If you don’t run with your phone, try a disposable camera and take shots along the way for your book of Golden Memories.

Just completing a half marathon and a marathon within a weekend puts you in a special, extraordinary class. So make your goal to make the most and best memories you can. Those, along with your achievement, will be yours forever.

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