Latest reviews by A B

(2017)
"Better!"
Overall
T-Shirts/SWAG
Aid Stations
Course Scenery
Expo Quality
Elevation Difficulty
Parking/Access
Race Management

I ran this race last year as my first Hot Chocolate experience. I ran it with a friend who LOVES Hot Chocolate races... (you can read my review on the 2016 event). One of the complaints we had was that there were NO signs telling you where to go for the expo! That problem hasn't been resolved. This is a major miss for Hot Chocolate... especially since they are working to increase participants in the event... advertise and throw some signs up in the Linq (full of young adults), and you will get more runners (and registered participants won't get lost).

The expo this year had vendors, as where last year did not... but there still wasn't much ado or energy. I must admit I like the coupons to Sprinkles last year, as where this year there were just some chocolates. The volunteers were very friendly and should be commended for their long hours they were putting in. I appreciate them!

On race day, I knew where to go, so I was making my walk down. I was asked by a couple of people that noticed my gear, where the start was. Before long, I had a hurd. We made our way to the big wheel, and got ready for the race.

Similar to last year, the first mile is through the link and along the strip, but then you turn on Paradise and head out to Spring Mountain where you go on the overpass. The hill is awful but comes just after the 5k. I had ran a marathon the day before, and so hills were not welcome here. I walked the hill, and enjoyed taking some photos, and the cruised down hill. The course goes a couple of miles through a loop, and then you're back on the overpass, headed back to where you started (yep, I walked this hill, too).

The thing I want to note here, is that the race is getting better each year. Some obvious fixes like signs, would help participants and maybe even drive up the number of participants, and the logistics are getting better. I see myself running this again, after the Phoenix Marathon, in 2018.

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(2017)
"I prayed for the Sag Wagon... I'm glad it didn't come"
Overall
T-Shirts/SWAG
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Course Scenery
Expo Quality
Elevation Difficulty
Parking/Access
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Sedona is an amazingly scenic place in Arizona. Between the iron-laced sandstone of the red rock formations, the natural/neutral colors of the architecture in the city, the snow and greenery, and friendliness of the people, it's a must do for locals or anyone visiting the state.

I had set a goal to do a marathon a month, following the footsteps of Angie Berka- and Sedona wasn't on my original plans (I had January covered with Rock N Roll, and February with the Phoenix Marathon). But, after seeing the challenge and all the excitement from BibRave.com reviews, I decided I wanted to try it.

If you have followed my journey at all, you know I don't do hills, and I'm not exceptional at distance running. My whole thing is just to finish, not to be fast. So, I journeyed up the hill the two hour drive at the end of January to get some hills in, and after just 10 miles I was toast... so my expectations were pretty realistic going into the race.

Packet pickup took place Friday night for most people, and Sedona put on a great event and pasta dinner for about $20. I would definitely recommend taking part in that event because I heard stories for days. I, however, had to teach and coach and couldn't get up the hill in time. I had to make other arrangements to get my bib and swag. Parking was very easy at the high school about a half mile away, and the shuttle picked people up about every 10 minutes. Unfortunately, it only sat 9 and there was only one running that I knew of. If I would have realized it was so close to the start I would have walked.

When I was dropped off, I got to walk vendor row where locals had set up tents of goodies. I wish I was running a shorter distance or faster time in order to check it all out and make purchases. I met up with other BibRave Pros and we took a selfie where I looked a fool as usual. Then, we all went our different ways. Marathon runners were first, so Jeremy, a killer BibRave Pro and November Project runner was somewhere toward the front. I made my way toward the back with 5:30 club (I would have went farther back if I could have).

We were off and running, and we made our way through residential neighborhoods before heading off to Dry Creek. The hills began about two miles in. Mostly downhill, but some pretty good uphills, too. We passed over a running creek, and then along some parking lots... the half marathon runners began to catch me and pass me. Yay! I want to note that every aid station had water, energy, and bananas, and most had Gatorade... the best aid stations ever! By the time I was at mile five, Chris passed me coming the other way for the half marathon. Zoooom...

After mile 6, the pavement ends and the dirt begins. This was my first time trail running. I learned that road shoes are not good trail shoes. After just about two miles, I could feel every single rock and pebble I ran over. No big deal, just 18 miles to go. I think I made it to about mile 11 and Jeremy was zooming back the other way... he looked strong still and was ahead of the 4:15 pacer. Holy cow! Every downhill I enjoyed reminded me I would eventually have to climb. At 4,000 feet, the elevation didn't bother me, but these hills were incredible. At the turnaround, you enjoy about 200 yards of downhill before having to go right back up it. I had plenty of energy- Glukos never let's me down. Unfortunately, I was enjoying serious cramps in both calves and my quad (my calves were a mess for about four days after this).

At about mile 16 I found a lady that was walking slowly- she was dirty and bloodied. She had fell at mile 15 and her arm was clearly injured. There were so few of us at the back of the pack that no one had reached the aid station to alert them of her injury yet. They did have ATV's driving on course to monitor, but the timing just wasn't with her. She made it to the aid station and I fear she got a DNF even after all she poured into it. My heart breaks for her.

At mile 19, I was seriously hoping the sag wagon would get me. Everything hurt. I think my downfall and the biggest reason for the extraordinary cramps was dehydration. I had drank a gallon of water in the 5 hours leading to the race and about another half during the race- but we all know hydration starts the days before (I didn't due to work and coaching), and by drinking so much water, I flushed my electrolytes (my water didn't include the usual Nuun).

The wagon never came, but I limped my way to the finish, along with another guy that never lost his running technique. Apparently the van to parking had stopped because a few people had been waiting for quite some time (we were slow in all fairness), so I just walked to the parking lot. So... would I do this again? No... not doing the marathon again without some SERIOUS hill training. I would do the half, though. My only frustration on the course was the car traffic kicking up dust as we were running, and later on it was ATV's kicking up dust, and that the finisher medal is the exact same whether you run a 5k or a full marathon. I hope the amazing people at aid stations, the awesome vendors, and the friendly atmosphere all make their way back next year!

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(2017)
"Fast and Fun Course"
Overall
T-Shirts/SWAG
Aid Stations
Course Scenery
Expo Quality
Elevation Difficulty
Parking/Access
Race Management

I came into the Palm Desert area the morning of the race. It had rained Saturday, and so driving in there was a beautiful blanket of fog that lifted a couple of hours before the race began. I arrived with about 20 minutes to spare before the starting gun, knowing I needed to pick up my bib still. As I followed the clearly marked signs, I saw there was also a craft fair and market going on. I expected to never find parking, but alas, after entering the parking area, I had no problem parking about 50 yards from the start line.

I headed towards the line, looking for where I would get my bib, and there were more signs pointing me in the right direction. I found some tables and they were clearly marked. A young man helped me navigate the computer, and send me to my next spot where I exchanged a waiver for my bib, and was then sent to my next stop for my shirt and swag bag. The whole process took less than 10 minutes, so I had time to walk back to my car and put everything away before making to the corral for the national anthem.

I love how the volunteers were local youth and this felt like a small town event. When we started off, we ran through the streets of the park before heading out to the main road. We ventured through some neighborhoods before getting a nice view at the top of a hill. We made our way around a shopping center where there was a relay exchange. This was actually cool because it really helped pace you up the hill at mile seven.

We made our way up the road and through some more residences, before returning to the park. So... while it wasn't the most scenic of courses, the weather was beautiful, the volunteers were friendly, and course is fast (several people were setting PR's). I had no problem parking, getting swag, or finding the start/finish. I enjoyed my run and recommend the race to anyone else that enjoys small town feeling races and local-feel events.

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(2017)
"Arizona Rocks"
Overall
T-Shirts/SWAG
Aid Stations
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Elevation Difficulty
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This race marked the one year anniversary of running for me. I can't believe it's already been a year, while I can't believe it's only been a year, if that makes sense. So, now that I am a bit more versed, I can express myself a little better...

Packet pickup was smooth, as usual. I think I waited about 5 minutes total between the 5k and marathon lines. I really appreciated all of the volunteers. Parking wasn't bad on Friday, as I found a meter that cost me a buck for the hour.

As I entered the expo, I was able to find the Tourpass booth quickly, and so I picked up my pass for the year WOO HOO. I started to walk through all the vendors (I love this part), however there was no Nuun and no Glukos. I was soon sad, because I count on Glukos to get me through long runs. Luckily I had ordered some, but I was hoping to buy a box for a friend at the expo, as they always have a deal. I was surprised at some new vendors this time, specifically some dog food and treat brands. I don't own a pet, so hadn't really expected this to be a thing... but they were busy! There was no ProCompression this time, but there was a CEP booth with a 50% off rack, so that was cool. Without all my favorite stuff, I left without breaking the bank.

Saturday morning was the 5k, and parking was a breeze. There were a few choices, but I took the garage close to the start line because I'm lazy. The music was lively and the crowd was large. Getting to the corral was easy, and the race announcer kept people fired up. After an amazing national anthem, we were off and running. What I appreciate here is that the start was very wide and we weren't tripping over each other. I was using this rave as a shakeout for the marathon, and I was able to keep to the right without interfering with other runners. The course was typical for a Tempe 5k with a couple of turns, along the river, and over the bridge. The finish was fun and energetic, and the volunteers were amazing. I didn't hang out long after, but the party definitely kept going (yep, gave away my beer ticket again).

Sunday was marathon day. I have to admit I don't like starting lines that aren't near the finish... like not even close to the finish... Rock N Roll does a great job of lining up the start and finish along the light rail so transportation is relatively easy, but I just don't want to be bothered after a marathon. I want to get to my car and go home. At the start, parking was easy using the directions on the website (however, I saw several half marathoners in a panic realizing they were in the wrong place). It was also free for the first 1500 runners. There was plenty of space within corrals to stretch and prepare to run, and the streets were wide so there was no congestion. The race course is a bit coring as you leave downtown and race towards Camelback Mountain, but there are some quaint shops and buildings. The jog along Indian School is a long but gradual hill, but the residents are awesome and energetic. There were even a couple of margarita tables set up for Arizona!

Finally, you make your way to Tempe and the Salt River. After swooping over the bridge, you finish at Tempe Beach Park, and the music is pumping. I was well over five hours this year (I got to stay on the course longer for my money) and the crowd was still cheering. Bands were playing at the finish and along the course. High school clubs, cheer, and bands were volunteering their time. It really is a great time, and I was reminded why I love running so much- I saw a man run off course to bring a homeless guy cash. I saw someone pick up a fallen runner. A million thank you's to officers and volunteers. It's a community coming together while people push their mental and physical limits, and it's just fun to be a part of. Search for the story of the 73 year old grandfather who had help finishing the half. And check out the sweet medals ;-) See you next year!

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(2016)
"I'm Chocolate Wasted"
Overall
T-Shirts/SWAG
Aid Stations
Course Scenery
Expo Quality
Elevation Difficulty
Parking/Access
Race Management

Pre Race communication
Emails and emails and emails... only the pertinent information... is was great. They even send out a training plan beginning 9 weeks out- I was able to share this with friends joining the running community.

Expo
Packet pickup was simple. I hate that it is so far from me, be so goes it. I'm a Westside guy... When I arrived, parking was clearly marked, and signs pointed me where to go. There were a few vendors and some branded products (I scored some fuzzy pants for under $20). When I went to get my swag bag, I didn't get the visor, so I told them I should have. They were super nice and sent me to the information booth (there was no line... they were just following protocols). The information booth fixed the issue within about two minutes, and I was off to check out the remaining vendors (Ragnar was there and I SOOOOOO with I had a team).

Race day
On race day, I had 16 other people doing the 5k or 15k... Because of the way it is set up, I was able to see everyone and wish them luck. Unfortunately, the 5k people start first, and then obviously end first, so if part of your party is doing one race, and you the other, there is a lot of dead time...
The course cruised the streets of Scottsdale, and there were awesome and energetic volunteers at aid stations... they were so good... screaming out what they had (you knew your cup had marshmallows, not water) so you could continue running if you didn't want the good stuff.

This race was the day my half marathon, so I had set out a goal of 100 minutes. I left most of my group behind, but thought one of my former students was way ahead of me... so after I chugged some Glukos around mile 6, I picked up the pace. The course was nearly flat, so i wasn't hurting like I thought I would be, and with no other races until 2017, I decided to just let it rip...

More energy, more awesome volunteers, and pretty soon we were at the Salt River Fields complex again. I hadn't seen the kid I thought was ahead of during the turnaround between mile 6 and 8, but I did see some of the rest of my party... So I assumed he was THAT far ahead. After I hit mile 9, rounding the final turn I gave everything I had left and crossed at 1:37, beating my goal. Turns out I had beat everyone in my party... but I'm telling you if it wasn't in my head that I had to go faster, I never would have made my goal... so I guess I'm glad I had an ego?

I had time to stretch and relax and there was NO LINE for my chocolate... just a bunch of really friendly volunteers serving up 550 gallons of chocolate.

So- expo... easy (and purchase was placed in last year's draw string bags... sweet)
Jacket/medal... still some of the best swag out there
Organization... serves as a model for larger races (hoping Vegas will be this good in Feb)
I included more photos on my blog, https://sites.google.com/site/running131forfun/hot-chocolate-15k-scottsdale

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