This was my first official race as a BibRave Pro and I was very excited. This also was the first time running this race. With this being a small town race the expo was very small and there were not too many vendor booths so I headed right over to pick up my bib and shirt. I do love the color of the shirt and it is super soft. They assigned you a bib number when you picked it up instead of having it already assigned. I realized I had forgot my running shoes but thankfully I wore a pair there. They had to come out of retirement for one more race. Glad I didn’t forget anything else!

The next morning came around fast and I felt ready to go even though I did not sleep the best. I hopped in my car and headed off to find a parking spot. Not a lot of information was really given as far as parking so I drove around a bit and then decided to text fellow BibRave Pro (and Captain) Gina. She suggested a parking lot that is across the street from the shuttle bus pick up. There was plenty of room there and it was very convenient. It was not too far from the finish line either. They had a line of busses waiting to take us to the start line which is up at Grandad Bluff and the views are simply amazing! Make sure you head to the start a bit early so that you are able to take some awesome pictures as well as enjoy the view from the top of the bluff.

The race started and I took off feeling great as it was a beautiful, sunny day. About the first 2-1/2 miles were all downhill. My quads are still a bit sore. It heated up fast and was over 70 degrees by the time the race was finished. There is quite a bit of elevation change during the first 7 or so miles. Then it is pretty flat for the rest. Most of the course goes through neighborhoods and on a great bike path. It was a beautiful course. The cheer squads and the volunteers were awesome and kept you going by cheering you on as you ran through. The water stations were great and fully stock with plenty of Gatorade and water and they were very well organized but did not see any gel on the course and I thought they would have some. Maybe they did and I just missed it. I usually don’t use anything due to stomach sensitivity so it was not a big deal. but, the did have gummy bears which tasted great! I do wish that they had ice on the course though because I know that would have helped to cool me down. Although, around mile 11 the ice arena had made snow and there were people throwing snowballs which I thought was awesome. I caught one and used it to cool off. The pile of snow looked tempting and I wanted to go lay down on it but I knew I wouldn’t get up and I just wanted to finish.

As I was approaching the finish line there was still quite a crowd and they were cheering me on. I felt awesome at that point because I knew I was almost there and their cheers were giving me the energy needed. The finish is in Riverside park right alongside the Mississippi River and it is absolutely beautiful there.

My daughter snapped a few pictures of me running down the finishers chute and crossing the finish line. Then after I finished we snapped some more pictures with my medal (which by the way I love). It is one of my favorites to date!

I could not wait to go grab a tasty brat compliments of Festival Foods who is the main sponsor for this race because at this point I was starving. It tasted amazing! They also had cookies, bananas and chips. I saw someone with chocolate milk but could not find where they got it from so I had a beer. An ice cold beer always tastes great to me after a race and this beer was earned. For a small town race I have to say that overall I think they did a great job.

I hopped on to Athlinks later that afternoon and claimed my race results! I couldn’t believe they were ready to claim that fast! Great job Athlinks!

I do recommend this race with it’s beautiful course and great volunteers. If you sign up early it is very reasonably priced.
I hope to go back again and finish faster next time.