I ran this race in 2015 and it was a completely different experience. I returned this year hoping for another age group place award despite the fact that I had an upper respiratory thing going on. That didn't make things any easier.

This event is put on by Tri-Fitness, a retail store in White Bear Lake, MN. They also sponsor triathlons, and training programs for any athlete looking to excel at their sport.

It takes place in the middle of February, which means any kind of weather is possible here in Minnesota. Last year it snowed. This year, there was no snow, but it was a wee bit brisk. You can pick up your bib prior to the race at the store prior to the run, or at the race the morning of the run. It is always well organized. And there is never an issue getting your race materials on the morning of. The event crew takes up space in the elementary gym and you can use the indoor facilities which is always a plus. There is also ample parking, provided you arrive early (within 45 minutes of the start), but parking on the side streets isn't an issue either after the lots fill up.

There isn't an "expo" so to speak, but there are a few vendors on site race morning. The typical chiropractor, and massage therapist, and some local running groups selling their shirts and accessories.

The race shirts handed out by Tri Fitness are long sleeved tech shirts, which is always a nice touch. Last year they were slate grey. This year, a neon yellow, more my style!

This particular morning, there were some icy patches to look out for. My husband came along, and he was grateful for the open gym to hang out in while I ran.

For the most part, the run takes place in neighborhood roads, but there are a few points where you pass some pretty scenery, There are plenty of lakes and ponds on the route, but mainly it's homes. I remember 2 or maybe 3 water stops along the way. There is little in the way of fanfare or fans of any kind. In fact, I'd say the volunteers along the route were the only cheerleaders out there.

Here is the bummer about this year, which is why I gave the race management a poor rating. This run is a two looper. At mile 6ish you should pass the start/finish area, but it was poorly marked this year, and the majority of the runners ended up passing the start/finish area at mile 9! This really messed everything up, because then runners began to make up their own routes to finish at 13.1 miles. I, on the other hand, began the second loop with a handful of other runners, following the signs thinking that this second loop had somehow been shortened. It hadn't. So in the end, I ran over 15 miles.

I was sure to tell them when I crossed the finish line. The response was "So did everyone else." I wasn't too pleased with that.

I could have been an age group winner with this one. That is why it was a bummer. Yet, no apologies were issued, no discounts offered, and I still think they handed out awards to those who DID finish with 13.1 miles. Again, I wasn't too pleased with that.

Afterwards, there was a nice treat bag, and a medal, of which they gave me 2 so that I could give one to my #irun4 buddy. I did appreciate that.

If you had asked me last year if I would recommend the race, it would be an overwhelming YES. This year, not so much. All I can say is you'll have to ask me again next year. I'll likely give it another shot. It is one of the few half marathons you can find in Minnesota in February. So it will stay on my race docket for the time being.