This was my 3rd year running Monumental, and I was so excited. I have an intense love for this course, so I was more than excited to toe the starting line once again. I came in after taking 6 weeks off due to shin splints, so I didn't know how the race would personally go for me, but I knew that I would at least love the course! Apparently it was my day to run, and I set a new PR!
I'll break the race into sections:

EXPO:
I really enjoyed the expo this year. It seemed like there were maybe a few more vendors, and the people working at the vendors were really friendly. State Farm had a booth where you could make free t-shirts (mine said Better Sore Than Sorry), and I loved that! Jeff Galloway was also there speaking and I got my bib signed by him as well. I loved it!

Pre-Race Start:
I love that the convention center near the starting line is open for all runners and spectators. Because it was cold this year, it was especially nice to not have to stand outside for more than 15 minutes, and to have nice, flush toilets to use! This year they had free yoga sessions to help warm up, along with free bananas and coffee! Talk about awesome service for all runners!

Starting line:
There are no assigned corrals, but are pace numbers you can line yourself up next to. This process went quickly enough, and the race started on time! I crossed the starting line 5 minutes after the gun first went off, so it was quick and smooth!

Race:
This is a race that I absolutely love! It takes you past some of the major monuments of Indy. Right around mile 1 you hit Lucas Oil Stadium, where the Superbowl was held a few years ago. Right before mile 3 you get the chance to run through monument circle, which is awesome. There are more than enough water/gatorade stops along the course, which is great. This year they were a little slower and getting some of the water out, and twice I think I had to stop for a few seconds as someone had to fill up the water cup to give me. I think somewhere around mile 8 they had a table with Clif Gels out, but by the time I got to them they were all gone. There are plenty of people who come after me, so it's disappointing they don't have enough out for all runners and walkers. I bring my own fuel, so this wasn't too upsetting to me. The crowds were pretty good, even though it was pretty cold weather, so that was nice to see! The course if pretty flat and FAST, which I absolutely love! Like I said, I have intense love for this course overall!

Finish Line:
The finish line has been organized really well each year. There's an announcer who announces who is crossing, and music is blasting. You're given a medal, a finishers hat, and this year they had water, bananas, and bagel bites. Unfortunately, instead of the typical space blanket (which would have been really nice on a day like today), they gave out these weird haz mat suit looking jackets that could be tossed, and I hated the feel of them. I didn't even put mine on. They have free chili from Steak n' Shake and sandwiches for free from Jimmy Johns too for runners, which is absolutely fantastic! The finish is right in front of the State Capitol, which is pretty epic! The medal this year (and the following 3 years) will be part of a collection, so you can tell it's slightly incomplete, but not enough where it bothers me in any real way.

Overall, this race is a truly fantastic experience, and I encourage you to check it out! I'll be there next year!
If you'd like to read my race recap, you can find it here: http://www.thelittlethingsblog.com/indianapolis-monumental-half-marathon-race-recap-2014/