This was the first stop of the Lexus LaceUp Running Series. This is a four part running series.I expected a few hiccups, since it was the very first one, and there really weren't too many! Pleasant surprise. Let's break it down for you all:

First off... Three races: 5K, 10K, and Half Marathon. I chose the Half Marathon to better my time from Long Beach and hopefully get a PR. The start was a beautiful spot in Ventura, right on this patch of grass next to the ocean. Gorgeous spot to start. It was a little chilly, since Ventura just got a long needed rain show the day before and we were probably 20 steps from the ocean. At 6am, it was 48 degrees with the ocean breeze making it feel like 30. Check in was super easy. Everything up front was well organized. The Half Marathon and 10K started together and split off after a few miles.

**Only bad thing at the start was a delay in the gun because they had cars illegally parked on the course. I am guessing they were getting towed by the police. So our start was delayed by 20 minutes. Not too bad.**

The course was well marked for a new course. We had lead cyclists guiding the way. Every quarter mile (or so) was a volunteer with a flag directing us, so there was no chance of getting lost. The course AID stations were plentiful and the volunteers were awesome. They were very helpful and encouraging. The course ran by the beach,through the city, and up and down Ventura's bicycle path. I live here and had never been on it. Not the most scenic, but pretty cool. Lots of new things to see, some sun and some shade to mix it up. It was pretty flat with only a few tiny inclines. The finish was right next to the ocean with the last mile on the boardwalk. The only thing I was bummed about was the lack of spectators. I like when there are random people with signs cheering the runners on. But it is a new race, with only two months to promote.

After the race was the free food from one of the many gourmet food trucks they had lined up. Your choice of which you wanted to go to.... FREE!! And a free Sierra Nevada as well!! Score. The expo was small, with few vendors, but still all the runners hanging and congratulating each other filled up the whole place. Winners were announced relatively fast and there was a podium with 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place spots for pictures. They had cool plaques/tiles for the top finishers and great looking medals too.

Overall, this race series had really good swag (shirts looked awesome along with their bags), good attitudes, and will get even better the more they get into the swing of things. I couldn't be happier with a new PR knocking almost 4 minutes off my earlier Half time! Go Lexus LaceUp! I can not wait to see you again!