What an amazing experience, let's round up the facts:

EXPO: the expo was at the Little Rock convention center. It was really easy to get to and the expo was pretty much exactly what you would expect of a major race. There were lots of vendors, free stuff, and the LRM merch was varied and plentiful. Packet pickup was easy and everyone working the vent was great.

RACE DAY: the weather was supposed to be pretty crummy. It was cold and when we left our hotel at 6am or so, we had the wipers all full blast. I was not looking forward to running in the cold rain. More than that, I feared WAITING in the cold rain. But the start/finish line was right outside the convention center, so the waiting totally happened indoors and out of the cold and rain. This was AMAZING. Also, the convention center had both porta-potties and real terrestrial restrooms, so that was nice before the race. Everything about the pre-race was top notch!

COURSE SUPPORT: The water stations for this race were also top notch. They had water and Nuun at every station, but also Hammer Gels at some of the later stations, as well as oranges and bananas. In between official water stations were MANY MANY unofficial ones with beer, mimosas, donuts, pineapple, tater tots, PBJ. The support for this race, both official and unofficial were the best I have ever experienced.

THE COURSE: Hills. Hills. Hills. This is a challenging course. You know it's going to be hilly, but when you get to the halfway point you're thinking "this hasn't been so bad." Then the real hills punch you in the gut. miles 14-16 are BRUTAL. Then you get an insane downhill that feels like falling off of a cliff. As long as you enter this race understanding how unlikely a PR is, you'll be fine.

THE MEDAL: HUGE

Overall, this race is just incredible. The course is brutal, but the challenge and the support make it all worth it. The medal is amazing, if cheesy and kitschy. It's all part of the LR charm. This race is a MUST. No question. The chicks in charge put on an event that has all the charm of a small town and all the support and pomp of a big-time race.