This is my second year running Rock 'n' Roll Dallas as part of the Rock 'n' Blog team. While I wasn't originally planning to repeat in 2016, when I saw the Lone Star Legend heavy medal, I knew I'd have to do it. (The Lone Star Legend required running Rock 'n' Roll San Antonio in 2015 and Dallas in 2016. It's pretty bling that combines all things Texas--the shape of Texas, the Texas flag, the Lone Star, the Alamo, Big Tex--into one medal and was fairly popular, so I'm betting it comes back again for the 2016-2017 combo.)

As with the expo and the 5k, I opted to take DART light rail to the start. The train was packed with runners, which was kind of fun.

The course this year was NOT the same as last year. Based on runner feedback, the new route cut out a section of the course that covered some pretty beaten-up road surfaces, among other things. The start and finish were also in a new location, with the finish area near Reunion Tower. I don't know the city well enough to explain the rest of the course changes. While I was bummed to not run by Oak Lawn Coffee (where I enjoyed an epic mocha during last year's race), I didn't miss the roughed-up roadways. Note to runners: fill out those post-race surveys, and review your races! Race directors generally do want you to have a good race and enjoy it. If there is something you don't like, point it out! Good race organizations do respond to critical feedback.

This year, race day was VERY WINDY. Like you could lean into it windy. Comically windy (but not funny as you ran into the wind and crossed the final overpass/bridge). I don't know if the wind was the reason, but this year the course did not have the giant neon Texas-themed selfie stations, the Texas backdrops, or the bands with huge sets (like the one that had an entire BBQ joint, complete with smoker, in 2015). While waiting to jump into the corrals many runners huddled inside the nearest buildings. I kept both of my long-sleeved layers--thank you Target clearance rack--on for the entire race, and still wanted a heat sheet at the end of the race.

While I picked up my bib at the expo on Friday when I picked up my 5k bib, the expo was also open all day Saturday. I headed back for a meetup, and there were plenty of people picking up bibs and shirts pretty much all day. I'd say traffic was a little heavier at the expo on Saturday versus on Friday, but it wasn't insane or packed when I was there Saturday. As I mentioned in my 5k review, this is one of the smaller Rock 'n' Roll expos, a mix of well-loved favorites (e.g. Sparkly Soul headbands), race sponsors (e.g. Toyota, CEP compression, Glukos fuel), charities, run products, and events.

The course was not truly flat, but it wasn't technical or super challenging either. There were hills leading up to the bridges and back down again. Most of the course was fairly flat, on balance. Just like last year, we ran over the brand new bridge, an architectural beauty that inspired hundreds of selfies. (I didn't take them all.) While I assume which roads were available for closure played a role in course development (in case you're not aware, host cities can pick and choose which streets they will let you close, and for how long, and place other conditions on the race permit), it seemed to me like the course was designed to show off many different aspects of Dallas. We ran through some areas that were clearly under urban renewal, and some areas that looked a lot like the suburban town I grew up in, complete with parks and ball fields. We ran over what are ordinarily heavy traffic streets and a freeway (literally over that one, as we were on the bridge), and down quiet neighborhood streets. I really like it when a race course tries to show all the facets the location has to offer.

On course support was up from last year, with more families and random cheering people than I remembered from last year. Aid stations were on point and well-stocked, though as usual I wish half marathons put their first fuel option earlier on the course. On course entertainment included local cheerleading groups, bands, and other performers. I scored a selfie with a guy wearing a donut necklace that reminded me of the 1990s rapper clock necklaces!

The finish line area was also well-stocked with water, Gatorade, bananas, and an assortment of snacks, all of which I wanted to eat after preventing the wind from blowing me off of that last overpass. I was disappointed that there was no chocolate milk left--because yes, I'm slow, but there were plenty of people behind me--and that the volunteers(?) working that booth had let earlier runners take 3 and 4 bottles each. Fortunately that doesn't happen in every market.

Overall: I like this race as it gives me an excuse to see my extended family over the weekend. It's also an early-season Rock 'n' Roll race, and one of my first opportunities to meet up with my runner peeps from other states. I'd be more enthusiastic about the race except for the WIND WIND WIND (which wasn't an issue last year). Assuming I decide to try to go for Hall of Fame next year, I'll probably be back.