Rock the Parkway was the kick-off to my new training cycle and my first run over 10 miles since my marathon three weeks earlier. A low pressure fun run for me, this turned out to be the perfect spot for it. Here are the details!

Expo - Held Thursday and Friday for the Saturday race (no race day pick-up) at the Overland Park Convention Center, the expo is small but adequate with tons of free parking. After picking up your number and timing chip in one room you are directed to a second for your tech t-shirt. Unlike most races, that's all you get. No free samples or things you don't want or need. The timing chip came with twist ties to attach it to your shoe, something I had never seen before, but my concern that it would feel heavy or rub my foot was unfounded. It worked and felt just fine.

Overnight - There are plenty of hotels within 5-6 miles of the Start. With so many options, it's easy to find the perfect spot to fit your budget while keeping you comfortable. Restaurants are also plentiful, especially barbeque, and there's something for everyone in the family.

Start - There's lots of free parking but I'm not sure it's enough so if you're looking to get super close, arrive early. There were lots of Port-a-Potties but the lines were mayhem and it was pretty much the most polite free-for-all you'd ever been a part of. There isn't a ton of space to warm-up right near the line, you have to head a block away to get some running room and I didn't gear check so no comment there. A good band was rocking the start area and on a cold morning it helped take your mind off the numbness in your hands. The half marathon started at 7:30 and the 5k started afterwards at 8. There were waves based on expected finish times for each and I went with a crowded half marathon Wave A right on time. During the first mile I realized it was a little strange the national anthem wasn't played. After finishing, I heard there was lots of time between waves which then presented a problem for getting the 5k off on time.

Course - I expected the first mile to be traffic filled based on how jam packed me and 1,000 of my closest friends had been into the Wave A corral. I was mostly correct as things started to spread out around the 1k mark. There were alternating stretches of multi-lane road to run on and single lane road to run on but after the initial tightness in Mile 1, it never became an issue again. The course's profile is out-and-back with upward climbs for the first few miles, flat-ish in the middle and down for the last few. It sticks pretty closely to that framework but I will say I was surprised to see almost 500 ft of elevation gain on my Garmin afterwards. The hills are mostly rolling with a few shorter steeper climbs and a bunch of long slow ones. Traveling through peaceful neighborhoods, the scenery is decent, you're blocked from 80% of the wind (or it wasn't a windy day - I only noticed it while climbing two shorter, steeper hills) and the miles roll right on by. Plus there's nothing to complain about with a gentle downhill finish.

Course Support - Water stops were well staffed, well stocked and enthusiastic. Each had Gatorade and water with energy gels at Mile 8. On course Port-a-Potties had spots near each stop. Running through neighborhoods on a Saturday morning fans were intermittent but volunteers blocking streets were cheerful. The most fun was Mile 5 because the whole neighborhood got involved with a beer stop, tunes and some really cute signs. The Police Department did a great job of keeping cross traffic from crashing into runners in big intersections.

Finish - Bleachers lined the chute for the first time in 2016 and they were well used on a chilly morning. After jogging across the line, I received a bottle of water then somehow managed to balance on one foot while my timing chip was cut off by a volunteer. Next up I received my massive medal. That thing is heavy! All of the other goodies you usually grab in the chute were away in the post race area. I liked not having 4,000 items to juggle while I plopped down the loosen my shoes and put on a warm hoodie. Waiting three minutes more to eat wouldn't kill me.

After Party - The morning was chilly so after a post-race trip to the now line-less potties I made hastily for my heated car seat. It was nice how the party was a little bit away from the finish chute and potties giving everyone lots of room to huddle up for warmth, put layers back on or stretch out.

Swag - The medals are big. Big and heavy and lovely. Short sleeve tech shirts are nice even though I never wear mine and I definitely liked not having a bunch of things I don't want thrust upon me.

A smaller race with weather than can vary 15 degrees from start to finish, Rock the Parkway is a great course for a good workout. It's well run with awesome volunteers and lots of water stops. If you like hills and big medals, this one is for you.