Latest reviews by Elizabeth Bain

(2017)
"Why does Los Angeles hate runners?"
Overall
T-Shirts/SWAG
Aid Stations
Course Scenery
Expo Quality
Elevation Difficulty
Parking/Access
Race Management

Disclosure: I'm a member of the 2017 Rock 'n' Blog team, which means I got to run this race for free. All opinions and words are my own--I don't do ghost writing or sponsored reviews.

This is the third or fourth time I have run Rock 'n' Roll Los Angeles. Unfortunately, each year the course is different because the city of Los Angeles is in control of issuing permits for the race (as they control which roads are closed, etc.). This year was my least favorite course because (1) I really missed the part of the race that ran through the campus itself, and (2) most of it was an out-and-back, and (3) too much of it was hilly Wilshire Blvd. I don't mind SOME out and back, because it gives me a chance to see my faster friends and to cheer for others, but it was too much of the course. (I know some people who hate out-and-back and find it miserable and demoralizing.) The course didn't show off the city very well. Also, there was no full marathon this year (and I can't remember if there was one last year, to be fair, but there used to be one). There was a 5k, but it started the same time as the half marathon, so it wasn't possible to earn a Remix medal. (In some cities, there is a Rock 'n' Roll 5k on Saturday and a half and/or full and/or 10k on Sunday. If you run one race each day, you get a bonus medal. This is called the Remix Challenge.)

I expected some bumps since the group that owns IronMan just bought Competitor, but I'm not sure whether any of my complaints are because of the acquisition. (The course design is largely due to the city, so that's not one of them.) For example, the Expo was tiny compared to past years. The first time I ran this race, the Expo was gigantic and had 3-4 times more vendors and booths than there were this year. This year there were much wider aisles to walk through, because there were many fewer booths. Also, this year there were several booths trying to get me to enter to win a "free" (hotel room/concert tickets/whatever) that wasn't really free because if you "won" you just got a discount on a package deal. They weren't organized around races either. (These types of booths make me feel slimed.) When I go to a race expo, I want to see things relevant to runners--no time shares or package hotel deals--like fuel, clothing, hotel/travel relevant to other races, runner training, etc. There was no expo stage with presentations (like they have at many other races). While most of the series sponsors were there, the number of booths focused on sport-specific nutrition and such was pretty small. Rock 'n' Roll LA used to be a big fundraising race for the ASPCA running team, but it isn't anymore. I'm not sure why that is--this kind of thing changes all the time--but I do wonder if it is because Garmin is a series sponsor. (Garmin sells electric dog shock collars that you operate with a phone app to the general public, which most animal professionals think is a terrible idea.)

On the bright side, the registration and bib pickup was quick. I had a registration oops and needed help, and there was pretty much no line, plus the people who helped me were super nice. Also a plus, I did get to meet Meb and have a picture taken! United Airlines sponsored a meet-and-greet, as well as a "visualization tent" that was a mini-theater with an AV presentation. I happened to go to the expo right before Meb arrived, and ran into a huge group of my friends, too. We did group shots (both pictures and the United-sponsored illy espresso)! I also entered to win plane tickets (because, hello, no airline has sponsored me yet) and got a free multi-function headwrap. It was fun to see Nature's Path Organics because I love their products, but their focus on the non-GMO label (it featured prominently into their "spin to win" game) is stupid--anything USDA certified organic can't have a GMO ingredient in it. Ugh. I was happy to see Maui Jim on site, and got my sunglasses cleaned for race day. I was hoping to pick up an LA-themed nuun bottle, but nuun wasn't at the expo.

This year's race shirts at least have an LA-themed element to them, setting them apart from the generic images used for many cities this year. There were white wings and city buildings in the logo, for the city of angels. Also, the medal had similar design elements, which was great. I'm still not sure what I think of the bonus "super hero" medal you received if you both ran the race and went to LA Comicon. On the one hand, it's cool to have events cross-promoting, but on the other hand, should I really get a medal for going to Comicon?? It was a cool design though. (I didn't go to Comicon, so I didn't get one.) I walked away with the half marathon medal, the "Six String" for running my sixth Rock 'n' Roll race this year, and the Cali Combo for finishing 3 of the 4 California races.

There are a bunch of hotels within walking distance of the starting line and I stayed at one, so I walked over early on race day. It was about 20 minutes of an easy, flat walk. The #werunsocial crew had a photo session with hugs all around, which I loved. It's a fairly big race--I think there were 17 corrals--but there seemed to be considerably fewer runners than past years. (I blame the course design, but that's just guessing.) The race started on time, and the best race announcer ever (Ann!) was there to send us off and cheer us back home. I wasn't feeling great because of the humidity, but I managed to slog it out. Around mile 6-7 I tried to stop to use the bathroom and get coffee at Starbucks, but their restroom was broken. (Really?!) Then I went to use the porta potties outside, but two or three of them were still zip-tied shut! That seemed like poor planning (I get they had them shut to prevent them from being used/slept-in/whatever before the race, but...) though runners are clever and we did get them open.

The race finished at LA Live, which made it easy for friends and family to take you out to eat/drink right after the races. (The area has a lot of restaurants.) I thought the finisher chute was well-done, as usual. The finish line food was an odd mix of the familiar (bottle water, Gatorade, chocolate milk) and stuff I don't think about eating after a race (these Pocki-like pretzel sticks that were tom yum flavored--and made with fish sauce, sour candy straws, peanut butter cheese crackers), though I enjoyed the departure from the usual.

While I found it really obnoxious to have to walk up stairs to get to the finisher party, which was on the top level of the parking deck, it did provide lots of room to spread out (and if it had been sunny, we would have all craved shade, so that would have been good). There was a downed runner sitting on the stairs (with medical personnel and such, but still blocking half the stairs) when I walked up. All of the post-race stuff--heavy medal pickup, vending, sponsor booths--was up the stairs. One thing I loved was that Columbia Winery had a wine garden! (I dislike beer, and I'm pretty sure I wouldn't like the sponsor beer even if I liked beer in general.) Free tasting, $5 cups of wine, a fake lawn to lounge on, and a great view of the stage. Everyone working there was nice, and I made some new friends sitting on the carpeting and stretching after the race in the wine area. Maybe we can get sparkling wine at the next race? I hope they are back at more races--that part was great!

On-course support from the race organization was good: water stops at appropriate intervals, and Glukos gels for fuel; people to give directions where the 5k turnaround broke away from the half; lots of people to make sure no one drove on the course. The bands were all quite good, the cheerleader squads are always amusing, and the zombies were back to chase you into the finisher chute.

Overall, I really enjoyed the weekend even though my personal race was not the best. (Any time I am looking for a porta potty on the course, that's a bad sign for me--this is not my normal.) I attribute a lot of that to the fact that I knew a ton of people running this race, so there was a lot of good food and laughing all weekend. If you have a tour pass, like bling, or want a race-cation weekend, I think this is a good option. If you're only running a few races and want something spectacular, this probably isn't your best option. I'm hopeful that IronMan will be able to convince Los Angeles to give us a better course this year--and take us back through the campus.

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(2017)
"Pre-Brunch Cosmos? Why not!"
Overall
T-Shirts/SWAG
Aid Stations
Course Scenery
Expo Quality
Elevation Difficulty
Parking/Access
Race Management

This year's race was a morning race (I understand in the past it has been at night.) I have seen ads for this race series, but never did one until this year. I signed up online and showed up a bit too early to pick up my packet--but I had my pick of parking! Packet pickup was swift, and there was basically no line. There was plenty of time afterwards to walk over to the farmer's market and Starbucks pre-race, and then wander back over to the starting line. (Hence five starts for parking/access. It looked like everyone who wanted to park immediately next to the race start was able to do so. Lots of people carpooled.)

There wasn't a wave start, but people did sort of group themselves (speed demons in front), slowpokes in the back. While the race is mostly women, there were a few men there (including some costumed to look like women). It seemed like the race took care of all different speeds, and I saw plenty of runners pushing strollers, skinny chick runners, walkers, runners with children, and all other types. I ran intervals (not fast ones) and finished mid-to-late-pack.

Swag: the long sleeve shirts are the right amount of stretchy. While the shirt doesn't have the city and date on it, it also isn't covered in sponsor ads. I love the color (light blue) and fit, and have actually worn this shirt multiple times since the race (a rarity, since I have A LOT of race shirts). The medal also features the race logo, and a nice ribbon. It's not the fanciest, but it was cute enough. Post-race, everyone scored two cosmos, one each of two different flavors, and a Cosmo Run stemless wine glass (yes, glass, not plastic).

Aid stations: plenty of water and people. Also on course, plenty of people to help with the few street crossings and sections where it might have been easy to choose your own course.

Course scenery: August in Vancouver and lovely weather. The race started near the river, and passed by Esther Short Park (not RIGHT next to it, due to the farmer's market), past public art, through part of Fort Vancouver, and alongside the river. The course was mostly a loop, with a small portion that was out-and-back, and largely paved.

Elevation: I only give the elevation 1 star if the course is flatter than a pancake. This course didn't have any real hills, but there was a small climb from (what I think of as) the back end of Fort Vancouver, through the park, and up to the road. If you run but never run hills, you'd still be fine.

Party! After the finish line, there's a party! In addition to the Cosmos there are some race snacks, and there were a few vendors as well. The park has a sort of amphitheater, and there was a live band! Or actually, I lied, I think it was a DJ. Anyway, it was great dance music, and at some point I joined a conga line with my cosmo! There were awards for the fast people, and while I clapped for them, I have to admit I have no idea what they won...but a good time was had by all.

Overall, this was a very low-key race with a fun atmosphere. I would totally do this race again.

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(2017)
"Fun pre-festival 5k!"
Overall
T-Shirts/SWAG
Aid Stations
Course Scenery
Expo Quality
Elevation Difficulty
Parking/Access
Race Management

This race is part of the Hood to Coast race series. This year the events included a 5k, a half marathon, and a half marathon relay. Since the timing is just a few weeks before the actual Hood to Coast and Portland to Coast (walking only) relays, there were a ton of relay teams there (some of which fielded more than one team entry for this event's relay).

Online registration is a breeze. I took advantage of the pre-race packet pickup at downtown Portland's Foot Traffic store so I didn't have to worry about arriving early to the race (which is good, because I basically strolled into the corral three minutes before the start!). There was no line when I went to packet pickup--which lasted almost all day--so I was in and out quickly. Swag included a t-shirt (a cotton tech Nike job) with a super cute crawfish cartoon, and a SweatyBand with the race logo on it. Some people disliked the color this year, which is sort of a mustard yellow, but I like it. (I don't need more white t-shirts.) The medals also featured the little crawfish cartoon.

This race started in Tualatin Community Park, the site of the actual crawfish festival (which featured food and live music), but the race starts earlier than the festival. There was plenty of parking nearby. All distances had a common start with self-seeded corrals, fast peeps in the front, strollers in the back, and everyone else sorting themselves out in the middle somewhere. The 5k had plenty of families and kids. The course covers some of the same ground as other races in Tigard (and some I had run the week before), but I didn't mind. The weather was a little warmer than I expected, but the aid stations had water and electrolytes, including Clif shot blocks, and I slathered on the sunblock, so it was fine.

The course was well-marked and had plenty of volunteers to make sure you understood any intersection or turn that could be confusing. Unlike many races where semi-bored teenagers are staring at their phones while pointing, the volunteers were all friendly and helpful and encouraging. At the finish line, the announcer was reading as many names as possible as runners came through. The finish line was also an exchange point for the relay, and it was fun to see teams prepping for the Hood to Coast and Portland to Coast.

Immediately at the chute there were bottles of water and electrolyte drinks in coolers with paper cups. The festival area had a few runner-specific booths, including some recovery drinks. Every runner had a ticket for one beer or one glass of wine (no cider at this event, at least not for the race). The main festival area was rather sunny, but there were shadier areas and some large picnic pavilions nearby.

I didn't stay for the crawfish festival (vegetarian here, I prefer my crawfish to stay in the water), but I'm assuming quite a few people did. A great way to enjoy the summer weather.

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(2017)
"Sweet, family-friendly AND competitor-friendly 5k, 10k, and kids' race"
Overall
T-Shirts/SWAG
Aid Stations
Course Scenery
Expo Quality
Elevation Difficulty
Parking/Access
Race Management

This is an annual event to raise awareness for CDH (congenital diaphragmatic hernia), a fetal abnormality that restricts lung growth. Half of the kids born with CDH die. HALF. Through the generosity of sponsors, race fees all go to help children affected by CDH!

I signed up at the event, because I missed the two-days-in-advance online registration deadline. I'd still register in advance if you can, though the only impact was I had to wait until after the race to pick up my t-shirt (so those who pre-registered could get their preferred sizes--totally fair). The race swag bag was a mini-shopper from Athleta with a small assortment of useful things (portable bandaid keeper, cookie, info on other races). Pre-race events included a ladybug release (soooo much more environmentally friendly than a balloon release) for hope and solidarity.

The race is in a lovely part of Tigard with lots of trees, so most of the course was in the shade. Runners and walkers organized themselves in the single-start corral, with serious runners (and there were some!) at the front. If you run a lot of events in Tigard you've probably run through most of the course, but it's still nice. The 5k course did one loop, and the 10k course did a different/new loop after finishing the first loop. The 5k loop was either entirely on pavement or 95%+ on pavement, so if you're a serious runner and looking for a PR, this might be an option. The 10k's second loop had a few pieces on a gravel trail, though if you're a speed rabbit you probably could PR that 10k too. There was also plenty of room for the less-speedy (I got to pet five dogs!) and those who chose to walk the whole thing. Those at the end of the 10k came to the finish line just as the kids' race was starting, and it was adorable to watch! The course was mostly flat, but I added a star due to one significant hill. There were plenty of aid stations with water, and they were well-stocked. Volunteers were very friendly and helpful.

The shirts are a nice technical cotton (not a Hanes or a Beefy tee, but a Nike one) with a cute ladybug design featuring the state of Oregon. While the sponsors are all listed on the back, I don't care, I'm wearing that shirt again. (Actually, I *DO* care--that sponsorship allowed the race to earn more money for the charity.) Everyone received a medal, the design is similar to the t-shirt design, again, super cute.

Post-race eats included grilled cheese sandwiches made on Hemp Seed bread from sponsor Franz Bakery, with Pacific Foods tomato soup (warm!) for dipping. There were also bagels and an assortment of other snacks. The over-21 crowd had two tickets for beer or cider, as well as the opportunity to taste the relatively new White Claw alcoholic seltzer. The after party had door prizes, live music and dancing, and booths from other sponsors (Nothing Bundt Cakes steals my heart every time).

This is the first in a series of races I have planned with my "I don't run but I'll walk that" friends. We all thoroughly enjoyed ourselves.

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(2017)
"Inaugural 5k Race!"
Overall
T-Shirts/SWAG
Aid Stations
Course Scenery
Expo Quality
Elevation Difficulty
Parking/Access
Race Management

Disclosure: I am a member of the 2017 Rock 'n' Blog team. All of the opinions and words here are my own.

This is the first year there was a 5k at Rock 'n' Roll Seattle; in past years the main races (marathon and half marathon) have been on Saturday. This year Rock 'n' Roll converted Seattle into a Remix Challenge location, where if you run the 5k Saturday and any race on Sunday you earn a bonus medal.

The expo for Rock 'n' Roll Seattle was one of the larger expos this year. The size seemed comparable to 2016, with plenty of other races, relevant vendors (running-related stuff, athletic nutrition, etc.). I walked from my hotel, and it was fine. In past years I've walked or gotten a ride with a Seattle-based friend. There is parking right there, but of course the venue owns the parking and charges for it. I was trying not to spend a ton of money, so I tried to ignore most of the expo. I did pick up my shirt and bib, buy a shuttle pass for the 5k, and look around a little.

I'm not sure if the race was technically in Seattle...it was way down the road, near the Boeing facility. The start/finish was at the Museum of Flight. To get there, most of us paid for a shuttle. (I paid for the shuttle too.) You could get shuttle tickets pre-paid online, or pay at the expo. The shuttle left from the parking lots around CenturyLink field, so there was a ton of parking if you had to drive to get to the shuttle. I walked from my hotel, along with some of my friends. When we arrived, there was no one there--race officials, yes, but literally no other runners. Huh.

At the Museum of Flight, there was plenty of parking for locals or those who had rented cars. The starting line was in the parking lot behind the museum. The museum's café was open, which was awesome--hot coffee and snacks for sale, and real bathrooms before the race.

The race used a wave start, which was smart due to the number of people there. It was a little crowded at first in the back, but by the time we crossed the start line there was plenty of space. The speed demons started in the front and some of them raced it hard. I was mid-back, running a bit and then walking the remainder after I ran into some of my friends from the East Coast. It was a mixed crowd, some people taking an easy lap as a shake-out, others racing this one.

The finish line was accompanied by the usual water, bananas, etc. and live music. One cool bonus: you got free entry to the Museum of Flight if you had a race bib! Unfortunately the race shuttle service ended not long after the museum opened, so there wasn't a ton of time to enjoy it.

I'm not going to lie, I love the bonus bling. Bring on the Remixes, please.

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