Latest reviews by Meredith

(2013)
"Crawlin' Crab 5K Review"
Overall
T-Shirts/SWAG
Aid Stations
Course Scenery
Expo Quality
Elevation Difficulty
Parking/Access
Race Management

A not too early morning, a big breakfast and off we went to Hampton, VA for Crawlin' Crab Race Day. I performed well even though my run didn't actually feel all that great, and finished 30th overall, the fourth woman and first in my age group. J&A's second annual October event was a little hot, but a great event and here's my review!

A 530am wake up call got Race Day started, then I had a big breakfast before hopping in the car with my Race Support and heading to Hampton, VA. Opting for Race Day Packet Pick-Up at the Hampton Convention Center, I wanted to arrive a little early in case there was a backup or problem parking. Pulling off the exit from 64, we were stopped in Crawlin' Crab traffic, but it was only a minor slow down and once we reached the Convention Center, I hopped out of the car and walked into Packet Pick-Up. Race Support had no trouble finding and sliding into one of the plentiful free parking spots, and after retrieving my number, race bag and tech Crawlin' Crab 5K 2013t-shirt, we rendezvoused back at the vehicle. I pinned on my number, slid on my running shoes and checked out my newly acquired clothing. I typically have bad experiences with race shirts. The sleeves are too short, they're too baggy and in general, the once size fits all usually doesn't. J&A fixed this problem with the Crawlin' Crab 5K tech T, however. A specific women's cut and short sleeves made the power blue technical shirt a great fit and I look forward to wearing it. Putting the shirt back in my brand new reusable Crawlin' Crab lunch bag, I grabbed my race bag and Race Supporter and we made for the Starting Line festivities.

We had missed the Kid's Kilometer event doing packet pick-up and spending some time back at the car, but on our walk saw a few smiling young ones with medals draped around their necks and parents who were getting ready to run their own race. Before reaching the start area, we could see long port-a-potty lines that I didn't feel like waiting in. These lines were easily avoided by taking a few extra steps and returning to use the facilities in the Convention Center. I used the clean, indoor ladies room without a line quickly and we resumed our walk to the Start. On our way, I noted that it did look like there were ample port-a-potties, I was just lucky enough to never get close. Reaching the hustling and bustling Start, we could hear Bob the Crab doing an awesome job MCing the start and making sure everyone had a fun filled Race Day. We spent 15 minutes chatting with friends and giving clients some last minute words of encouragement before the Half Marathon participants in Corrals 1 through 5 started going off right on time at 8am. After sending off my last client in corral three, I ran a short warm up before hopping over the metal crowd control device to join my fellow 5Kers in Corral 6. Crawlin Crab 6 Oct 2013 (2)Bob the Crab sent the last of the half marathoners off, and we had five minutes or so before the 5K's scheduled start time of 815am. After announcing a few birthdays and encouraging Team Hoyt as they took their head start, Bob released Corral 6 onto the 70 degree, kind of humid race course with an enthusiastic cheer.

Immediately after entering the course, the Hampton University Marching Band did a great job making sure everyone's race got off to a rocking start. Limited to 1,500 runners, I had to weave through a tiny bit of 5K traffic, but was well past it as I rounded the course's first turn. Flat with lots of hard turns, the course was very straight forward and uncrowded. Running on the right side of the roads meant the pavement banked down from left to right, which bothered my right ankle a bit and likely slowed me down some. Luckily, I knew I'd be coming back on the same course and face the opposite issue. Hitting mile one and making my third 90 degree turn, the pavement leveled out as I headed down to the first of the two U turns where I could see the leader far out in front of the rest of us. Rounding the cone, I headed back out to 90 degree turn four, past a course-side port-a-potty and towards the course's second U turn. I could again see the people in front of me, which definitely gave me a little push through the halfway point.

I didn't stop for water at mile 1.8, but the cheering volunteers who manned it were good for a smile and some extra motivation as the temperature and humidity started to increase. Past the water station and approaching the mile 2 marker, I was step in step with a member of Team Hoyt when my watch beeped to let me know I had run two miles. The woman I was passing had a watch that beeped a second later, and we commented that we still had a ways to go before reaching the Mile 2 Flag. Hoping we were right and the marker was misplaced, we parted ways and ran on. Two more 90 degree turns had the Crawlin' Crab 6 Oct 13course coming back the same way it went out and I think I passed another course-side port-a-potty at mile 2.5 before I rounded the course's final curve at mile three. Finish Line in sight, Hampton University's Marching Band gave me a burst of energy through the timers. My official results were a time of 22:55 that made me 30th overall, the 4th woman and winner of my age group, though unofficially I actually ran 3.19 miles.

After crossing the line, I walked down the Finish chute and was handed my medal, also a bottle opener, by a smiling volunteer. I nabbed a banana, bottle of water and Crawlin' Crab 5K koozie before posing for a Finisher photo and meeting up with my buddy to start our short journey to the Post Race Party. Once inside the cool Convention Center, I was very glad to not be running ten more miles on a now hot day, and with a little time to spare before the party's doors opened at 9am, I munched on my banana and stretched out on the floor. When the doors did open, I walked right up, had my ID checked for a wristband and bought beer tickets for my Race Support. No lines to be seen, we picked up a pair of Coors Lights and anchored down at one of the many high top tables inside the hall. After enjoying half of my beverage, I trotted over to get my Baker's Crust post-race fuel and returned with two spoons. The friendly volunteers were also dishing out Baker's Crust's tomato and cheese chowder, and though I didn't have a chance to give it a try, word around the table was it was pretty delicious, too. While savoring the lovely crab and corn stew served in a bread boule, I made a note that I was drinking free beer, looking at my finisher's Crawlin' Crab koozie and wearing a medal that doubles as a bottle opener. J&A sure likes to party.

Minutes later, Rich Whiskey started their set. An excellent choice, they got the Post Race Party rocking with their own take on songs from 311, the Beastie Boys and more. We spent another hour enjoying the band, chatting with fellow 5K finishers and meeting up with friends who were also waiting for half marathon finishers before walking back to the Finish Line to cheer them on for that last tenth of a mile. While waiting for the Team FitNice finishers, I found a lone, line-less port-a-potty and, after enjoying those Post-Race Coors Lights, made use of it. Encouraging runners as they crossed the Finish, I had a post-race recap with the Team FitNice finishers, who all did incredibly on a hot day, and then it was time to head home for a little NFL action. Leaving the parking lot was a cinch and an easy end to a great morning.

The second edition of this event, J&A put on an, as always, fun, family oriented, runner friendly event. The 5K course wasn't very scenic, and I have no idea where I picked up an extra tenth of a mile, but it was flat with plenty of running room. A great event, I definitely recommend the Crawlin' Crab to anyone looking for a wonderful 5K experience.

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(2013)
"Wicked 10k 2013"
Overall
T-Shirts/SWAG
Aid Stations
Course Scenery
Expo Quality
Elevation Difficulty
Parking/Access
Race Management

Well, Race 5 of Fall 2013, the Wicked 10K, is in the books. This is the second year I've run it, and it was again a wonderful experience. The end of October race can bring unpredictable weather and with it difficult (hard wind, cold rain) race conditions. This year's J&A Racing event had almost perfect weather, and aside from a 14 miler on Thursday resulting in a lack of rest, I couldn't have been any better off.

Friday afternoon I headed to the Wicked 10K expo at the Virginia Beach Convention Center for packet pick-up and buy a new pair of runners. Walking right in, the full, yet spacious, number pick-up area was easy to navigate and I was quickly on my way to secure my race swag. Reusable shopping bag and race shirt (comfy AND fits!) in hand, it was off to the vendors. A little New Shoesmessier in the crowded aisle, I did manage to scoop up a pair of my favorite, Pro-Grid Ride 5s at a 'we're trying to move these out' discount (yay!). I cruised through checkout and headed for home. A mac and chicken dinner set me up for a great night's sleep that left me a little confused when my alarm went off at 530 this morning.

I finally figured out why I was waking up and got the day started with a nice big breakfast. Race bag assembled, shoes in hand and warm-ups on over my race clothes, I was prepared for the 45 degree morning as my race buddy and I drove to the race's start, and finish, line outside the Convention Center. Arriving over an hour before the race's 8am Start, we stayed in the nice warm car while the free parking lot filled up around us until 7am. From our warm vantage point inside the car we got to see all kinds of exciting costumes as participants put their outfits on display at the Wicked 10K costume contest. At 715, I pulled off my cozy warm jacket, pinned on my number, slipped on my shoes and we started for the mostly costumed crowd milling right inside the Convention Center's doors. Starting and finishing a few feet outside of the Convention Center, we bypassed a huge row of Port-a-Potties next to the line and made for the warmer restrooms inside. Packet pick-up was available this morning from 630 to 8am, so indoor restroom access was limited only by lines and I managed to find a relatively short one. Ample restrooms had the line moving quickly, which gave me time to stretch out on the hard concrete floor and loosen up a bit before heading back out into the cold at 750am.

Hopping the barrier and jumping into my corral, the crowd helped keep me warm as the national anthem was played and Team Hoyt got the race started right on time. I was lucky enough to be in corral one and be one of the very first runners to cross the Start line. SpeedyAt the Start starters streamed around me as we ran out 19th Street towards Atlantic Avenue for the first half mile, but I managed to settle into my own pace as I rounded the course's first turn. I spent the next five and a half miles slowly picking off one fast starter after another as we ran down a windless Atlantic Avenue to 37th Street where I skipped a well manned, enthusiastic water and Gatorade station, and turned onto the Boardwalk just after mile two. Even though I'm out there watching the sun rise more days than not, this morning was stunning. Quiet water, bright sunshine and no wind made me smile while I ran past a smattering of cheering fans. I maintained my comfortable first mile pace through the first portion of Boardwalk running, but as I rounded the corner at 24th Street, passed the Thriller Dance Group and stepped back out onto Atlantic Avenue past another group of supporters at the halfway point, picked it up a bit.

My goal was to run negative splits today, and I did. The second half of my race was faster than the first as I covered the rest of mile three and half of mile four on the second Boardwalk part of the course. Turning back onto Atlantic Avenue once again, it was about wicked 10k800M to reach mile five and pass a second fully staffed water station. With a little more than a mile remaining, I kicked it up another notch and continued to pass people as we retraced our first steps of the race. Coming back down 19th Street straight to the Finish was a little lonely but nearing the line, there was plenty of a great feeling of excitement. I crossed the Finish line happy with my performance, took a deep breath and headed down the shoot. Picking up my medal, a bottle of water, a few PowerBars, a banana and a brand new coffee mug, my race buddy and I cruised right into the post-race party.

The nice thing about finishing early is a lack of lines in the after party. It took a snap of the fingers to get IDed and have a delicious Blue Moon Mountain Abby Ale in my hand. Securing a table, I slipped off my runners and put on a not very supportive, but comfy, pair of flip flops before flopping myself down onto the hard cement floor to stretch a bit. While enjoying a few free (for me) beers, my race buddy and I listened to Rock Star Parking play great music, chatted with friends and saw many more interesting costumes over two hours before heading home for a little college football.

I had a wonderful Wicked 10K experience today, finished over five and a half minutes ahead of last year's time, was 194th out of 5937, 38 of 3903 ladies and eighth in my age group. It's a fast course with a fast field, and I'm very happy with it. There are lots of positives about this race, including a flat course, ample free parking, plenty of restroom facilities, a fantastic after Wicked 10k Swagparty and great organization. I can't think of any negatives, especially after a day like today, and J&A has done another amazing job. I'm not sure I'll be back next year with the Myrtle Beach Half Marathon the week before, but don't count me out for the Wicked 10K in 2015!

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(2013)
"Rock n Roll Philadelphia"
Overall
T-Shirts/SWAG
Aid Stations
Course Scenery
Expo Quality
Elevation Difficulty
Parking/Access
Race Management

Rock n Roll Philadelphia was a huge running success for me, and the great race Competitor Group put on didn't hurt any either. I was looking forward to the fast course, and was very confident in my ability to set a new PR and possibly break the 1:45 mark.

I headed straight downtown for Packet Pick-Up from Virginia Beach, parked in a $24 lot and walked into the Convention Center hoping for short lines and a quick return to my car. I got one of the two. Packet Pick-Up was easy, although after retrieving your race number and timing tag, you had to make two other stops to acquire the rest of your goodies. This area was fairly clear of crowds and the volunteers moved everyone right along. Perfect! I would be in and out in no time. Exiting the swag station of the large expo, I discovered that getting out of the convention hall would be difficult. The floor was laid out to force expo attendees to walk through the vendor areas, and with thousands of people browsing merchandise, trying to find a friend, searching for a cashier or stopping in the middle of an intersection, it was a real pain trying to get out. I eventually got back to the car and made for Mom and Dad's B&B.

Arriving at my lodging, scanning through my swag bag (nothing very exciting) and taking an overdue shower, I checked out the weather prediction before choosing my race attire. A Start Time temperature of 52 degrees gave me all the information I needed to pick out light weight capri pants, a sweat wicking tank top and a Phillies visor. I laid my compression socks on top of the pile and bounced down the stairs for a delicious pre-race dinner. Plenty of water and a few minutes of college football got me ready for a good night's rest.

An 8am start time meant a normal wake-up call, no pressure breakfast and enough time to readjust the alignment of my pinned on number. The 50 degree temperature outside was glorious and I threw my trusty Eagles hoodie on over my race number decorated tank top. Getting a ride downtown from Mom, there was little traffic on the expressway, but the closer we got to the Start/Finish area, the slower things got. People were streaming in from all corners of the city and cabs were off loading runners everywhere you looked when my support team and I hopped out of the car to begin our walk towards the Port-a-Potties and 24 start corrals. The Philadelphia Police Department did they best they could controlling the mayhem of confused drivers and blinking traffic signals, and as far as I know, successfully prevented anyone from getting run over before the race began.

Dropping in with the crowd, we moved along Benjamin Franklin Parkway towards the massive rows of potties around the Start area. The lines we saw first were quite lengthy and didn't seem to be moving very fast, so with 45 minutes before Start Time, we took a pre-race walk around Eakins Oval. We passed several more groups of toilets with long lines and noticed there was even a line to have your photo snapped with the famous Rocky statue. I'm sure a few of the Rocky fans thought about running up the big Art Museum steps, but having run those horrible stairs a thousand times, I hope they held out until after their 13.1 mile race. After this little walk, I made a b-line towards the back of the first set of Port-a-Potties I could see, but walking around to the front, all I found was a big mess.

This big mess was a conflagration of gear and toilets that I wanted no part of. Definitely one of the worst areas logistically, the Gear Check vans were located directly across a grassy area from one of those long rows of Port-a-Potties. When lines for both started to pile up, it was quite the traffic jam. I gave up my attempt to use one of the mobile restrooms in this area after not being able to find the end of a line and was glad to not be checking anything. This space definitely needs to be redesigned for next year. Continuing to search for a Potty, I traveled away from the Start line and eventually found a swiftly moving line behind Corral 24. Restroom duties complete, we started the trek back towards Corral 6 with plenty of time to navigate through the crowd.

Finding and hopping into the well marked Corral 6 was an exercise in not crashing into people, but once I stepped in, the cramped space wasn't so bad. I stretched out my hips and jumped around to stay warm after removing my nice fuzzy hoodie, and after a few race announcements I couldn't really understand came over the loud speaker, the National Anthem was sung. The next notable thing I heard was a "Runners Set" and off Corral E went, but those of us in Corral 6 Ready to go!stayed put for another two minutes. Since we weren't moving towards the line yet, I wasn't sure how often waves were going to be sent out and asked those around me. To my dismay, the horde of people encroaching on my personal space had absolutely no response. Very anti-social.

My silent Corral 6 compatriots and I didn't get released until 8:08, which was just fine by me. The vocally challenged runners that surrounded me while listening to the National Anthem, however, felt the need to start running almost a tenth of a mile before crossing the Start. I got swept up with them, jogged across the timing sensors and immediately starting passing people who were wearing numbers that should have had them 15 Corrals behind me. That traffic didn't let up until almost a mile in, and zigzagging my way around walkers and 9 minute milers definitely cost me, especially when I was forced wide around two thirds of the turns in the city.

The flat course started by sending runners straight into the city and around City Hall. The Parkway was lined with spectators, but as we went further from the Start, the crowd started to sputter out. Running around City Hall, the Philadelphia Police Department did a great job managing traffic and the race photographers made themselves plain to see for those who wanted some good race pictures. I continued to pass people who should have started far behind me and was glad when we started heading back out of the city down the same Parkway we had started with. I finally got a little running room as the road widened and the turns stopped, plus there were quite a few cheering fans, especially as we passed the Finish area and was really able to get into a groove. After passing the Start/Finish area at mile 4.5, I had plenty of running room as we ran by Boat House Row and alongside the Schulkyil River, where there was plenty of enthusiasm from the bands and volunteers at their stations. Between mile markers, there wasn't much crowd support, but I did notice there were Port-a-Potties almost every mile and they seemed to be getting good use.

The curvey roads of East and West River Drives were best traveled in straight lines, and that's what I did. While those who hugged the curb from downtown to the Falls Bridge took lots of extra steps in miles 5 through 9, and I picked up a few spots on the finisher's list by cutting straight across the crowd and street. Passing the 10K timing clock, I checked my watch to discover I had run an extra two tenths of a mile dealing with the traffic back in mile 1, but my pace was great and it looked like I was going to hit my goal of breaking 1:45. I hadn't stopped for water to this point, and ended up not doing it at all, but the water stations were well staffed and far enough apart that running down the middle of the road through them kept me away from stopping traffic.

Turning left onto the Falls Bridge at mile 9, I stayed in close to the corner and the sidewalk packed with fans gave me a little push. This tight turn put me back into a little traffic but it loosened right back up as I exited the bridge. A nice deep breath going downhill onto West River Drive made me think I was home free from there. I've run miles 9 through 13 a bazillion times and know that part of the course well. Through mile 11, my shins, calves and hips felt great, and although my left knee was a little achy, it wasn't bad until mile 12. I'm used to running the sidewalks on both sides of the River, so I had forgotten what I learned during last year's Philly Half Marathon. The banking of pavement just before running under the Girard Avenue Bridge is like running on a NASCAR track. It made my knee very angry last year, even though that race was a mess way before mile 11 (this curve came a little sooner in that course), and did the same this time. A left foot landing inches above my right got old quickly and I couldn't get through there fast enough. Luckily, my knee started to feel slightly better the second everything leveled out.

Knee pain partially relieved, it was a hop, skip and jump to the finish. At the 20K sign, I glanced at my watch and immediately started doing math. I was over a minute ahead of my goal time. My knee didn't feel that great, so I started tossing around the idea of taking a walking break. Well, being honest with myself, I knew that would be a disaster. I kept running on, knowing I was almost there and only a silly little hill stood between me and something to sit on. With at least that one minute to spare, I passed the mile 13 mark and saw the ramp that would take me under the Spring Garden Bridge and up a steep grade into the Finish. Coming around the curve and into that ramp, it was awesome to see the bridge loaded with fans and course lined with supporters. I ran hard through the Finish to hit the Stop button on my watch just as I crossed the sensor at 1:43:32 (officially a 1:43:42). Slowing to a walk, I went to take a better look at my time, almost elbowed another runner in the stomach (oops), and made straight for the medical tent.

I wanted to throw some ice on my knee, and saw heaven sent baby pools full of it right in front of me. I walked inside the tent and asked for a bag, which they didn't have, but I did get an empty Solo cup sleeve that did the job. Ice in hand, I was given my medal by a smiling volunteer and made for the Rock N Roll Philadelphia step and repeats. Official Race Photo taken, I gathered my ice from where I had set it down and continued my walk to pick up water, Gatorade, Power Bars, a banana, pretzels and a chocolate milk. Hands full, I saw my support team right at the end of the chute and thrust some of the items into his ownership. We headed for a picnic table across the shut down street and I plopped down with ice on my knee to remove my shoes, flip through my half mile splits (exactly what I had expected) and see what I had missed on my phone. Nothing exciting there, so I enjoyed my finish with a banana, pretzel and chocolate milk snack.

In a hurry to get back home for the Eagles game, I skipped the post-race party, but my support team, who had been hanging out near the Finish after watching the Elites cross (at around an hour) mentioned not seeing a beer tent anywhere. Sponsored by Michelob Ultra, I'm sure there was one, but I guess it was hiding. After setting my new PR, by five minutes (!), I wanted to celebrate by taking a hot shower and watching the Eagles get their second win of the season.

In the end, the Eagles didn't win, but I did. The medals, as usual with Rock n Roll, are really cool and the participant tech t-shirt is also really nice. I would definitely consider running this again, and far prefer the flat course to that of the Philadelphia Half Marathon. With 47 other states remaining on my list, running another Philadelphia, or Pennsylvania, race isn't my top priority, but if it was, this would be a winner.

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