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Latest reviews by Jessica
Jessica recommends this race
(2014)
"Flat Out & Back in NOLA"
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This is a flat and fast out and back 5k in the heart of New Orleans....in September. I was definitely not prepared for the heat and humidity at this race, but the great southern food at the finish was an excellent consolation for the dry heaves I got running too hard in the heat. Not a race I would recommend if you're not used to the weather, but a great one if you can stand the heat. Live music, beer, and free food after the race - what's not to love?
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Jessica recommends this race
(2014)
"It's Only 200 Miles.....with Friends"
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Twelve people. Two vans. 200 Miles. What's not to love? Team relays are a great adventure and this Ragnar was no exception! While aid stations aren't really a part of the race (BYOW - bring your own water), the course featured some "Great Lakes" and a great finish along the Chicago waterfront. Maybe 30 hours is a smelly van with other smelly runners isn't your idea of fun, but if it is....definitely try this race!
Jessica recommends this race
(2014)
"Run the Indy 500"
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I would definitely call the Indy Mini Marathon a bucket list race. It's the largest half marathon in the U.S. and includes a lap on the Indy 500 track around mile 6 or so. The expo and after-race are both large with many vendors to visit and the hat and medal that you receive are some definite swag pluses.
This race has three major drawbacks: 1. The crowd. It is a very large half and despite adding wave starts, you're still crowded from mile 1 to the finish. I found myself weaving and expending extra energy to circumvent groups of people who stop to walk or were generally just a slower pace. I've run this race twice and both years it was the same never-ending crowd of people. 2. The course is not pretty by any means. It runs through some run down neighborhoods before looping the track and heading back towards the IUPUI campus. 3. The track itself. While this is a big draw and a tradition to stop and kiss the bricks, this track is about 2.5 miles at an angle and it is punishing to my hip - which flared up into a bursitis after the race.
All in all, it's a great one to cross off your list and I would recommend to all the 50-state runners to choose this one for Indiana, but it's definitely not one I would do again.
Jessica recommends this race
(2014)
"Ladies, You Gotta Do this Du!"
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I ran this Duathlon as training for a Tri and it was a great way to "get my feet wet." This race featured a Run 2, Bike 11, Run 2 course for ladies only. While there wasn't any expo before the race, the shirt was nothing short of amazing. Athleta was the premier sponsor and each participant received an Athleta cycle tank. The course was hilly and challenging but the transition area was a breeze to navigate.
The finish area included mimosas and finger foods, as well as vendor booths featuring great products from gear to makeup. I have to say I was a little disappointed that none of the Esprit de She series fit into my race schedule this year.
Jessica recommends this race
(2014)
"A Solid Half"
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The Carmel Marathon is a great race for those looking to fill a calendar. It's not really a destination race, but it's well-rounded. The expo is fairly large, with plenty of booth featuring races and runner gear and the race shirt gets better and better each year, as well as the medal. I've run this race twice and enjoyed it both years.
The course winds through residential Carmel, past some beautiful houses and down the Monon Trail footpath. Aid stations are well-manned and there is plenty of spectators along the course to keep you motivated. Parking near the start/finish is ok since they finished the parking garage nearby, however for the years I ran it, they used shuttle buses to supply runners with parking places offsite.
All in all, it's a well designed race and I would run it again.