"Slow down and enjoy life. It's not only the scenery you miss by going too fast - you also miss the sense of where you are going and why."
~ Eddie Cantor ~

Race packet pick-up was in one of my favorite stores: REI. I arrived before line stretched to front entrance. Because it was later in th day, packet pickup line was longer than line for photos or get signings by The Oatmeal aka Matthew Inman. I applaud Inman for LONG days of meeting with fans for signings, photo ops, drawing Blerch-inspired cartoons upon request and running with us at the half marathon. The Oatmeal signed my bibs, Exploding Kittens game, refrigerator magnets and "Blerch" baseball cap (after the race), he said ''Eww, that's sweaty, gross" -- and gave it the magic Sharpie treatment. The Oatmeal remembered me from last year's race and at his fun run at Comic-Con San Diego.

I talked with several people who agree that The Oatmeal's humor is snarky and speaks on controversial topics that others are afraid to discuss publicly. Otherwise, he maintains a low profile. It works for The Oatmeal.

This race event was on roads and trails -- no dirt. We crossed a few bridges and the American River Parkway - BEAUTIFUL. Since this wasn't the Carnation, WA race, I didn't expect to see many costumed runners. Compared to last year's Carnation race, there were fewer Blerches and port-o-potties along the course. I did get a photo with Sasquatch before the race started.

The aid stations provided very cold water, Nuun, Nutella sammies and delicous marbled white cake with green frosting, bananas, potato chips and Gu.

Most of the volunteers were upbeat along with plenty of snacks at the aid stations. We finished inside Raley Field as each runners' name was announced and video of our finish line crossing displayed on the jumbotron.

At last year's Beat The Blerch Marathon, I met criteria to become a Marathon Maniac, now a Double Agent.
I enjoyed the inaugural Carnation race more than this Sacramento event. I would like to come back to participate in a different Sacramento race and stick with Beat The Blerch Carnation race in the future. Both cities, Carnation and Sacramento are good to visit and walk around to explore.

I recommend this race if you want to have a fun, laid-back race experience with friends that may not be into competitive running.

"Excellence is the unlimited ability to improve the quality of what you have to offer."
~ Rick Pitino ~

... and the beat goes on.

Another race with GREAT perks: FREE same day race packet pickup, FREE gourmet food truck brunch, FREE race day photos, and option to transfer race entry to another location or participant. Yes, it's round two ... LaceUp Running Series - Ventura Half Marathon. Saucony hosted shoe giveaways at the Ventura event with a planking contest. The winner was able to hold a plank for about 7 minutes. There are two more races in the #LexusLaceUp series to get the the challenge bling - any distance.

Good weather on the beach where the race is on a bike path which uses some of same route as Ventura Half Marathon and Mountains 2 Beach Half Marathon. It was relaxing and reflective running alongside the beach and on paved trail pathways. .

Here's an except from the race's recap from the official blog:

"After the race, Lexus offered popular post-race massages and refreshing orange and lemon water plus cool, free water bottles available to everyone. The #LexusLaceUp Instagram photo booth was packed, as people who posted photos on Instagram using the hashtag were able to enjoy free printouts of their race experience."

Lexus LaceUp Running Series leadership is supportive and stays engaged with its' ambassadors. I am excited to be on this team and see their race event growth. I'm proud to represent Lexus LaceUp Running Series as an ambassador.

“‘No pain, no gain’ does not mean that pain systematically equals gain. It’s easy to go hard. It’s hard to go smart.” – Erwan Le Corre

In 2014, I participated in Revel Race Series - Big Cottonwood, Rockies and Canyon City. Canyon City was on my 'must-do list' this year.

For 2015, team #KeepItMoving is in seventh place for fastest finish times for half marathon team results. There were 56 teams.

We are In third place for fastest finish times for marathon team results. There were 34 teams.

This year, it seems there were more port-o-potties and runners in Canyon City. Last year, I heard they ran out of mylar blankets, this year there were plenty to hand out in staging area.

The gear check process is simple - put your bib number (sticker) on the Revel bag and hand it off to the person inside gear truck. Claim your bag at the finisher's area. Simple.

Michael Jackson playlist kept me going and I refocused on my breathing and pacing. Because my headphones failed, I was more engaged with beautiful surroundings along the highway and people -- I should try this more often :-D

Revel's 'track a participant' seemed to perform better and nice addition was 'picture spot ahead' posters to give athletes a heads up to strike their best pose.

My tummy was happy there was FREE Marie Callendar's apple pie in finisher's area. The finisher's area was more secure than last year, meaning we couldn't go back for seconds for pie.

I had less discomfort after finishing compared to last year, thanks to workouts with Nick the trainer, The Camp, Body Pump and G.R.I.T.

The main reasons I enjoy running is social aspects -- sharing our stories, diversity of athletes in race, ability, age and just being really cool, passionate people.

I enjoyed working with #KeepItMoving teammates (Becky, Joann, Phyllis and others) at the pre-assembly expo in preparation for the second year of Revel Canyon City Marathon and Half Marathon.

At the expo, I also worked with the inaugural Rose Bowl Fitness Festival ambassadors (Josue, Peachy and Amanda) for the February 28, 2016 event coming to Rose Bowl Stadium. Rose Bowl Fitness Festival is Revel Canyon City's race partner. This year's expo was held in a warehouse. The expo had a handful of running groups and vendors. I think a warehouse (depending on size) is a good location for an expo as it seems easier for the race organization to store, more and stage equipment (banners, tables, etc)

I'm honored to represent Revel Race Series and Rose Bowl Fitness Festival as an ambassador. #RevelCanyonCity #RevelCC #RevelAzusa

"Love myself I do. Not everything, but I love the good as well as the bad. I love my crazy lifestyle, and I love my hard discipline. I love my freedom of speech and the way my eyes get dark when I'm tired. I love that I have learned to trust people with my heart, even if it will get broken. I am proud of everything that I am and will become."

~Johnny Weir~

Today was remarkably GOOD. I've participated in the 2014 Revel Race Series in Colorado, Utah and California.

I appreciate that I have friends new to the running game while others are more seasoned. I learn so much from both sides of the coin. It's a joy to see determination and uplifted spirits when we come together for race events.

Thanks to the many who have shared their positive experiences about today's Canyon City race (expo, packet pick-up, scenic views, PRs, BQs, volunteers, runner swag, snacks, vendors and the finisher's festival) amongst other things. I'm proud to represent #RunRevel as an ambassador.

This was my second year of doing this half marathon. This year as a legacy runner. I registered to score the Best of LA Challenge medal after I finish Hollywood Half Marathon.

Unfortunately, the sound system was very glitchy when Rudy Novotny was announcing this race.

There were plenty of water stations and port-o-potties along the course. They cut out a lot of loops in the Dodger Stadium parking lot and replaced them with more inclines.

Dodger Stadium looks really good after the renovations that were under way last year.

I saw a lot of my running buddies at this race which always makes these races a more enjoyable experience.