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Latest reviews by Logan Heinsch
Logan Heinsch recommends this race
(2017)
"Impromptu 5K "
Overall
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Having been about 5 months into my reintroduction to running last year (apologies for selecting the incorrect race date in the race information section) I decided that I should test myself with a 5k. I didn't actually put much thought into this and registered for this race quite late. The organizers were very accommodating and despite the late entry they had everything waiting for me that date.
This race stuck out to me because it is a 5-7 minute drive from my house and the park, Katherine Rose, is a frequent weekend date for me and my family. I had run the sidewalk trails before and wanted to really test myself. When looking for a race to run I am also always on the search for the ones who support a cause. These races will catch my attention before almost all others.
I remember the registration cost being very reasonable, though it has been long enough that I can't recall the exact cost. The t-shirts provided were fairly standard but a good quality cotton. Race packet pickup was offsite but was an easy process. Racers were encouraged to dress up in things like tutus, tiaras, special t-shirts or anything w'ed be comfortable in. Adding this layer of fun in is always refreshing because it makes events more inclusive.
Katherine Rose is a very well maintained park on the edge of a wooded area and the walkway itself is also in good condition. The course is fairly flat and isn't challenging at all. It is a good course for beginner 5k racers to cut their teeth on because it doesn't stress the body out with a lot of turns/curves or elevation changes.
Awards were given for top performers in the male and female categories as well as within the age groups. These awards weren't extravagant but an iPad was offered for the winner of the Sugar ShakeOff, which was part of the post race activities that I wasn't able to stay for. This race did result in a PR for me, which was an added bonus, even though I didn't win any awards.
If you are in the DFW this is a fun, intimate event that will work well for you if you want to race but not have to worry about a huge crowd.
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Logan Heinsch recommends this race
(2017)
"One Race and Hooked"
Overall
T-Shirts/SWAG
Aid Stations
Course Scenery
Expo Quality
Elevation Difficulty
Parking/Access
Race Management
I was talked into this race by my future sister-in-law about 3 months ago. Having only ever trained for pure road races I was very nervous about what to expect. The registration process was fairly straight forward. Registering as a team was very easy and insured that myself and my teammate could have the same heat time. The cost with a discount code, which Spartan seems to have one floating around fairly frequently, was right around $100. This was on the high end for what I had seen for race registration costs but I was assured that it was well worth it.
Spartan sent emails frequently for the last month and a half leading up to the race with updates on race slot availability, which I thought was unnecessary because I had already registered. However, attached to these emails were beginner's training programs for first-timers and that may have really saved me. Outside of my standard running training program I had no idea what would I really needed to do to prepare myself. A week or so before the race I was able to check my heat times and the website already provided a list of everything I needed to know about race day (when to arrive, what to bring, what to wear, etc.)
Fast forward to race day and I was really anxious. It was very cold and windy, which I was geared for but it made the prospect of grip strength obstacles very daunting. Parking was managed by the Rough Creek Lodge staff and it was apparent that they were very well prepared and experienced in managing this event. We arrived an hour before race time to pick up our bibs, stretch, store our bags, etc. The Spartan community is very friendly and there were smiles everywhere. Striking up a conversation with anyone around you was very easy and made me loosen up a bit.
The first obstacle was actually clearing a 5 foot wall to get to the start line, which I didn't expect but it made things seem very real. The waves were made up of 250 people, which was a good limit based on the total number of runners in the open heats. The start of the race, as expected, was crowded and it took a couple of obstacles for it to open up a bit but wasn't too bad.
Overall the race was 4.5 miles and had 22 obstacles laid out. The course distance wasn't announced until that day and the course was only released a few days before the race. I really enjoyed this aspect of it because the unknown made me prepare for everything I possibly thought they could throw at me. There were 4-5 water stations throughout the course and the volunteers and other racers couldn't have been more supportive. Those who needed help with obstacles always found a helping hand of a passer by and not one person seemed to regret their choice to be running this race. It was a very challenging course but as I was promised, as soon as I finished I wanted to run my next race right away. The post-meal goodies included a banana, a Cliff bar, a recovery drink and yes a beer!
Post-race I received my medal, a finishers shirt, a piece of a trifecta medal and a coupon code (valid for two weeks) for my next race. I will likely not let it go to waste as I have spotted my next race.
If you are up for a challenge outside of your normal race schedule I highly recommend a Spartan Sprint to start.
Logan Heinsch recommends this race
(2017)
"Winter Fun With The Kids"
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The Winter Walk is an event put on by the city of Mansfield to celebrate the opening of the Walnut Creek Linear Trail system very Winter. The walk itselfis only 1 mile and has always been free but this year a children's (ages 6-18) 5k was added. The registration fee of $10-15 all went to benefit the Cook Children's Healthcare system. All of my kids doctors are a part of this network so we decided to give it a go.
Originally my, then 6 year old, son was going to try the 5k but when his baby sister came early that idea was scrapped because I would have to bring his other little sister with us. She wouldn't have enjoyed being left out of the running because she has to do everything her brother does.
No registration was required for the Walk but we donated anyway because it's an important cause to us. In hindsight we should've done the online registration for the Walk as we could've bought a short for the run. Unfortunately, life was a bit crazy at the time so this detail escaped me.
The atmosphere was great! Everyone was bundled up and there was hot chocolate and s'mores afterward and fire pits to hang out at, which was very necessary. The organization needed for this was impressive as taking care of the normal race protocols but with just kids.
The Walk itself was very easy and both kids enjoyed themselves immensely. There were plenty of other kids there to play with and it was a nice break from being cooped up in the house with a new baby and very little time for noise making.
We will likely be doing this again as a whole family this year since mom and baby weren't able to join us last time. I still have to talk my son into running as he's not as keen on it this year.
If you have young kids and are anywhere near Mansfield i highly recommend taking part in this.