Latest reviews by Jason Nelson

(2019)
"Fun race, but could use some improvements"
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If you're a NASCAR fan and a half marathon fan, this is a race you have to do at least once. But beware, it's not a "major" race and definitely has a small town feel to it.

What I liked:
- It was part of Daytona Speedweeks (again, NASCAR fan)
- The first 2 miles of the race are around the Daytona International Speedway
- Free ticket to the Daytona 500 Qualifying
- Cool finishers beach towel
- Nice medal

What I didn't like:
- Water stations were few and far between, and it was warm and muggy
- No spectators along the course
- Running on the beach isn't as glamorous as it sounds. I had to walk part of it because the sand wasn't packed down
- There was no food at the finish line, except for booths by First Watch (bananas and mini muffins) and Jersey Mike's (quarter subs)
- There's no expo
- The shirt is pretty cheap

It's not a bad race by any stretch of the imagination, but if you're looking for a destination race in Florida, or something a little more organized, there are many other races. But, again, if you're a NASCAR fan, it's worth it just for that.

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(2019)
"The 2019 version of this race was a disaster"
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I hesitate to recommend this race. I've run it every year since it started in 2015 and the 2019 version was MARKEDLY different than past versions. I hope they clean up their act for 2020 because if this is the new norm for this race, I won't recommend it anymore and it'll eventually die.

What I liked:
- The course was the same as always. Super flat with a small bridge at mile 2 and 4.
- Weather is always nice this time of year

What I didn't like:
- There was no music for the Sarasota MUSIC Half Marathon. 20 bands were advertised along the course and there were THREE
- Shirts were unisex and pathetic
- Medals were not the same quality as they have always been
- No girl scout cookies at mile 8 (as advertised)
- No beer at mile 12 (as advertised)
- Porta potties were still being set up 1 hour before the race start
- Starting corrals were a complete cluster
- Post-race food was nowhere near as good or bountiful as past races

Overall, this has been such a good race but this year was a total bust. The guy who founded the race sold it to a new race management group and they almost single handedly destroyed it in just a few months. Hopefully they recognized the problems and will make the changes for next year. If not, next year will be the last time I run this race.

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(2018)
"Soooo close!"
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The 2018 NYC Marathon was a bitter sweet day for me. While I finished with a 10+ minute personal course record, I fell 44 seconds short of my personal marathon record. I was pretty emotional after the race because I worked so hard over the past year to hit that goal and to come up 44 seconds short just stung. But after my pity party, I remembered that I was over 10 minutes faster than when I ran NYC in 2016, and I finished the NYC freakin Marathon!

I know exactly where I left those 44 seconds on the course. It was at the aid stations of miles 22 and 23. I was dealing with the wall and chose to walk those 2 aid stations, the only time I walked the entire marathon. Had I even just slow jogged those stations, I would've hit my goal.

At mile 24, the song "Walk on Water" by Thirty Seconds to Mars came on. The chorus says, "Do you believe that you can win this fight tonight." At that moment, I said, "Well Jason, do you believe??? If so, this is it. If you want this marathon PR, you have to leave everything here and give it all you have." And I did. I literally gave all I had those last 2.2 miles. But the moment I finally realized that I would come up short was with 200 meters to go, finish line in sight.

Oh well, you live and learn. Every second counts, both in marathons and in life. Take for granted just one moment in time and you could come up just short of something truly incredible.

As for the race itself, the weather was perfect. Upper 40s at the start, mid 50s at the finish and no winds or clouds. You can't ask for better marathon weather.

And the crowds...off the chain. There's really no way to describe it. For 4 hours, I felt like a champion in the eyes of hundreds of thousands of strangers, and I high fived every kid I could see.

Overall, I'm very happy. This was my second fastest marathon and my fastest NYC Marathon, and I am so grateful to have the abilities to run as a hobby.

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(2018)
"Tough race but amazing experience"
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There's nothing like the Marine Corps Marathon. I've done it twice now, and both times it brought me to my knees. One way is the toughness of the course. It's not easy and has a lot of elevation gain (700 feet) for DC. Most of the noticeable hills are at the beginning, but from the half way point to the finish is a small but steady uphill climb. The 14th Street Bridge is brutal. It's about 20 miles in, so right at the "wall". There is no shade, no aid stations, no crowds, nothing. Just you and thousands of other people fighting to survive. But once you get off the bridge and get into Crystal City, it's as if civilization returns. But that final climb up Iwo Jima Hill to the Marine Corps Ware Memorial is the second moment you're brought to your knees. Not because of the climb but because of the Marines lining both sides of the road, should to shoulder cheering you on. There truly is nothing like it. So, if you're up for a challenge, do MCM. If you want a moving experience, do MCM.

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(2018)
"Tough race, but the race directors did the best they could"
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I've never run a marathon in conditions like this. Brutal heat, no shade. It was so hot that the race was stopped and people were bussed back to the finish line. I was fortunate enough to finish under my own power, but many people did not. I've never seen so many paramedics and ambulances on the course, and runners we're falling out all around me my final 5 miles. I was holding a comfortable pace the first half, but then the sun came out and it got out of control hot. I had a great time, but I can't see myself doing this race again at this time of year. Today was dangerous and I feel bad for so many who spent a lot of time and money on this race only to not be able to finish, but the race officials made the right call to end the race early.

As for recommending this race, it's a tough call. Yes, the pageantry of the Air Force is special and the course is relatively easy. But, the unpredictability of Ohio weather in mid-September makes it tough. If you do sign up to do it, be prepared for literally anything to happen. In fact, I'd recommend NOT making this a goal race, but rather something you do for simply the love of running.

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