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Latest reviews by Heather
Heather recommends this race
(2018)
"A Trail Distance PR!"
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This was the inaugural event for The Willow, which offers both 10 mile and 20 mile distances. Held at Willow River State Park in Hudson, WI, this race offers beautiful views.
The entrance into the park was the only place that could have gone smoother when it comes to this race. Since the park requires a permit, if you do not already have one, there was a bit of a line getting in. I would recommend bringing cash (as I did) for the park fee, if possible, because it helps the line move faster.
Once entrance is admitting, runners follow the winding road deeper into the park until they arrive at the Nature Center. There was ample parking in the Nature Center lot. I was able to grab my race bib and trucker hat, use the porta-potties, and wander back to my car within a few minutes. There were more than enough bathrooms, so that the line never took more than a few minutes - they have a few porta-potties outside, and flush toilets inside the picnic pavilion.
The start line was very low key, with runners gathering around someone with a bullhorn. They gave a few announcements about the course, and we were off! I chose the 10 mile distance; the 20 mile was two loops of the 10 mile course.
The thing that sticks out most about this race is the HILLS. They were no joke, especially for someone whose entire running career has been based in Minnesota and Wisconsin. These were the steepest hills I think I've ever run (or walked) on. And, they just kept coming.
There were multiple (3, I think) aide stations with a slew of fuel choices - chips, pb&j, electrolytes, soda, etc. I did not stop at any of the aide stations, but they looked to be well-stocked and well-staffed.
The course was well-marked, and there was only one time I was concerned that I was going the wrong way, because of the angle of the intersection. I asked another runner if I was going the right way and she confirmed that I was.
The best part of this course was the WATERFALL! Of course, this is also the reason for some of the hills, but it was probably worth it.
As with every trail race I've been to, the organizers were fantastic, the other runners were friendly, and the logistics were easy. I would highly recommend this race.
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Heather recommends this race
(2018)
"A Hot Half-of-a-Half"
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The Growing Green Challenge offers a Half-of-a-Half, Half Marathon, and 3, 6, and 12 hour challenges.
This is another very small, local race that was close to home for me. Treasured Haven Farm is about an hour north of the Twin Cities, and is a working, family-owned and run vegetable and crop farm. Parking was located on the grass along the gravel driveway, so runners are only a few steps away from the start/finish line. We were greeted by a very large turkey in a pen, who gobbled each time a car horn was honked.
Runners only received their race bib upon check in. There were two porta-potties available, which was sufficient for the small number of runners present. The start was an informal gathering of runners listening to announcements about the course, with a 1-2-3-Go!
Much of the course was on mowed grass that surrounded the perimeter of the fields, and it was very HOT and humid outside. I'm personally not a fan of running on grass, so this course felt difficult for me. There were a few sections that were more technical hard-pack in the woods, which I thoroughly enjoyed; these sections were also 10-15* cooler, just by being shaded. Unfortunately, those sections were short-lived and would head back out onto mowed grass.
Water stations were simply a water jug with plastic cups on a small cart, but that was adequate in my eyes. I was able to save cups by simply refilling my handheld bottle. Because of the heat and sun, this course felt like it was much longer than it actually was. At least there were only a few hills that were steep, but short. The course was also well-marked and I never felt lost or confused about where I was going.
Upon finishing, runners were offered granola bars, trail mix, water, and frozen fruit. The frozen fruit was amazing after a hot, sweaty run, so that was appreciated. We also received a piece of wood with the race name and date burned into it and a vegetable or herb plant of our choice. I chose a bell pepper plant, because I was told they're hard to kill, which is exactly the type of plant I need!
Honestly, I don't know that I would do this particular race again, because I really disliked that it was primarily run on mowed grass. It was well-organized, the people were very nice, and I loved the easy logistics. Perhaps I would consider it if the weather weren't so hot and humid; it's a race I'd likely wait to register for until last minute.
Heather recommends this race
(2018)
"The Race That Never Was"
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The Minneapolis Hot Chocolate 15k was the race that never happened this year, thanks to a blizzard that weekend. The race organizers canceled the 15k, and welcomed all participants to run the 5k instead. Since it would take me well over an hour to travel each way in the near white-out conditions, I opted to run the 15k mileage on my treadmill rather than brave the elements. I chose this race because the mileage fit into my half marathon training plan, so I wasn't willing to compromise on distance.
Therefore, I cannot accurately comment on the race organization or the aid stations. I can say that the scenery around Boom Island is typically nice, so that rating hold true. Also, I loved the 1/4 zip shirt from the race. Obviously, I do not have the medal because I stayed home, but it looked lovely in the pictures. A friend of mine picked up my packet, so I also cannot comment on the packet pickup process, or the expo.
I would like to note that I do not hold anything against the race organizers for this one, since they cannot control the weather and I think they did what was best for the majority of participants, especially considering that races such as this one often pull in large numbers of beginner runners who may not be properly equipped to run in extreme conditions. Also, parking and traffic can be difficult in Minneapolis on the best of days, so having the added snow surely made it even more difficult.
I would consider registering for this race in the future, but I would do so when prices were low, in case of weather concerns again.
Heather recommends this race
(2018)
"Great St. Patrick's Day race!"
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Shake Your Shamrock is a 5k and 7k race in Centerville, MN. This race has a St. Patrick's Day theme, so costumes and wearing green are highly encouraged.
Packet pickup was held the night before the race, in White Bear Lake, and included a cotton t-shirt and pint glass. The starting point for the race is Kelly's Korner Bar, with parking at the school directly across the street. The 5k course is an out-and-back along the road between Kelly's and the Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Regional Park. The 7k course is on the bike paths that wind through the Chomonix Golf Course, LaMotte Park, and the Rice Creek Chain of Lakes Regional Park. Unfortunately, I do not recall the aid stations, because I do not usually stop at them for shorter races, though I do know they had at least one along the course.
The finish line stretch of both races are the same, and are uphill, which isn't what one wants to necessarily see at the end of a race! The race is chip-timed, had a good variety of post-race snacks, and runners of age received a free green beer at Kelly's. The award ceremony was held at Kelly's, so it was indoors with real restrooms. Kelly's also had food and drink specials for runners, though I didn't stick around for those.
This is a very nice race and I wouldn't hesitate to do this one again. I always love an excuse to run in costume!
Heather recommends this race
(2018)
"A Minnesota Favorite"
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Hot Dash has quickly become one of my family's favorite annual races. TC in Motion can always be counted on to put on a well-run race, with good swag, and this race is no exception.
This race has easy logistics, especially for one held in this area (Boom Island). The race organizers secure parking permission from local businesses, so one only has to park a block or two away from race village, and parking is free of cost. Packets can be picked up prior to the race, or on race morning; I had a friend pick my stuff up, so I cannot comment on that, though she said it was easy.
When you arrive at Hot Dash, there are immediately abundant porta-potties, and activities to enjoy while waiting - drinking hot coffee or cocoa, picture opportunities, standing around a fire, etc. The race started just a few minutes late, but not horribly so. There is also a bag drop, in case you want to stash any belongings or a warmer layer. The 5k course is a nice loop around Boom Island, with views of the river from atop the Stone Arch Bridge. There are two noticeable hills on the course, both coming late in the race, but the finish is on a beautiful downhill.
Upon crossing the finish line, runners receive a medal, and a variety of post-race snacks including protein bars, salted nut rolls, chips, bananas, and bottled water. It's just a short walk (less than 2 blocks) back to race village where there are more activities - a free beer for 21+ runners, s'mores, bonfires, a meat raffle, free hotdish, picture opportunities, and a few vendors/sponsors to check out.
The race is convenient to several breweries and restaurants, should runners want a meal or beverages after the race.
As I mentioned above, this is a favorite race of my family's. Runners are encouraged to wear flannel or any other "Minnesota" gear; some of the costumes are quite entertaining and creative. I highly recommend this one as a start to the racing season.