Everyone talks about SeaWheeze, and I tried several times to get in...and I finally did. My biggest advice is to enjoy the WHOLE weekend. It's an experience and more than a race. Yes, it's a money grab for Lululemon and the Lulu fans, but it's a great experience. There's yoga, panels, exhibits, and just a chill crowd of people. The race was the cherry on top.

There is a lottery to get into this race, so may the odds be in your favor. If you get it but are on the fence, make it work and GO. Every participant receives Lulu shorts before the race. Everything at the race is planed out and monitored by your wrist band. You sign up for time slots before you arrive and make the schedule that works for you. The shop is a big draw for everyone. People were running around in there, picking up lots of clothing. If you're into that thing, you better get an early slot in the store. Everything is planned before you get there, the schedule is seamless, and all you have to do is scan your wrist band to get into everything. There's hair braiding, bra fittings, shoe insert fitting, and so much more. Of course, there's lots of YOGA. Do the yoga even if you're not into that thing. It's part of the experience.

I didn't stay downtown in Vancouver because I traveled by myself, and it was expensive. Next time, I will remain downtown. I missed many events because I wasn't nearby, and I missed a bit of the experience. SeaWheeze is the most organized race weekend.

Race day was easy. I had to take a cab because no public transportation was running that early in the morning—no big deal. The race experience wasn't competitive, but more like a festive party. People talked to each other and cheered for each other. The race was peaceful and fun, and the scenery was beautiful. I'm not a Vancouver native, which was my first time there, so it was nice to see city sights on foot. The weather was perfect for running. It was a wonderful experience.

At the finish, I received a Lululemon hat and a fabulous medal. Then there was a post-run breakfast with chia seed pudding and banana bread. There weren't many places to sit, but everyone was happy and smiling with their new friends. I can't speak more highly about this race.

The post-race party was later at Vancouver City Park. Shuttles from were downtown took participants and family members to the Sunset Festival. It was simple and easy. There was more yoga and a concert that night. It was great to be with friends and talk about the weekend. You have to pay for the things at the festival, but it was just the cherry on top of a beautiful weekend.

For more information on my SeaWheeze experience, watch my videos:
My SeaWheeze Experience - Day 1: https://youtu.be/T8lFNv02xdo
Tips for Running SeaWheeze: https://youtu.be/kbRDcJ0tvDo

SeaWheeze is a race you must do. When the lottery opens, enter the hunt to get in. You won't regret it. Don't miss out.

I've run this race several times, but this was my first time running the marathon. I actually did the 5k/10k and marathon. The swag for this race is unbelievable and the BEST. I feel like this is the last living race expo. The expo was large and there are lots of vendors. It was a good family time.

The parking for this event isn't ideal. Arrive earlier than what you think you should. I almost missed the race start in previous years. It's best to stay downtown if you're doing the whole weekend. I know the hotels are more expensive, but it's worth it. It's impossible to find food in downtown Cincinnati the night before the race. Everywhere was packed and taking forever and it wasted our time a bit.

Highlights of the race:
I enjoyed the doing the whole race series and getting the extra swag. Running the 5k and 10k one day and the marathon the next day was murder on the legs, but so much fun.

The excitement of the race is felt in the air and it's just a good time. Being able to run in Kentucky and Ohio is always fun.

I'm from the land of the flat, so this race was hilly. When I thought I had reached the top of the hill, it just kept going. I enjoyed the challenge.

The medical assistance on the course is amazing. I was running with a few people who needed assistance and they were quick to help and there were many of these stations along the marathon route.

This is one of the best finish lines I've ever encountered, even as a back of the packer.

I enjoyed this race so much and being in the environment of the pig. Run this race if you can, you won't regret it.

I ran this marathon, and it was one of my favorites. There isn't anything flashy about this race, but it was just a nice back road race. This race isn't close to many hotels. If you are from out of town, this is something to take into account. I didn't rent a car and depended on an uber to get around. It was expensive, but not an inconvenience. The expo was larger than I expected for this race, filled with local vendors and some great personalized items for purchase. It didn't take me long to pick up my packet and get through the expo, though.

Technically, most of the race is ran on a tree-lined trail. If you are a 50-stater, this is a popular race for the group. Surprisingly, I ran with some of the same people I ran with the week before in Albany, GA, at the Snickers Marathon. The race is simple as you're running on this trail, and there isn't much crowd support. The interaction you get is the people you are running with or reach the trailhead at the turnaround. The scenery is beautiful, but it can start to wear on you towards the end of the race.

When I finally made it back to the road at mile 23.5, I thought this is probably one of the best races I've ever run. Great people and the course were magical, but then I hit mile 24 on the road, open to traffic…that was moving pretty fast, and there were no volunteers out there. It was pretty scary and unsafe because we had 15 inches of running room. This kind of disappointed me, but it in no way ruined the race for me.

The aid stations were great and resembled what you would find at an ultra marathon. There was an out and back, which is excellent for the back of the packers, so you could still see people while running. Face course if you're in the mood for but also a generous time limit. The staff was friendly, and the finish had lots of pizza and sandwiches along with chocolate milk. Tobacco Road has one of my favorite race medals, also.