Ragnar Relay SoCal

Communication:

Communication was a plenty. Lots of info via email and Facebook. A website dedicated to the race with lots and lots of info/updates. Bad part was they kept having to change things due to unapproved routes. When you see your already high mileage go up a mile or two, it brings tears.

Packet Pick Up:

Pick up was a check in before the start time. Also a virtual goody bag, which I am not a fan of. I like tangible loot. Which they had that too.... So best of both worlds I guess. Actual bag contained stickers, tattoos, bio freeze, blocks, a bag and a sweeeeet shirt.

Course:

The course was scary at times, beautiful at others. Depending on what runner you were. You cover a lot of ground in 195 miles... Along the beach was beautiful. I mean, of course, unless it's your last run and you’re about to accident in your pants or barf.

Course Support:

This is where I am miffed. I was scared for my life running by myself at 1:00 a.m. in the morning.... Running for almost 3 miles with no sign, no support, nothing. I had tears in my eyes not knowing where I was going... Homeless and random men on the streets, it was an inner city traffic area. Come on Ragnar, you can do better! Same thing happened on my third run. They seriously skimped on the signs and I learned my lesson, I am going to put GPS coordinates in my phone next time. I was really actually pissed about it.

Medal:

Sweet medal... See?

After Race Support:

After race was cool. Lots of hype, lots of freebies. Monster muscle milk? For free? Yes please.

All in all a fabulous time with friends. Party on, ragnarians!!! Always seems like a good idea... Then it doesn't... Then it ends up being a great decision. I give this race 4 shoes!

SoJo Half Marathon

Communication: Emails are very efficient, in fact I still receive one every month reminding me to sign up for next time J They also were great in providing pictures and race times really fast. Like times right away and pics within a few days. The emails they send now have promo codes which is nice.

Packet Pick Up: Soooo easy. They had some fun sample tables set up and stuff you can buy. They also had a huge layout of the course. Zero waiting to pick up my pack. Pack had fun stuff too. We all love that! Pedometer, freeze gel, energy shots, uhhmmm something else that was cool…can’t remember. Cool stuff.

Course: Course was ideal for a half marathon. Only had one uphill mostly level and downhill.

Course Support: Stations every 2 miles. So nice! Water, Power aid, Sodium water, Coke, pretzels…just really nice. Bathrooms every 4 miles.

Medal: Pretty sweet medal. Shirt was nice but STINKY. It had this really weird smell. I think it was the material. Nice heavy medal which makes it seem like it is a really big deal. Which it is, when it comes right down to it.

After Race Support: Awesome. Everything! Chick Fil A, cupcakes, shaved ice, ice cream, bagels, water, chocolate milk. A runners dream!

4.5 shoes for this sweet race.