Herriman Half Marathon

I couldn’t miss the Herriman Half because it starts and finishes within walking distance of my house. I am already partial to this race because of the ease of access and it combines a lot of the routes I already run. With the exception of the hills, because as you know if you have read my blog before, I try to avoid hills. 

You do not want to miss this race next year. While there is some room for improvement, this race was fantastic. The price was super low, $40! You really can’t find a half marathon for that price anymore. There was plenty of on course support with the aid stations and police at every intersection. I was not expecting the kind of police support that was provided because it was a small race and a low price. The shirts are nice, I especially like the color and design. The medal was the same design and color, so I think it’s my new favorite. 

The course itself was challenging, however with any challenge you get to feel that great sense of accomplishment when you have conquered the hills. Don’t let the course discourage you from signing up for this race next year, it’s really not as bad as it looks!

Talk about finish line extravaganza! This race had tons of stuff at the finish line! They had a bouncy house, the Chic-fil-A cow, music, and great food! My kids were so entertained and my husband (not a runner) even said how much stuff they had there.

There was some room for improvement. While I loved the color and design of the shirts, they were just normal t-shirts and not a shirt I can run in. I am still going to wear it but I won’t be able to show other runners how awesome I am because I ran the hills in the Herriman Half. 

The website and communication from the race directors needs a little boost. I like to get a reminder email confirming the details for race day and that was missing with this race. The race results weren’t available the same day as the race. But I really like the details that are provided now that the results are available. Overall, these were very minor issues that I am sure will be considered before next year.

I give this race 4 shoes! I look forward to running this again next year and convincing all my running buddies to face those hills head on.

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!

Be a Better Hill Runner

In honor of the upcoming Herriman Half Marathon, I decided it was time to figure out how to run hills. As I may have mentioned a time or two, I hate hills. I am a barely a runner, so I try and pick the easiest routes, basically all downhill so I can just coast. Apparently this is the year of hills because I have already run two relays that were both uphill and then the Herriman Half this week which has two huge hills.

Lucky for me, when I moved two years ago it was to a house that was surrounded by hills. In order to get out of my neighborhood I had to run uphill, both ways! Yes, I know you think it’s an exaggeration but this time I promise it is not. At the end of the street, if you turn right there is a hill, if you turn left there is a hill. No, I did not consider this when selecting my house. The good thing is I am getting better at hills because I can’t avoid them. I still prefer downhill runs but now I can tackle small hills. Someday I will be able to tackle the really big ones at a good pace.

Here is what research has shown has worked for better running of hills:

We would love to hear any tips or tricks you have used to help running on hills. Let us know by leaving a comment!