Elizabeth Ell's Staging Area

I participated and trained with a goal only to complete within the time limit – I didn’t want to push myself and not be able to enjoy the rest of the trip. That said, this was an amazing race and trip. Planned for a few days of sightseeing before the race as well as a day of sightseeing after in order to stay loosened up for the long flights back to US. This being my first time in a world major, I knew it would be big and chaotic – but I think it was more so this year for being the 50th anniversary. There was a language barrier and communication was a little confusing – but yay for having a German degree and a chance to dig deep and use it finally! The course was flat – the scenery amazing – the swag was decent, however several other runners have had issues with their adidas items being poor quality. Mine have been fine so far. There was an issue with the medals – some faster ones took more than one and they ran out, having to use the inline skating medals or volunteer medals instead – but the race is fixing this issue for those who received them. As big as this race was, the sponsors are working round the clock to make sure it’s a good experience for all who finished! I’ve been impressed throughout the whole thing. I’ll never be fast enough to qualify and we entered the lottery on a whim – never expected to be picked!

This is a great race that starts/finishes in downtown Indianapolis, but miles 9-11.5 (roughly) are the full 2.5 miles around the Indianapolis Motor Speedway – this is a MUST-DO race for anyone who is a race fan or (like me) grew up in Indianapolis but never really had an opportunity to see the track except on TV. Amazing crowd support with pit stops (water stops) and cheer crews lining the route. It’s now on my annual list of races I can’t miss. The medal is also unique and highlights an aspect of the Indianapolis 500 – this year’s was my own personal Borg-Warner trophy (what the winning driver gets).

This review is a two parter – for the race itself? Amazing and top-notch! The race director is my absolute favorite and if I lived closer, I would attend more of the races they put on. Always encouraging, always motivating, and they are there celebrating the last person just as much as they celebrate the first person. Scenery is great with those ‘gently rolling hills’ that come with Kentucky horse farm country. The course was slightly different from when I attempted same race in 2019 – but still very beautiful and challenging. The weather was the same too – weird, since 2019’s race was in May and this one was a month earlier … same heat though and it zapped me. For the personal aspect of the race – I don’t know why I thought I could beat my time. The hills are very much a challenge to this flat-lander and I was not heat-acclimated at all. I did put the miles in on my training but this course didn’t care. Because of the hills and route, there were several portions where I wouldn’t see anyone ahead of me or behind me – the desire to quit was strong but I had training partners who came to run the first part with me (they did the half and when we split off around mile 9, that meant 17ish miles of solo running … I don’t do well with that many miles of solo running). The water stops were slowly running out of water but the pace company was driving around with bottles of water for those of us at the back – I *really* appreciated that!! I was determined I was going to beat my 2019 time and I just couldn’t do it. But that is not a reflection against this race at all – I definitely recommend it and RaceRise (race company) – if anyone is travelling to this area, definitely check them out!

This is my go-to race each year – this is actually my raceaversary with the 5k being my very first race in 2012. This year was the half-distance for me and I’m so glad I wasn’t battling rain and headwinds (gusts of around 40mph!) during a full. I didn’t do as well as I had hoped but truthfully, I didn’t feel like pushing myself against the wind. The course is nice – goes through neighborhoods and downtown/urban areas – crowd support throughout and even in the rain and wind. Expo is nice and very organized – the medal series was neat too (past 4 years medals spell out I-N-D-Y). Finish line celebrations were a bit smaller than usual but it was definitely the wind that sent a lot of runners back to their homes or hotels earlier than usual – still lots of vendors (food/drink/merchandise) as previous years. One thing I missed … getting a chocolate chip cookie at the end. I can’t remember the bakery that always provided it, but either they ran out or they weren’t there this time. Definitely planning on returning next year (cookie or not)!

This is a beautiful course within an urban state park – hills, yes. trees, absolutely. Great support from start to finish. The pre-race is a cozy atmosphere with fire pits going and hay bales to sit on. PLENTY of portapotties available! The post-race is so relaxed and honestly it’s my favorite race. The whole thing feels like a big group run where everyone supports everyone whether they know them or not.

Even though this was my first time participating, I have to admit that I’m biased … due to a PR by more than 20 minutes! This was the race I was training for in 2020 when everything shut down three weeks before it was to have been done. I deferred to 2021 but was worried I wouldn’t stay motivated to keep training – so I registered for so. many. virtual runs. So many. And then my running group started meeting on the sly – in much smaller groups and no hugs and everyone did what we could to stay safe. When it was certain that Carmel would take place, I still wasn’t 100% confident in my training or in my ability to finish the race … but I was determined to put this one behind me.
COVID-protocols were in place; packet pickup and expo were held outdoors (thankfully the weather was gorgeous!); masks were required at the expo and then at the start and finish on race day. The course itself was a Figure 8 with the half being one loop and then the full continuing on to the other loop. The roads were well marked and we were on the Monon Trail for quite a bit (formerly a railroad track that was converted to a multi-use path through parks – I think). I occasionally feel bad for the drivers who get stuck in traffic waiting for the runners to pass – and I did … but there were several who had race signs with them and they held them out the windows for us. Many were playing their radios loudly so we had entertainment for those few seconds. It was nice since spectators were discouraged from lining the streets (again, COVID).
This was my 6th marathon and quite possibly may be my last one … so I wanted to hit my goal. Again, since my training over the past year has been hit or miss and I was running with anyone I could find – which was nice, but didn’t challenge me to go faster – I didn’t know how I’d do. I do know my ankle was hurting and the pain was making me feel quite certain this would be my last full … but when I checked my watch at mile 20 and it was almost a guarantee that even if I walked the rest of it, that I’d still hit my goal … I teared up a bit. 🙂 And yes, hit a PR by more than 20 minutes. So this was my absolute mostest favoritest marathon – the course, the swag (huge medal, nice tech shirt), the race production company, my fellow runners, the ninja spectators who weren’t supposed to be there but still showed up … all of it was my favorite. The course itself was flat(ish) and the weather was so amazing. A bit of wind that seemed to hit us in the face on the few uphills … but still, I loved everything about this race …

… and might register for next year, just to see if I can beat this year’s time. 🙂

First time doing this one – first race is a 5k and runners need to complete it in 45 minutes before the 10k starts, if they want to participate in both (The Bear). It was seasonably cold (15 degrees with a real feel of single digits) so runners could stay inside the Cityway Y before the 5k started – which was great, except the line to the bathroom was incredibly long. I opted to skip the bathroom visit and would stop in after the 5k/before the 10k to use the facilities. Probably wasn’t a good idea BUT I ended up with a 5k PR! (31:22) Unfortunately, the line was still long in between because it was filled with 10k runners – by the time I got back outside, the 10k had already started and I spent the first 1/4-1/2 mile trying to put my gloves on, eat a gel, get gel on my gloves, take gloves off, finish gel, put gloves back on, try to figure out what to do with empty gel package, take gloves back off, put empty package in pocket, put gloves back on … etc. which all added time to my 10k. If it weren’t for all that, I really think I could have had a 10k PR as well – so personally bummed about that, but the race itself (course, production, route, support, post-race goodies) was great and I recommend! Hope to do this one again and redeem myself (and go to the bathroom before the 5k!).

OK – I say it’s a challenging course, but it was my first time on it and only my 2 1/2 trail race (not really sure I’m counting my first trail race from 3 years ago). But it was a great day weather-wise and I’m thankful for that. The trail was also suitable for bikes so there were a lot of man-made bunny hills that hurt like the dickens after awhile. The race management is superb and the swag was a tall coffee mug, super-soft tech t-shirt, and a glow in the dark medal. I’m trying not to be bummed about my time, but we did come to a stop helping a fellow runner to wiped out and broke? sprained? his ankle. My group took it a bit slower after that as a precaution. Then we took an extended break at the halfway pit stop with pickles, M&Ms and nuts. All in all – I had a great experience and I think I’m picking up the trail-running bug.

This isn’t my first trail race … I did a 4 miler a couple years ago but blocked it from memory when I decided in the middle of it that I’d never do another trail race. I’m so glad I didn’t listen to myself! This race is part 1 of a 3 race series – you can sign up for the short versions (what I’m doing) or the long versions (which is just the longer options for the same races). It was my first time going to Harrod’s Creek and it’s a neat park that is in a residential area – so parking was on the street and then we walked down a rather steep hill to get to the start line. I didn’t realize how far I had to walk to the start line and had made the mistake of leaving my gloves and water in the car, thinking I’d be able to go back before the race started. Not a big deal and while there wasn’t a water stop in the middle, it was only a 5k for me and they handed out hand warmers before the start. The trail was still frozen so that was good and I’m glad I only did one loop because it seemed to be thawing and getting a little sloppy by the time we finished — those doing the 10k might have had some slippery spots on their 2nd loop. It was definitely a personal best since (again) I blocked out the 1st trail race from memory and I’m sure this one was at a faster pace anyway. Swag included a pretty sweet coffee mug for all participants plus a tech shirt. Age group winners (of which I was NOT one) received a handmade/rustic birdhouse – they were pretty neat! Looking forward to the next two races in the series and I’m also on the lookout for some trail running shoes — I ended up with muckity muck on my road shoes. I still prefer road running, but trail running and this race was a lot of fun!

Well, first off … I don’t know that I would have registered for this race again – last year was a doozie for me. But then I won a registration from RaceRaves so I couldn’t NOT do it! 🙂
Secondly … Personal Record, baby!! Even with a couple massive hills that I had to walk up, I was able to get a half PR on this course!! I know my framily are sick of hearing about it by now but I’m still riding that high.
And thirdly – this is a great race, from production to course to afterwards. Packet pickup was smooth as silk. Race day dawned with the arrival of cooler temps (finally!) and the campfires that were burning were welcome indeed. There are corrals that were clearly marked and seemed to start without a hitch. The course itself runs through neighborhoods, a state park, and some busy roads (course was closed on that side of the road) – there were several lonely parts, but runners were always close by so it’s not like you’re by yourself – just not many spectators along the way. Water stops were plentiful (including portapotties) and included both water and Gatorade. Clif Bars (a localy company) was a sponsor and they provided nutrition along the way too. Great weather and summer training prepared me for this, but the race atmosphere helped me cross the finish line when I did. I wasn’t able to stick around for after, but there’s a cookout for runners (hot dogs, pizza, hamburgers). All in all, a great race! And did I mention I got a PR?? 🙂

New location this year and I liked it better than last year due to no car traffic and little to no running on concrete. An out-and-back loop done once for the 15k or doubled for the 30k – which meant you could give and get high fives and encouragement from the runners coming your direction. This really helped me on the 2nd loop! Three water stops along the way so a 30k runner had 7. Swag included a medal that was part of the larger 502 medal series and a long sleeve 1/4 zip tech shirt for the 30k (I think the 15k got a long sleeve tech crew) plus the needed banana, gatorade, snacks at the end of the race. Small-ish community race but great support and management. I hope it continues and at the new location! It definitely made realize I have GOT to buckle down on my marathon training. Cool early start turned into a humid morning and even with the water stops and carrying a handheld, I stopped sweating the last 6-7 miles … probably not a good thing, I’m thinking.

For being the largest race in the state and one of the largest half-marathons in the country, it doesn’t feel that way. The corrals are set up and are mostly-monitored so those from later corrals don’t jump in with earlier ones … however I started in the 2nd wave with the I corral and I saw some participants right off the bat who should have been in the 3rd or 4th wave. No matter – for the number of people participating (30,000), the course was going to be fairly crowded at the start anyway. PLENTY of water stops, or “pit stops” as we like to call them in Indianapolis in May, lots of crowd support – even with the steady rain throughout the race. This is my 3rd year running it and I’ve already registered for next year. The medal always has something to do with the Indianapolis 500 and being able to run on the Indianapolis Motor Speedway is exciting for this Hoosier-girl. The race swag also includes a running hat and a long-sleeve tech shirt – virtual swag bag consists of coupons to other races and local businesses only (not applicable to runners like me who don’t live in the metro Indianapolis area).

This is the 2nd year for this race and the two years differed greatly. 2018’s race was in June when it was very hot and humid. The route was an out-and-back and on paved roads and concrete and I had my worst time ever for a half. 2019’s race course was changed at the last minute due to impending storms … that didn’t show – but the safety measures were appreciated! To keep the half-marathon runners safe in case a storm did pop up, the route was a short out and back for 1.1 mile, then three loops of the 4 mile course … which made for some tedious hills and a bit of monotony. Swag included a medal and dri-fit shirt, plus food and beverages at the finish and a free massage (I wish I had stood in line for that!). It might be because the course had changed within 12 hours of the start, but it would have been nice to have had mile markers. The race proceeds benefited Women 4 Women – a local nonprofit. Also, for a race that was for women only, I saw two men with bibs (one running the half, one running the 4 mile) and I’m not sure how I felt about that. I didn’t see that they were running with anyone so if they were doing it for support, they could have volunteered at a water stop or at the finish line. Other than that, I’m looking forward to next year’s run and hope that we can get a good weather day!

This is my 3rd time running the marathon and it’s my go-to race. Lots of fan support along the way, great aid stations that are plentiful along the way … honestly, this was the fastest 5 hours and I can’t wait to register for next year. The marathon registration has sold out the past several years and it’s a BQ-race. The Full and Half start together in a series of waves, then split off around mile 7. Lots of great scenery throughout Indianapolis – course runs through older neighborhoods, by the governor’s mansion, through Butler University’s campus, and the grounds of the Newfields Art Museum. There is also a 5k that starts after the Full/Half runners take off.

I think this was the first time this race was put on after a few years off. Since it happened to fall on my 18 mile weekend for marathon training, I was glad to have found out about it. It was basically a 15k loop through downtown Louisville and runners had the option of doing the loop once or twice – I opted for twice. Unfortunately, the area had a lot of rain leading up to this weekend and the Ohio River flooded, making the course along the waterfront a bit too short. It wasn’t that big of a deal for me though – I needed to get the miles in anyway and I think it ended up just shy of 18 miles. The course ran through downtown and then along into areas I wasn’t familiar with – a lot of running on concrete/sidewalk, but it was still neat to see different parts of the city. Swag included a charm that would go on a larger medal (as long as you participate in at least 5 races in the series) and a quarter-zip long sleeve tech shirt for 30k participants (15k participants got a long-sleeve tech t-shirt).