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@grimesdee

Merrillville, IN Raving since 2021 50 States hopeful/finisher, Marathon Maniacs #7895 Active 1 week, 4 days ago

About Me

  • Running club(s):

    Calumet Region Striders

  • Rave race:
  • Race that's calling my name:
  • I run because:

My Races

Organize, track & review your races and personal bests here.

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Half Marathon

Marathon

Ultramarathon

(Marathon or Ultra) + Half

Marathon + Ultra

Other

Future Races

Personal Bests (3)

Race Distance Location Date Result
50K Michigan City, IN 2013 6:25:51
Marathon Erie, PA Sep 8, 2019 4:03:22
Half Marathon Morrow, OH Jul 28, 2019 1:51:09

Future Races (7)

Race Distance Location Date Paid
Marathon Manchester, NH Nov 10, 2024
Marathon Buckeye, AZ Jan 11, 2025
Marathon Coeur d'Alene, ID May 25, 2025
Marathon Kitty Hawk, NC 2025
Marathon Las Cruces, NM 2026
Marathon Austin, TX 2026
Marathon Lincoln, NE TBD

Past Races (46)

Race Distance Location Date Result My Raves My Performance
Marathon Snoqualmie Pass, WA Sep 8, 2024 4:46:19
Half Marathon Louisville, KY Apr 27, 2024 2:01:55
Marathon Virginia Beach, VA Mar 16, 2024 4:35:13
Marathon Melbourne, FL Feb 11, 2024 4:46:26
Half Marathon Chicago, IL Feb 3, 2024
Marathon Rehoboth Beach, DE Dec 2, 2023 4:34:30
Marathon Newport, RI Oct 8, 2023 4:36:09
Marathon Salt Lake City, UT Sep 9, 2023 4:33:32
Marathon Eugene, OR Apr 30, 2023 4:31:16
8K Chicago, IL Mar 26, 2023
Half Marathon Chicago, IL Jan 28, 2023 1:52:00
Marathon Atlantic City, NJ Oct 23, 2022 4:08:34
Marathon Fargo, ND May 20, 2022 4:09:59
Marathon Birmingham, AL Feb 13, 2022 4:12:31
Marathon Olathe, KS Nov 6, 2021 4:09:08
Marathon Tulsa, OK Apr 17, 2021 4:09:48
Marathon Jackson Hole, WY Sep 26, 2020 4:31:42
Marathon Kiawah Island, SC Dec 14, 2019 4:11:46
Marathon Erie, PA Sep 8, 2019 4:03:22
Half Marathon Morrow, OH Jul 28, 2019 1:51:09
Marathon St. Louis, MO Apr 6, 2019 4:11:14
Marathon Savannah, GA Nov 4, 2018 4:12:02
Marathon Tupelo, MS Sep 2, 2018 5:13:59
Marathon Lexington, KY May 19, 2018 4:34:40
Marathon Los Angeles, CA Mar 18, 2018 4:36:41
Half Marathon Chicago, IL Jan 20, 2018 2:04:13
Marathon Huntington, WV Nov 5, 2017 4:36:41
Marathon Buffalo, NY May 28, 2017 4:36:35
Marathon Kenosha, WI May 6, 2017 4:36:32
Marathon Little Rock, AR Mar 5, 2017 4:38:28
Marathon Des Moines, IA Oct 16, 2016 4:37:28
Marathon Cincinnati, OH May 1, 2016 4:37:04
Marathon Cumberland, MD Apr 2, 2016 4:47:01
Marathon New Orleans, LA Feb 28, 2016 4:24:47
Marathon Indianapolis, IN Nov 7, 2015 4:27:51
Marathon Two Harbors, MN Jun 20, 2015 4:34:05
Marathon Ft. Lauderdale, FL Feb 15, 2015 5:02:21
Marathon Chicago, IL Oct 12, 2014 4:13:54
Marathon Kalamazoo, MI May 4, 2014 4:44:08
Marathon Knoxville, TN Mar 30, 2014 4:38:04
Marathon Wright-Patterson AFB, OH 2013 4:12:21
Marathon Indianapolis, IN 2013 4:19:36
50K Michigan City, IN 2013 6:25:51
Marathon Indianapolis, IN 2013 4:36:01
Marathon Nashville, IN 2012 5:41:00
Marathon Indianapolis, IN 2011 4:22:09

My Raves

We arrived late Friday night into Seattle/Tacoma. Saturday we made our way to the packet pickup at the school. It was quick and easy. They had shirts from other/past races … MORE

We arrived late Friday night into Seattle/Tacoma. Saturday we made our way to the packet pickup at the school. It was quick and easy. They had shirts from other/past races for free. We stayed at an air BNB in North Bend. I highly recommend staying in one of these small towns near the race. North Bend was the perfect area. Such a cute town. Race morning we made our way to the start. We had a non-runner with us so she dropped us off. I was in the first wave but came into the race injured. So I was way to the back of the wave in the tunnel. Fortunately for me there was another runner who I made my way through the tunnel with. It was nice and cool in the tunnel (2024.) Once we made our way out of the tunnel it was not as cool as previous years. The course was pretty great other than when the 2nd wave came through and the path was not so wide. I tried to stay far to the right but some of the runners were pretty rude. Also there were quite a few cyclist on the trial who were kind of rude. I used the outhouse around between 11-12. I do not recommend doing this. Wait for a port-a-potty at an aid staton. The outhouses on the path are disgusting. The aid stations were great. Overall even though I was not in my best shape it was one of my most consistent marathons. It felt great to still be running so late in the race. I would recommend gators over your shoes and plan to get fairly dirty. I also LOVED the ice cold cocacola at the finish. The finish area was very crowded and I could not find a place to sit down. I was very sore and just needed to sit but things were a bit crazy. I ended up just taking the cocacola and heading out.

DIFFICULTY
2
PRODUCTION
4
SCENERY
5
SWAG
4

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Expo is average size. Quick and easy in and out if needed. It was raining and parking can be quite a walk. Every busy Friday evening. We stayed at a … MORE

Expo is average size. Quick and easy in and out if needed. It was raining and parking can be quite a walk. Every busy Friday evening.
We stayed at a hotel right near the start. So we waited until the last minute to head to corrals. They were not keeping spectators away from corrals or making sure people were in the correct corral. The first half of the race is great. Lots of energy and people. Even on the military base section they had a great group out to cheer for the runners. Although this section is a bit more narrow than those on the roads. Around mile 12.5 you split from the half and head out toward the 2nd half. The 2nd half doesn’t really have the energy or crowds the first half does. There is just a turn around before 19. Then at 20-21 you have to go around some military housing. It was boring and the sun was in full force. There is a bridge you have to cross twice that is quite steep. Once you get back to the board walk you start to see more people again. I loved the crowd once we got back to the street. There are lots of people to cheer you into the finish from 25-26.2. The post race party was fun however the meal ticket did not exactly provide any food. Basically a small sample of some cake. That was disappointing. We enjoyed the party on the beach because it is very loud under the tent.

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Packet pick is super quick and easy and they have all the last minute stuff you might need. The race itself is beautiful but then 2024 weather was very warm … MORE

Packet pick is super quick and easy and they have all the last minute stuff you might need.
The race itself is beautiful but then 2024 weather was very warm and sunny. The bridges/causeways are much steeper than you expect.

DIFFICULTY
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Small and quick easy packet pickup. The 2023 shirt ran super small on the women's side. Even the when I exchanged for the large it felt small to me. It … MORE

Small and quick easy packet pickup. The 2023 shirt ran super small on the women’s side. Even the when I exchanged for the large it felt small to me. It is also neon yellow. So I won’t be using it for anything other than running. Over the race is very well done. It can be boring in spots along the trail. However anytime I saw people they were so friendly and encouraging. The last stretch along the non paved road was fairly muddy but not horrible. I wish I had felt better on the back half to have a better finish time. The after was so so fun. I loved every minute of it. Even my friends who finished in 5+ hours had a great time. I am glad I did this race towards my 50 states goal.

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Bib pick up was a breeze. Nice easy in and out at the beach. The race tells you to be on the bus by 6am to get bused from the … MORE

Bib pick up was a breeze. Nice easy in and out at the beach. The race tells you to be on the bus by 6am to get bused from the parking lot to the start. It was one of those hurry up and wait kind of things. It was cold waiting around at the start. Even though I knew ahead of time this was two big loops and that we would go by the finish area at mile 13, this race is definitely ideal if you’re doing the half. Almost everyone out cheering in the first 13 assume you are doing g the half. I had some beer at 12 because why not. A biker even have me a hard time for not picking up my pace beat mile 12.8 and I had to tell him I was no where close to being done. The first half has some quick little streets you run down and then turn back. I was expecting to spend the 2nd half running alone but I didn’t as surprised to be surrounded by people most of the time. The traffic control in the 2nd half was not idea especially right after 24 there is a very scary intersection where my friend nearly got hit by one of the buses that was transporting runners. The 2nd half is definitely hilly. The hills at 22.5 and 24 are as advertised big hills. The long straightaway past where you see the finish and into the parking lot was tough. The cars along the road are also staring at you very impatiently. When I finished I was able to get a beer but they ran out shortly after I finished because they were selling them. So anyone finishing around 5 hours or more didn’t get one. There is no chairs inside the beer garden and you can’t take your beer outside the tent. I did really love the portable lockers rather than gear check especially since we had a rental car. The scenery was absolutely beautiful. I also love the medal.

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Arrive late into Salt Lake City. It was a quick drive to the host hotel. Friday afternoon I went to the expo and it was quick and easy to navigate. … MORE

Arrive late into Salt Lake City. It was a quick drive to the host hotel. Friday afternoon I went to the expo and it was quick and easy to navigate. Additional gear was rather expensive. Saturday morning we caught a shuttle up the canyon. It wasn’t as cold this year as in previous years. I took a throw away and used the foil blanket. The port a potty lines became very long and disorganized in the small area they have for them. I heard some people mention they missed the start due to being in line. Bag check was super easy but my bag broke before I even checked it so I had to find a way to tie it closed. The race got delayed starting due to transportation issues. This really effected the last several miles of the race. The up hill at mile 3 is not a joke. It’s very steep. Everything coming down the canyon went well for me. However by the time I go to 20 it was very hot. The water was not very cold and they ran out of nunn. I heard horror stories about the old course coming off the canyon. Once you come off the canyon on the new course you hit a trail for a couple miles and the weave through town. The last 4-5 miles were so hot and felt like a death march. The uphill finish made me feel so defeated but I was happy to be done. Considering my 4:33 finish time very soon after I finished there were few vendors around. They almost ran out of popsicles (which was so nice.) the ice cold towels at the finish were also a very nice touch

DIFFICULTY
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1 member marked this review helpful. Agree?

The packet pick up was pretty easy. Parking can be tricky the morning of. Get there early so you can park on surrounding streets. We did find parking close to … MORE

The packet pick up was pretty easy. Parking can be tricky the morning of. Get there early so you can park on surrounding streets. We did find parking close to the start/finish. The race itself winds through Eugene but you do run past the stadium between mile 9-10 which is better than some races where you run past the finish at the halfway point. The 2nd half was full of concrete wide paths. If you are from the midwest where our bike paths are blacktop this will begin to eventually hurt. I was in pretty rough shape going in so that did not help. The finish on the track was great. The only bad thing is that you have to walk up stairs to get to the food/drinks. Just what you want to do after running 26.2. I did like that because the finish was in the stadium there was plenty of space for me to wait for my fellow running friends.

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Always nice and easy flat course but you never know about the wind. I took some gatorade around mile 10 and that hurt my stomach until the end. Loved seeing … MORE

Always nice and easy flat course but you never know about the wind. I took some gatorade around mile 10 and that hurt my stomach until the end. Loved seeing so many runners on know on the out and back course.

DIFFICULTY
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Expo is very basic. Picked up a nice thin tank top. Race gave a 3/4 zip pull over. The starts by going down the boardwalk and onto some highway areas. … MORE

Expo is very basic. Picked up a nice thin tank top. Race gave a 3/4
zip pull over. The starts by going down the boardwalk and onto some
highway areas. Drivers were very unhappy with the road closures. I was
not expecting the steep highway ramps. Then we went back onto the
board walk until around mile 12. Onto some streets and turned around
around mile 16. The wind was brutal from 16-18. Through the
neighborhood we got some breaks from the wind. Then we turned back
into at mile 21. Around 23 you are back on the boardwalk. It was 20+
MPH winds straight into the finish. My watch and many others measured
26.50+ miles. I was happy with my performance in the conditions. The
rain really came in after I finished and made the after party much
less enjoyable because we were all cramming into a crowded restaurant.
They shut down the free beer option early and the back of the pack was
not happy.

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2 members marked this review helpful. Agree?

Packet pickup was a breeze at the fargo dome. We stayed at an Airbnb about 5 minutes away from the Fargo Dome. Parking was very easy in the morning. The … MORE

Packet pickup was a breeze at the fargo dome. We stayed at an Airbnb about 5 minutes away from the Fargo Dome. Parking was very easy in the morning. The start is inside the dome. It was a little confusing as to where to drop your bags. A long line formed and we realized that was for the half because you couldn’t see the signs. Larger or higher signs would be better. You cannot obtain GPS prior to the start. At some point I ended up with more than .20 over the race distance.
The race had to be altered due to flooding. Many turns and the 10k spilled into the full. 10k gunners were 4-5 wide and I had to make my way around them. The race in 2022 was not as flat as I anticipated but it was mostly flat. The portions on sidewalks are not ideal. The city definitely was very supportive of runners for the most part. We did make our way to the 27th mile after party but it was just too cold to continue sitting outside. The weather was great for running.

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The good Great volunteers, well stocked aid stations, good course traffic, packet pickup, host hotel, start, finish and the swag. It was really great to have our hotel right at … MORE

The good
Great volunteers, well stocked aid stations, good course traffic, packet pickup, host hotel, start, finish and the swag. It was really great to have our hotel right at the start and finish area.
The bad
Two loop course and feels like catered to half. marathon runners.
Definitely a hilly course and you will hit them all twice. There are also some long straight aways. One in particular which is around mile 24 of the full and there is nothing to see but broken glass on the rail road tracks. The volunteers at 24 are the best on the course and have beer.

DIFFICULTY
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SWAG
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Packet pick up is quick and easy. There was plenty of parking the parking garage at the start and finish which worked well for me as I travelled with two … MORE

Packet pick up is quick and easy. There was plenty of parking the parking garage at the start and finish which worked well for me as I travelled with two other runners who I knew I would finish about a hour before. It was a tough and hilly course for someone who lives in flat land. The course was beautiful in the fall however this is normally a spring race. I did enjoy the course and the volunteers were all great! I was disappointed that there was no beer at finish. Two separate out and backs which is always tough. The weather was perfect in the fall of 2021.

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This marathon is a small race. Due to Covid in 2021 they had a record number of marathoners. The race does not have mile markers. The race seems to cater … MORE

This marathon is a small race. Due to Covid in 2021 they had a record number of marathoners. The race does not have mile markers. The race seems to cater to the shorter distance rather than the full. The trail was also under construction during the 2021 race. The overall race was nice but we were unable to park at the finish and there was no gear check. So we just sat there freezing afterwards with no foil blankets or dry clothes.

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This is a smaller field for the marathon (esp in 2020). I felt the race did a great job considering. The scenery is beautiful. It is a point to point … MORE

This is a smaller field for the marathon (esp in 2020). I felt the race did a great job considering. The scenery is beautiful. It is a point to point and there was no busing in 2020 so that made it tricky. We stayed in the town of Jackson. If the buses are running you probably don’t need a car. The weather was not good and being from a very flat part of the country the high elevation start made it a little tricky. I was very happy with my performance.

DIFFICULTY
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The hardest part of this race is the parking. You either need to find a place to stay on the island or stay just off and park the morning of. … MORE

The hardest part of this race is the parking. You either need to find a place to stay on the island or stay just off and park the morning of. So you have to arrive early before they close the island We stayed off the island but very close. The course incorporates the path that is used for the golf course so it is not entirely flat. It was also fairly windy the year I ran it. I enjoyed all the post race festivities but due to the cool temps and wind I was too cold to enjoy very much. I flew in and out of Charleston. So we stayed the first and last night in Charleston. Made a nice extended long weekend out of it.

DIFFICULTY
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A very flat and fast marathon. I got my marathon PR. They had cheap swag. The only downfall was the parking was chaotic and I recommend allowing more time than … MORE

A very flat and fast marathon. I got my marathon PR. They had cheap swag. The only downfall was the parking was chaotic and I recommend allowing more time than you think to park.

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Super flat and fast course. The trees along the trail provide some shade. I’ve run this course many times and always done well. I have been run this race 7 … MORE

Super flat and fast course. The trees along the trail provide some shade. I’ve run this course many times and always done well. I have been run this race 7 months pregnant. 2019 is by far my best half marathon performance. There will not be a ton of crowd support but it’s a course go out and run hard on. Packet pickup is usually the day before at a local running store or the morning of.

DIFFICULTY
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PRODUCTION
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SCENERY
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