About Me
My Races
Organize, track & review your races and personal bests here.
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Half Marathon
Marathon
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(Marathon or Ultra) + Half
Marathon + Ultra
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Future Races
Personal Bests (2)
Race | Distance | Location | Date | Result |
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Bank of America Chicago Marathon | Marathon | Chicago, IL | Oct 8, 2023 | 3:45:04 |
Hot Cider Hustle Grand Rapids, MI | Half Marathon | Walker, MI | Nov 4, 2023 | 1:47:12 |
Future Races (2)
Race | Distance | Location | Date | Paid |
---|---|---|---|---|
London Marathon | Marathon | London, United Kingdom | Apr 27, 2025 | ✓ |
Berlin Marathon | Marathon | Berlin, Germany | Sep 21, 2025 | ✓ |
Past Races (23)
Race | Distance | Location | Date | Result | My Raves | My Performance |
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New York City Marathon | Marathon | Staten Island, NY | Nov 3, 2024 | |||
Bank of America Chicago Marathon | Marathon | Chicago, IL | Oct 13, 2024 | |||
Big Sur International Marathon | Marathon | Big Sur, CA | Apr 28, 2024 | 4:21:01 |
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Tokyo Marathon | Marathon | Tokyo, Japan | Mar 3, 2024 | 4:02:00 |
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Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend | Marathon | Lake Buena Vista, FL | Jan 7, 2024 | 4:30:05 |
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Honolulu Marathon | Marathon | Honolulu, HI | Dec 10, 2023 | 4:04:05 |
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Hot Cider Hustle Grand Rapids, MI | Half Marathon | Walker, MI | Nov 4, 2023 | 1:47:12 |
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Grand Rapids Marathon & Half Marathon | Half Marathon | Grand Rapids, MI | Oct 15, 2023 | 1:52:32 |
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Bank of America Chicago Marathon | Marathon | Chicago, IL | Oct 8, 2023 | 3:45:04 |
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Park2Park 1/2 Marathon & 5K | Half Marathon | Holland, MI | Sep 23, 2023 | 1:50:40 | ||
Millennium Meadows Marathon and Half Marathon | Half Marathon | Grand Rapids, MI | Aug 27, 2023 | 1:55:18 | ||
Laker Loop Half Marathon | Half Marathon | Spring Lake, MI | Jul 22, 2023 | 1:57:01 | ||
Hess Lake Run for Wounded Warrior Project | Half Marathon | Newaygo, MI | Jul 8, 2023 | 1:52:19 | ||
Cincinnati Flying Pig Marathon | Marathon | Cincinnati, OH | May 7, 2023 | 4:23:44 | ||
SHE RUNS Grand Rapids | Half Marathon | Grand Rapids, MI | Apr 30, 2023 | 1:52:32 | ||
Rivertown Races | Half Marathon | Walker, MI | Apr 22, 2023 | 1:56:02 | ||
Portage Winter Blast Half Marathon, 10K & 5K | Half Marathon | Kalamazoo, MI | Feb 26, 2023 | 2:01:10 | ||
Grand Rapids Marathon & Half Marathon | Marathon | Grand Rapids, MI | Oct 16, 2022 | 3:54:31 | ||
Millennium Meadows Marathon and Half Marathon | Half Marathon | Grand Rapids, MI | Aug 28, 2022 | 1:57:32 | ||
Mesa Marathon | Marathon | Mesa, AZ | 2014 | 3:51:54 | ||
Rock ‘n’ Roll San Diego | Half Marathon | San Diego, CA | 2013 | 1:58:47 | ||
Rock ‘n’ Roll Arizona | Half Marathon | Phoenix, AZ | Jan 15, 2012 | 1:54:45 |
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Charlotte Marathon | Marathon | Charlotte, NC | 2009 | 3:56:51 |
Big Sur International Marathon 🏆
Beautiful course!
Big Sur International Marathon 🏆
Course: 2024 modified out and back course. Very scenic and beautiful. The hills (~2k elevation gain) were tough but not impossible. There were some windy areas but I think we … MORE
Course: 2024 modified out and back course. Very scenic and beautiful. The hills (~2k elevation gain) were tough but not impossible. There were some windy areas but I think we really lucked out. The piano man and drums were very cool to see!
Swag: The medal is very cool and different from the typical race medal. Long sleeve tech tee also came with the registration. They made it easy to trade out sizes after the race.
Expo: the expo was a decent size and they had some nice quality (although expensive) swag. Free bananas and sample of sports drinks.
Race organization: plenty of restrooms at the start/finish. They were scattered throughout the course as well. They served nuun sports drinks, bananas, oranges, Gu, strawberries on the course. Plenty of hydration and nutrition options. The race organizers had to pivot quickly because of a landslide and they succeeded in making the race a wonderful experience!
Tokyo Marathon
Tokyo - the Robe is EPIC
Tokyo Marathon
Expo: Very controversial. They don’t make a lot of gear. It is usually sold out pretty quickly on the first day. If this is important to you, you should buy … MORE
Expo: Very controversial. They don’t make a lot of gear. It is usually sold out pretty quickly on the first day. If this is important to you, you should buy whatever you can in advance. I bought the race T-shirt in advance and was content. Others were very upset. There was mass chaos over jackets at the expo. The expo had lots of photo opp areas. Non Tokyo Marathon gear was available. Getting the bibs etc. was a smooth process on Day 2.
Course: Nice flat course with ample support along the way. There are some out and backs. I know the very fast runners can sometimes find the turns frustrating but I loved that I got a glimpse of the elites as they ran through. I ran for DMHC and they had 11 cheer stations along the course to support DMHC runners. Bins were available at the start to discard clothing. Allow yourself 45 minutes or so if you need a restroom before the race. I didn’t think the restroom situation was as dire as some have expressed in the past.
My Garmin said I ran almost 26.8 miles. I’m used to a lot of races that have drink stations on both sides of the path so I always gravitate right. I think this caused me to put the extra distance in since they were all on the left.
Post Race: The medal is very nice. The post race robe is epic. I love it! My swag score would probably be lower without it. The post race drinks and snacks were nothing to write home about. I wish they had protein to offer after. You have to buy the race T-shirt separate (I feel like most include it).
I ran for DMHC and they had a nice post race event with food, drinks and even a chance to meet Ronald McDonald. 🙂 It was a great event but be prepared to walk a bit after the race to get there.
City: Tokyo is a great city! There are lots of things to do. Do your best to understand the train lines before you go. I stayed in Shinjuku. This was great access to the Start of the race. The train station is HUGE and I found it very confusing at first. After a few days I got my bearings and figured it out. I was never able to get money into my Suica card in Apple wallet (it doesn’t like Visa cards). I got Yen when I arrived and was able to get a physical Suica card and fill it with the cash.
The time change didn’t have a massive impact on me there. I’m thankful for that. I know that isn’t always the case. I was in Tokyo for 6 days which was sufficient if you have limited vacation time and a family at home like me.
Registering: My experience is through the charity route. Some of the social media pages can be helpful for timing etc. (World Marathon Majors is a good one). 100,000 yen (around $700 when I applied) is the minimum but it is a bidding process. You submit your amount and you pay it if you get in. If you need to fundraise you need to think through how you handle this. Since I love RMHC (DMHC in Japan) I knew this was the charity for me. I also knew that I really wanted to run this race in 2024 so I bid above the minimum at a point that I felt pretty sure about getting in.
Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend
Nice run for the experience
Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend
This is likely one of the only races where I would say I “only did the Full Marathon.” The Disney challenges (Dopey & Goofy) are the main event. Definitely on … MORE
This is likely one of the only races where I would say I “only did the Full Marathon.” The Disney challenges (Dopey & Goofy) are the main event. Definitely on my bucket list to attempt the Dopey someday!
Course: Nice flat course. A lot of the course is on roads between parks but they did a nice job of placing characters and DJs to distract you. The run down Main Street is Magic Kingdom was magical. It was also neat to run through portions of Animal Kingdom (I was able to ride Everest during the race!!), Epcot and Hollywood Studios. I committed to myself to enjoy the experience of the characters and wasn’t chasing a goal time. They probably had at least 30 character stops. There might’ve been more but there was a significant downpour for several miles and the characters get pulled.
Swag: The medals and shirts are nice! I chose not to wait for a half a day to visit the Merch area but it sounds like a lot of people really like to buy all of the merchandise. I liked that they had bananas on the course! They also had Sport Beans. Post race they provided plenty of water. Gatorade etc. They also had a nice snack pack for runners. Runner also got a set of Marathon edition Mickey ears.
All in all I had a great time and enjoyed this race!
Honolulu Marathon
Tough and Humbling Race
Honolulu Marathon
Location: The location is fantastic for a long weekend away. Beautiful beaches and plenty of fun things to do and see. Expo: No frills expo. Plenty of merch to buy. … MORE
Location: The location is fantastic for a long weekend away. Beautiful beaches and plenty of fun things to do and see.
Expo: No frills expo. Plenty of merch to buy. No giveaways or samples that I could see. The bib bag came with the bib and a Honolulu marathon sticker. You get your finisher shirt after the race.
Race: Expect to wake up at 2 AM for the 5AM race. I was glad to see that they had shuttles for participants on the far side of Waikiki (by the zoo). Shuttles run from 2-3:45. I got to the shuttle area around 3 and there were probably 30 buses and shuttles lined up and ready to go. Made it to the race corrals around 3:15 and it was a long wait from there. Ample restrooms. They show water at the start but it was literally a park water fountain. Also, bag drop is at the finish which is a different location (by the zoo). One poor guy had a full bag of things and didn’t have anywhere to check them at the start.
When race time came I moved to the corrals. Total honors system. They assign you a corral color based on expected finish time but nobody was looking so people just went where they wished. They did a Hawaiian prayer and song along with the national anthem which was pretty cool. The fireworks at the start were great! Probably at least 15 minutes of them. The first half of the race if you are towards the front is in the dark (not a bad thing). The second half is in the hot sun. Before the race I took in the race profile and saw a hill around mile 8/9 but I was not prepared for how big that hill would be. The map says 124 feet but it sure felt much higher and longer. Thank goodness it was still dark. The long and short of my race experience is that I was humbled by Honolulu. The sun, heat and humidity really got to me after months of fall/winter training in Michigan. I was about 20 minutes off of my Fall race in Chicago. It was a good experience but make sure you are fully prepped to run in 70-80 degree and humid weather.
Post race: Medal is really nice and shirt is ok quality. They give you a water, banana and Malisada pastry. You can watch your finish on a big screen which is a nice touch.
Other races: the weekend is set up so friends and family can also participate. My husband and I ran the Merrie Mile on Saturday. Fun little mile fun run. All sorts of costumes and antics. After the Merrie Mile a group of Elite runners run. It is amazing to see them run a sub4 minute mile. On the day of the marathon there is a Start to the Park 10k that begins at the same time. If marathons aren’t a thing for your spouse they can run the first 6 with you!
Hot Cider Hustle Grand Rapids, MI
Nice Fall Run
Hot Cider Hustle Grand Rapids, MI
SWAG: The medal is really nice. Nice ribbon and bling! I liked that they had a couple style options for the shirt. If you race a lot you can tend … MORE
SWAG: The medal is really nice. Nice ribbon and bling! I liked that they had a couple style options for the shirt. If you race a lot you can tend to get a bunch of the same style. The choice was appreciated. The mug is nice and you can fill it with cider after your run. I was pretty excited for the Carmel Apple but it ended up being a normal store bought one. The pictures made me think it was going to be a little classier. I was surprised that they didn’t have anything else post race for snacks other than water. No Gu on the course either.
Course: I love running through the parks here so in general I’m a big fan. I will say that the start/finish line location was not in good shape. Big puddles and bad footing. I wish they would pick a different location. I also wasn’t a fan of the last mile. Winding around the park facility was no fun. I’d rather have that mile out in the park. Just a personal preference I suppose. Lots of turns when you are tired aren’t so fun.
Overall I really enjoyed the race and was thrilled to get a personal best. I would likely do it again!
Grand Rapids Marathon & Half Marathon 🏆
Great race in Grand Rapids
Grand Rapids Marathon & Half Marathon 🏆
Swag: Nice shirt and very high quality medals both years that I ran this race. Lots of food/drink options after the race for runners. The race packet also had lots … MORE
Swag: Nice shirt and very high quality medals both years that I ran this race. Lots of food/drink options after the race for runners. The race packet also had lots of goodies.
Course: I like that there are some nice scenic sections of the city in the start. You see some of the bridges etc. Then you run out of the city into Millennium park which is a great place to run. There are good cheering sections throughout the race. Water/Gatorade/Gu provided and toilets along the course if you need them. Pacers available with signs to match Celebrity racers. Ex. George Bush / Dubya’s Running Mates 8:32/mile.
Great race! I’m a local so will definitely do it again!
Bank of America Chicago Marathon 🏆
What a run!
Bank of America Chicago Marathon 🏆
I came into Chicago excited. I ran for RMHC and having this additional sense of purpose was amazing. This group of people…. So committed to this wonderful cause and to … MORE
I came into Chicago excited. I ran for RMHC and having this additional sense of purpose was amazing. This group of people…. So committed to this wonderful cause and to the sport.
The race was amazing. I didn’t think I would ever describe a marathon as fun but here I am now! The course is fast and flat. You really don’t even need music. The crowds are amazing. Each neighborhood was representing (I think 28 or 29?) and in full force. The signs were great fun “Rats don’t run this city. You do!” It was such an amazing vibe.
RMHC is a wonderful charity to run for. The pasta dinner, before/after race accommodations and party were top notch. I highly recommend Chicago.
While I have a lot of goals to do new Marathons I’m getting really tempted to register with my qualifying time for next year. I think I will! 😉
Rock ‘n’ Roll Arizona
PF Changs Rock n’ Roll Half Marathon
Rock ‘n’ Roll Arizona
This was a good race! Like most Rock n’ Roll races there were several stations with a variety of music and good vibes. Fast and flat course. Weather was nice. … MORE
This was a good race! Like most Rock n’ Roll races there were several stations with a variety of music and good vibes. Fast and flat course. Weather was nice. You can’t beat an Arizona winter race?