valerie ruby's Staging Area

Leading up to the race the team did a great job keeping participants ‘in the know’ as to what to expect and kept participants excited about the race. They included tons of helpful training and race day information, had this been my first race ever I would have particularly appreciated this! The packet pick up and race day itself went VERY smooth and not once did I feel lost. I love running through Des Moines in any condition or location, but this course was mainly through residential areas and had plenty of light hills. The pacers did great, they were informative and friendly. I hung with the 2 hour pacer for most of the race and he did a great job of hitting accurate and even splits. Post race was easy to navigate my way through the recovery area and out of the event space. My family had no problem finding parking or their way into the race to support me. The running jacket surprised me by how great of quality it is!
the course was a little challenging for me since it was through neighborhoods and had several hills. Small hills but by mile 8 I was wishing for flat ground!
Finishing on the blue oval was actually a very powerful and impactful moment. I loved it!