1) Plenty and well stocked Water Stations
2) Have enough t-shirts and medals for all the participants
3) Electrolytes
4) Medical Stations
5) Wild and crazy supporters
6) Live Entertainment
7) Enough blankets
8) Don’t hand it to me, place it around my neck please. I’ve earned the
special treatment
9) Mile Markers, it’s nice to know where you are.
10) Easy access to parking
11) Enough Pre-Race and Post-Race nutrition.
12) Porta-Potties—Plenty at the start, along the route and at the finish area.
Friday, September 4, 2009
Friday, August 28, 2009
The San Francisco Marathon
On a scale of 1-30, I give this Marathon a 26
1-Poor
2-Average
3-Good
1) Location-San Francisco, CA
The route was from the Embarcadero Ferry Station, along the San Francisco Bay, Across the Golden Gate Bridge and back. The route ended at the Golden Gate Park. Despite the never ending hills, the course was memorable.
Score: 3
2) Start
The start line was well organized. The wave I was in started as scheduled.
Score: 3
3) Route
The hills were in abundance as expected. The scenery was beautiful. Running across the Golden Gate Bridge was a great experience.
Score: 3
4) Mile Markers
The mile markers were not very visible.
Score: 2
5) Water Stops
The water stops were well stocked and the volunteers were very helpful.
Score: 3
6) Finish Line
The reception and entertainment at the finish line was great. The medal was place around my neck. I was able to find where the nourishment and water were located. I needed a blanket which was readily available
Score: 3
7) Volunteers
They had a large number of volunteers. They were ready for us with food, water and electrolytes. All the stations were well stocked.
Score: 3
8) Spectators
I did not see many spectators and the community support was not what I expected.
Score: 2
9) Refreshments
They had plenty of refreshments and water for the runners.
Score: 3
10) Medal
The medal is very small and a big disappointment. After running all those hills, I expected something larger and more detailed.
Score: 1
Because some of my friends who were in the last Wave did not get any blankets or food, I think the event was not well organized. Someone who attended the Expo on Saturday did not get a T-Shirt. Also, they ran out of medals. The race organizers should be familiar with the anticipated number of participants and should have enough supplies for the runners.
1-Poor
2-Average
3-Good
1) Location-San Francisco, CA
The route was from the Embarcadero Ferry Station, along the San Francisco Bay, Across the Golden Gate Bridge and back. The route ended at the Golden Gate Park. Despite the never ending hills, the course was memorable.
Score: 3
2) Start
The start line was well organized. The wave I was in started as scheduled.
Score: 3
3) Route
The hills were in abundance as expected. The scenery was beautiful. Running across the Golden Gate Bridge was a great experience.
Score: 3
4) Mile Markers
The mile markers were not very visible.
Score: 2
5) Water Stops
The water stops were well stocked and the volunteers were very helpful.
Score: 3
6) Finish Line
The reception and entertainment at the finish line was great. The medal was place around my neck. I was able to find where the nourishment and water were located. I needed a blanket which was readily available
Score: 3
7) Volunteers
They had a large number of volunteers. They were ready for us with food, water and electrolytes. All the stations were well stocked.
Score: 3
8) Spectators
I did not see many spectators and the community support was not what I expected.
Score: 2
9) Refreshments
They had plenty of refreshments and water for the runners.
Score: 3
10) Medal
The medal is very small and a big disappointment. After running all those hills, I expected something larger and more detailed.
Score: 1
Because some of my friends who were in the last Wave did not get any blankets or food, I think the event was not well organized. Someone who attended the Expo on Saturday did not get a T-Shirt. Also, they ran out of medals. The race organizers should be familiar with the anticipated number of participants and should have enough supplies for the runners.
Thursday, June 18, 2009
San Diego Rock N Roll Marathon
On a scale of 1-30, I give this Marathon a 30
1-Poor
2-Average
3-Good
1) Location- San Diego, CA
The route was from Balboa Park to the Marine Corps Recruit Depot. The course took us around the San Diego Zoo, around Mission Bay, and Sea World. It was a beautiful scenic run.
Score: 3
2) Start
The start line was not very organized. Runners had all the pre-race needs available in abundance.
Score: 3
3) Route
The course had a combination of hills as well as flat. The hills were not steep, but there were quite a few. I personally did not expect that many.
Score: 3
4) Mile Markers
The mile markers were very visible and accurate.
Score: 3
5) Water Stops
There were many and all were well stocked. The volunteers went the extra mile for us.
Score: 3
6) Finish Line
The reception and entertainment at the finish line was great. It felt great to have the metal place around my neck. The runners received a towel to cool off, and a blanket to weather the change in our body temperature. Score: 3
7) Volunteers
This race had a large number of participants, and needed many volunteers. They delivered in numbers as well as service.
Score: 3
8) Spectators
The crowd was great. The entertainment was awesome. The excitement and energy was tremendous. The crowd and coaches along the course demonstrated their love.
Score: 3
9) Refreshments
They had plenty of nourishments and water for the runners.
Score: 3
10) Medal
The medal is heavy, shiny and colorful. On the back it says, “I Rocked”!
Score: 3
I really recommend this race. “San Diego Rock N Roll 2010, make room for me”.
1-Poor
2-Average
3-Good
1) Location- San Diego, CA
The route was from Balboa Park to the Marine Corps Recruit Depot. The course took us around the San Diego Zoo, around Mission Bay, and Sea World. It was a beautiful scenic run.
Score: 3
2) Start
The start line was not very organized. Runners had all the pre-race needs available in abundance.
Score: 3
3) Route
The course had a combination of hills as well as flat. The hills were not steep, but there were quite a few. I personally did not expect that many.
Score: 3
4) Mile Markers
The mile markers were very visible and accurate.
Score: 3
5) Water Stops
There were many and all were well stocked. The volunteers went the extra mile for us.
Score: 3
6) Finish Line
The reception and entertainment at the finish line was great. It felt great to have the metal place around my neck. The runners received a towel to cool off, and a blanket to weather the change in our body temperature. Score: 3
7) Volunteers
This race had a large number of participants, and needed many volunteers. They delivered in numbers as well as service.
Score: 3
8) Spectators
The crowd was great. The entertainment was awesome. The excitement and energy was tremendous. The crowd and coaches along the course demonstrated their love.
Score: 3
9) Refreshments
They had plenty of nourishments and water for the runners.
Score: 3
10) Medal
The medal is heavy, shiny and colorful. On the back it says, “I Rocked”!
Score: 3
I really recommend this race. “San Diego Rock N Roll 2010, make room for me”.
Thursday, June 4, 2009
Pasadena Redux? Try Again
On a scale of 1-30, I give this Marathon a 25
1-Poor
2-Average
3-Good
1) Location- Pasadena, CA
The route featured areas of interest in Pasadena. Areas included residential neighborhoods, lively Old Pasadena various cultural landmarks.
Score: 3
2) Start
The start line was not very organized. The organizers scheduled the 5K competition too close to the Marathon/Hal Marathon’s start time. They then forced the Marathon/Half Marathon without given them time to empty their bladders.
Score: 1
3) Route
The route many “There and Back”, sections. I personally do not like this. The less I have to encounter this type of situation, the better.
Score: 1
4) Mile Markers
The mile markers were very visible and accurate.
Score: 3
5) Water Stops
The water stops were well stocked and the volunteers were very helpful. They took good care of all the runners.
Score: 3
6) Finish Line
The reception and entertainment at the finish line was great. The medal was place around my neck. I like this better than when it is handed to me. I was able to find where the nourishment and water were located. We were not given blankets at the finish line. We really needed them since it “poured” and everyone was soaked.
Score: 3
7) Volunteers
They had a large number of volunteers. They were ready for us with food, water and electrolytes. All the stations were well stocked. I really appreciated how they treated me at the medical tent. (I got blisters from running with wet shoes). Also there was a bus which had the heat on. The bus was located next to the medical tent. Participants were sent there to get dry and warm up.
Score: 3
8) Spectators
The crowd was great. The entertainment was awesome. All the excitement they generated inspired me to continue no matter what. The community really came out to support us.
Score: 3
9) Refreshments
They had plenty of refreshments and water for the runners.
Score: 3
10) Medal has a “Stick Figure” runner and a silhouette of Pasadena. There are also palm trees, and it has the Kaiser Permanente logo, since the event was presented by Kaiser.
Score: 3
Not one of my favorites. Hopefully it will improve in the coming years. Parking was next to impossible. It took me (1) hour to get from the Allen Ave. exit to the parking lot. Consequently, I arrive at the Start Line as the participants started. Since I’ve sitting in the car for over an hour, I really needed to empty my bladder, so I got in line to use the facilities. That’s when I heard the announcement that all Marathon and Half-Marathoners had to cross the Start Line immediately so that they could start the 5K event.
Note to event organizers, next time don’t schedule the 5K so close to the Marathon and Half-Marathon event start time. All the runners should have a chance to obtain an accurate time.
1-Poor
2-Average
3-Good
1) Location- Pasadena, CA
The route featured areas of interest in Pasadena. Areas included residential neighborhoods, lively Old Pasadena various cultural landmarks.
Score: 3
2) Start
The start line was not very organized. The organizers scheduled the 5K competition too close to the Marathon/Hal Marathon’s start time. They then forced the Marathon/Half Marathon without given them time to empty their bladders.
Score: 1
3) Route
The route many “There and Back”, sections. I personally do not like this. The less I have to encounter this type of situation, the better.
Score: 1
4) Mile Markers
The mile markers were very visible and accurate.
Score: 3
5) Water Stops
The water stops were well stocked and the volunteers were very helpful. They took good care of all the runners.
Score: 3
6) Finish Line
The reception and entertainment at the finish line was great. The medal was place around my neck. I like this better than when it is handed to me. I was able to find where the nourishment and water were located. We were not given blankets at the finish line. We really needed them since it “poured” and everyone was soaked.
Score: 3
7) Volunteers
They had a large number of volunteers. They were ready for us with food, water and electrolytes. All the stations were well stocked. I really appreciated how they treated me at the medical tent. (I got blisters from running with wet shoes). Also there was a bus which had the heat on. The bus was located next to the medical tent. Participants were sent there to get dry and warm up.
Score: 3
8) Spectators
The crowd was great. The entertainment was awesome. All the excitement they generated inspired me to continue no matter what. The community really came out to support us.
Score: 3
9) Refreshments
They had plenty of refreshments and water for the runners.
Score: 3
10) Medal has a “Stick Figure” runner and a silhouette of Pasadena. There are also palm trees, and it has the Kaiser Permanente logo, since the event was presented by Kaiser.
Score: 3
Not one of my favorites. Hopefully it will improve in the coming years. Parking was next to impossible. It took me (1) hour to get from the Allen Ave. exit to the parking lot. Consequently, I arrive at the Start Line as the participants started. Since I’ve sitting in the car for over an hour, I really needed to empty my bladder, so I got in line to use the facilities. That’s when I heard the announcement that all Marathon and Half-Marathoners had to cross the Start Line immediately so that they could start the 5K event.
Note to event organizers, next time don’t schedule the 5K so close to the Marathon and Half-Marathon event start time. All the runners should have a chance to obtain an accurate time.
Monday, May 18, 2009
Pasadena Inaugural Marathon
I was anxiously waiting this day. This was to be my first “Inaugural event. I trained for months and did some fundraising for the “American Stroke Association. I was part of the “Train to End Stroke” Pasadena Team.
The week of the event I started hydrating on Thursday, on Friday I started to load up on my carbohydrates. I was more than ready for the race.
On Saturday, I started to wonder if the race would go on. The Air Quality was not good. The fires that had erupted and keep erupting were really damaging the Air Quality. I personally thought that if would be cancelled, but to play it safe I did exactly what I needed to do to prepare my body for Sunday.
I picked up my packet which contained my bib number and chip. After perusing the different booths and talking to the different sponsors and exhibiters, I went to attend the TTES pasta party.
After the pasta party, I got my race gear ready for the morning, and quickly went to bed. Of course as customary I did not sleep well in anticipation of the race.
I rolled out of bed at 4AM; put my gear on including the bib and chip. As I was checking to make sure I had not forgotten something, the phone rings. I’m not sure who’s calling me that early so I contemplated not answering. I did answer and it was a good thing I did. It was one of my team members telling me that the Marathon had been cancelled due to the “Air Quality”. This as about 4:45 AM.
Here I am overloaded with electrolytes and carbohydrates, and no race. I felt like I needed to run it all off. But, I could not the air quality was bad not only in Pasadena, but all the areas surrounding the city.
Until that day I had never heard of a Marathon being cancelled. Marathon events normally go rain or shine, but I guess this was a “freak” of nature. This took everyone by surprise. Canceling an event of this nature (2) hours before the event, was very costly to the organizers and the participants who were not given any refund.
The week of the event I started hydrating on Thursday, on Friday I started to load up on my carbohydrates. I was more than ready for the race.
On Saturday, I started to wonder if the race would go on. The Air Quality was not good. The fires that had erupted and keep erupting were really damaging the Air Quality. I personally thought that if would be cancelled, but to play it safe I did exactly what I needed to do to prepare my body for Sunday.
I picked up my packet which contained my bib number and chip. After perusing the different booths and talking to the different sponsors and exhibiters, I went to attend the TTES pasta party.
After the pasta party, I got my race gear ready for the morning, and quickly went to bed. Of course as customary I did not sleep well in anticipation of the race.
I rolled out of bed at 4AM; put my gear on including the bib and chip. As I was checking to make sure I had not forgotten something, the phone rings. I’m not sure who’s calling me that early so I contemplated not answering. I did answer and it was a good thing I did. It was one of my team members telling me that the Marathon had been cancelled due to the “Air Quality”. This as about 4:45 AM.
Here I am overloaded with electrolytes and carbohydrates, and no race. I felt like I needed to run it all off. But, I could not the air quality was bad not only in Pasadena, but all the areas surrounding the city.
Until that day I had never heard of a Marathon being cancelled. Marathon events normally go rain or shine, but I guess this was a “freak” of nature. This took everyone by surprise. Canceling an event of this nature (2) hours before the event, was very costly to the organizers and the participants who were not given any refund.
Thursday, April 2, 2009
My First Virtual Event
I’ve always wanted to participate in the Nike Women’s Marathon. This event is held in October in San Francisco. The Marathon is the largest women’s running event in the world to benefit The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Selection is done by a draw. I did not get selected.
Suddenly I received an email with information on registering for Nike Women’s Half Marathon. The email informed me that no matter where I race on October 19th 2008, I would receive a finishers t-shirt and an exclusive keychain designed by Tiffany & Co. The only thing I had to do was lace up my shoes; grab my Nike+Ipod Sport Kit or my Nike+ SportBand and run to record my distance to be part of it. After finishing, I had to upload to Nike to register the completion.
By the way I love the Nike+Ipod Sport Kit. It records my pace, how many miles and how many calories I burned. When I’m done with my workout, a famous athletes voice lets you know if you set a new pace, as well as run the longest distance. You can also see the Awards you’ve received, such as the Virtual event I completed. When you send the information to Nike via the internet, your account comes up with all the history of your runs, and fastest mile.
Well on October 19, 2008, I finished my First Virtual Half-Marathon. I ran in Columbus, Ohio, where I participated in the Nationwide Better Health Columbus Marathon. I have (2) Finishers T-Shirts, (1) medal and (1) keychain which I made into a medal. This makes for a very interesting conversation piece, when people wonder how I ran in San Francisco, CA, and Columbus, Ohio the same day.
I’ve entered the draw again this year, and I’m hoping to get selected to be physically in San Francisco running. After all it’s been a few years since I wanted to cross the finish line and have a handsome man in a Tuxedo place the Tiffany Medal around my neck. But, if I don’t get selected, I’ll have to select a new state to do the Virtual event.
On a scale of 1-30. This gets a 30. I highly recommend Virtual Events.
Suddenly I received an email with information on registering for Nike Women’s Half Marathon. The email informed me that no matter where I race on October 19th 2008, I would receive a finishers t-shirt and an exclusive keychain designed by Tiffany & Co. The only thing I had to do was lace up my shoes; grab my Nike+Ipod Sport Kit or my Nike+ SportBand and run to record my distance to be part of it. After finishing, I had to upload to Nike to register the completion.
By the way I love the Nike+Ipod Sport Kit. It records my pace, how many miles and how many calories I burned. When I’m done with my workout, a famous athletes voice lets you know if you set a new pace, as well as run the longest distance. You can also see the Awards you’ve received, such as the Virtual event I completed. When you send the information to Nike via the internet, your account comes up with all the history of your runs, and fastest mile.
Well on October 19, 2008, I finished my First Virtual Half-Marathon. I ran in Columbus, Ohio, where I participated in the Nationwide Better Health Columbus Marathon. I have (2) Finishers T-Shirts, (1) medal and (1) keychain which I made into a medal. This makes for a very interesting conversation piece, when people wonder how I ran in San Francisco, CA, and Columbus, Ohio the same day.
I’ve entered the draw again this year, and I’m hoping to get selected to be physically in San Francisco running. After all it’s been a few years since I wanted to cross the finish line and have a handsome man in a Tuxedo place the Tiffany Medal around my neck. But, if I don’t get selected, I’ll have to select a new state to do the Virtual event.
On a scale of 1-30. This gets a 30. I highly recommend Virtual Events.
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Kona Marathon
On a scale of 1-30, I give this Marathon a 28
1-Poor
2-Average
3-Good
1) Location
Kona, Hawaii-Begins and finishes at the Outrigger Keauhou Beach
Score: 3
2) Start
The start is located .2 Miles from the Outrigger Keauhou Beach Resort on Alii Drive...
Score: 3
3) Route
The Kona Marathon & Family Fun Runs marathon’s course takes place along the coast of the Big Island of Hawaii. The Marathon begins on Alii Drive through Kailua-Kona town and up to the intersection of Alii Drive and Kuakini Hwy. The runners then turns left on Kuakini Hwy out to 'The Old Airport'. (A real airport made into a park after Keahole Airport was built.) Runners then continue right up 'K-Mart Road' and then left on to Queen Kaahumanu Highway. Runners go 2 miles down the 'Natural Energy Lab Road', completing 13.0 miles into the race. Then the runners turn around for a 13.2 mile run to the finish line at the Outrigger Keauhou Beach Resort. BEAUTIFUL SCENERY.
Score: 3
4) Mile Markers
The mile markers were very visible and accurate.
Score: 3
5) Water Stops
The water stops were plenty, but the water was not spring or purified. The smell was enough to make my stomach turn. I did not drink the water.
Score: 1
6) Finish Line
The reception and entertainment at the finish line was great. When I crossed the finish line my name and time were announced. The medal was placed around my neck. The timing chip was removed by a volunteer. I did not receive a blanket. Since I was soaked from the down pour, I needed one. But they were not available since they had anticipated extremely hot weather that day.
Score: 3
7) Volunteers
There were plenty of volunteers. They were ready for us with food, water and electrolytes. All the stations were well stocked.
Score: 3
8) Spectators
GREAT CROWD! Some spectators were giving the runners bottled water and Gatorade.
Score: 3
9) Refreshments
There was plenty of water, food and electrolytes for the participants. I went with the team Train to End Stroke, and they also had plenty of refreshments for us. Nourishment was abundant.
Score: 3
10) Medal
The medal is an oval. Inside the oval there is a map of the Big Island, Blue Waves and a runner touching a red star.
Score: 3
**When I participated, I had the flu and a fever. I was dehydrated, and was not
able to perform my best, and my pace suffered.
I’m considering participating in this event again, but I’ll make sure I’m healthy
and have my own water. Hopefully I can set a new personal record.
1-Poor
2-Average
3-Good
1) Location
Kona, Hawaii-Begins and finishes at the Outrigger Keauhou Beach
Score: 3
2) Start
The start is located .2 Miles from the Outrigger Keauhou Beach Resort on Alii Drive...
Score: 3
3) Route
The Kona Marathon & Family Fun Runs marathon’s course takes place along the coast of the Big Island of Hawaii. The Marathon begins on Alii Drive through Kailua-Kona town and up to the intersection of Alii Drive and Kuakini Hwy. The runners then turns left on Kuakini Hwy out to 'The Old Airport'. (A real airport made into a park after Keahole Airport was built.) Runners then continue right up 'K-Mart Road' and then left on to Queen Kaahumanu Highway. Runners go 2 miles down the 'Natural Energy Lab Road', completing 13.0 miles into the race. Then the runners turn around for a 13.2 mile run to the finish line at the Outrigger Keauhou Beach Resort. BEAUTIFUL SCENERY.
Score: 3
4) Mile Markers
The mile markers were very visible and accurate.
Score: 3
5) Water Stops
The water stops were plenty, but the water was not spring or purified. The smell was enough to make my stomach turn. I did not drink the water.
Score: 1
6) Finish Line
The reception and entertainment at the finish line was great. When I crossed the finish line my name and time were announced. The medal was placed around my neck. The timing chip was removed by a volunteer. I did not receive a blanket. Since I was soaked from the down pour, I needed one. But they were not available since they had anticipated extremely hot weather that day.
Score: 3
7) Volunteers
There were plenty of volunteers. They were ready for us with food, water and electrolytes. All the stations were well stocked.
Score: 3
8) Spectators
GREAT CROWD! Some spectators were giving the runners bottled water and Gatorade.
Score: 3
9) Refreshments
There was plenty of water, food and electrolytes for the participants. I went with the team Train to End Stroke, and they also had plenty of refreshments for us. Nourishment was abundant.
Score: 3
10) Medal
The medal is an oval. Inside the oval there is a map of the Big Island, Blue Waves and a runner touching a red star.
Score: 3
**When I participated, I had the flu and a fever. I was dehydrated, and was not
able to perform my best, and my pace suffered.
I’m considering participating in this event again, but I’ll make sure I’m healthy
and have my own water. Hopefully I can set a new personal record.
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