Shelby Township Jingle Bell 5k race review

Short Version
Finished in 23:25(official time); no new PR(PR is 22:18)
Overall place:  36/306
AG(M40-44):  6/33
Overall Pace:  7:33/mile

Race #62!!!!

Overall, a well run race with chip timing.  Of course, the weather was a bit of an issue but it really could not have been much better given we were expecting ice.  While a couple slick spots, the race did a great job clearing the course the entire way so it was good to run it.

--------------------------------------

Long Version

Registration/packet pickup

Packet pickup was either the day before at Hanson's Running Shop in Utica or race morning.  I chose to go to Hanson's and get my packet.  Things were quite easy.  I forgot to bring my camera in and grab a picture since I was on my way somewhere and was not thinking.  All you had to do was give them your name and you got your packet.  I was in and out in about five minutes.  In addition, you received 20% off anything in the store that day as well which was nice.  I chose not to buy anything though.  That morning, the packet pickup was in the same area as the start area so it was simple to get your packet and put it back in your car if you needed to pickup that morning.

Start Area
While I got there a little after 8am with the race starting at 9am, I got a really good parking spot.  There was plenty of parking for the runners since this was not a huge race.  You can see below how close I was to the start line.  Even if you had gotten there at 8:30am, it would have not been an issue to get in.

Parking is nice and close

With the weather always unknown this time of year, it's nice to know that you could wait inside before the race and also use regular bathrooms inside as well.  The race had a couple sponsors inside as well as the packet pickup in the same area.

Can wait indoors before race

The SEMR(Southeast Michigan Runners) group agreed to meet at 8:30am for a picture before the race.  We got a picture with Buddy the Elf too!  Haha!  I've seen him at other races as well and it's a great costume for him since he also looks like Will Ferrell too.  He was a great sport about it.  Thanks Matt for posing with us!

SEMR crew with Buddy the Elf!

After that, we had some time to talk and then head out to the start area where the announcer was having everyone get into line for the race.

Getting ready to race

 As you can see, people were heading to the start line. 

Running getting in line

People are always so shy to start at the front.  I didn't want to ge in the front either but fairly close so we lined up just a little after the people in the front line.

At the start

The race did the National Anthem, which was sung by a couple girls, and was quite nice and we were ready to race!

Runners in front

Runners behind me at start

Course
The course was a run through the school yard, field and onto Cherry Creek gofl course, through Mae Stecker Park, back through the golf course and school area and back to the finish.  I didn't really have any goal today since I wasn't sure what the course would be like given the weather.

We had it all today on the course including rain, puddles, sloshy snow, mud, dirt, grass, ice, asphalt.  You name it, we experienced it today.  It actually made it a really fun course and it was a nice layout for a 5k.  It was mostly flat and fast as well and while I did not PR today, I had a fairly decent run.

Map per Garmin

Elevation - pretty flat overall

Splits/weather

Note: When I take pictures during the race, I don't change my pace or stop in the interest of safety.   I just keep running and I get what I can get from the pictures.   Some come out better than others but they give you a great idea of what the course is like. 

As you can see, there were puddles and a few slick spots to contend with but nothing that was a big deal - at least not at the start.

Coming out of the parking area

A little slick

 We headed out of the parking area and into the school area.

Into the school parking area

 I actually really loved running through the fields and I could not believe the race management was able to clear it like this.  A fantastic job on their part.  There were some muddy parts but I really enjoyed this.

Onto the field

We made our way through Cherry Creek Golf Course which is also a very nice area for a run.  It's not like you get to run on a golf course in the winter all the time so it was a real treat for me.

Golf Course

 As you can see, the golf course also is pretty even in the Winter months.

Cherry Creek Golf Course

We ran past the golf course clubhouse too which is really nice especially for a public course.

Golf Course clubhouse

Runners seemed to be having a great time running this, and you can see, at least where I was, that it was not that crowded.  Of course, a little behind me had more people but if you were looking for a PR, as long as you lined up properly, you could have it.

A nice view of the course

Running on the path

 Mae Stecker Park is also a nice area to run especially around the pond area.

Mae Stecker Park

A run by the pond

 We ran a circle in the park and started to make our way back to the finish area.

Heading back

2 miles!

 There were a couple fun bridges to run across even through they were a little slick to run on.

Bridge

Back on the golf course

Another bridge

A river runs through it

Coming out of the golf course

 Almost to the finish line and back on the field, just a little muddy but really nice.

Back on the field

A couple muddy areas

 A mad dash to the finish line now that we were back on pavement.

Back to the parking lot

Finish!

After you finished, a volunteer gave you a bottle of water if you wanted.

Aid Stations
No aid stations on the course.  While it's not that big of deal on a 5k course, it would have been nice to see an aid station in Mae Stecker park half way through the course.

Finish Area
When we got back, we could come back inside the building area and keep warm and eat.  One of the sponsors was Biggby coffee so we were able to get some free coffee after the race.

Warm inside

Free Biggby Coffee

 The race also had water, bagels and bananas after for the runners which was your standard finish line food.

Bagels and Bananas / Water

It was nice to hang out a  little and talk as well and eat and drink.  Plenty of room for all the runners after the finish.  The pictures below were when we were leaving so the majority of runners had finished the course.

Runners socializing

Nice and warm area

Amenities
For your entry of $20, you received a bag with your packet, a chip timed course that was cleared quite nice.  It was also cleared of all traffic so a closed course.  In addition, you received a cotton T-shirt.  My preference is not to get a plain white shirt.  It's nice to get a colored shirt if you are going to receive a cotton one.  I saw last years shirt which was red.

Race packet with bag

Shirt front

Shirt back

Organization
The race management did a good job with all aspects of organization.  A really nice touch was the race e-mailed everyone very early to let them know that the race was still moving forward given the prediction was for ice.  It was nice to see that they mentioned it so people did not need to worry.  Volunteers were directing you where you needed to park, the course was well organized and cleared, the start and finish line was quite organized.  Excellent job!

Overall
The course and timing was managed by Hanson's who did a nice job overall on that.  They did an excellent job at clearing the course so it was safe for runners.  It was a bonus for me since the course is only 2 miles from my home.  It was a hometown feeling and it was not huge which is nice not to fight a crowd all the time.  Parking was very easy, the volunteers were helpful and you always knew where to go for anything. The race price was reasonable and it was well organized.  It was for some good charitable causes as well which is always a bonus.  It's definitely a race I would do again and a nice one to pick for a December race.

Have a great day and....Keep Running!!!!

Note:  I was not compensated in any way for this post. All opinions are my own.

Next up.....

Next up is the Shelby Township Jingle Bell Run 5k.  I've never raced this one before but it's nice and close to home.  Good thing too because we are expecting an ice storm this afternoon through the night so that should make it interested.  It might be my first DNS if it's really bad out tomorrow.  We'll see!

It might actually be safer to run there and back than to drive.  Haha!

Have a great day and....Keep Running!!!!

Headsweats ambassador

As many of you probably already know, I'm a huge fan of Headsweats hats and beanies for training all year long.  The hats are great at keeping you cool in the Summer and warm in the Winter.  They also do an awesome job at pulling the sweat off you and, in the summer, are very light.  One of the best things about them is that they are machine washable and they don't get torn up in the wash since they are great quality so they are really easy to take care of.

My collection

Of the seven hats above(The Airlite, the Fleece Race Hat, the Thermal Reversible Beanie, and the Toaster Beanie), I've reviewed four of them.  The other three I purchased including two Shorty Beanies and a Go Hat.  I wear all of them extensively depending on weather.

Given that I like and use the hats so much, they asked if I was interested in being an ambassador for them.  Ummmm, YES!!!  Haha!  I'll get a few more hats(which I'll review here) to wear during training and I'm featured on their website as an ambassador!  Very cool!  Plus the best news is that I can offer all of you a 25% discount on any of their full price hats.  There might even be a future giveaway!  How awesome is that?

You'll see the above ad has been added to my blog sidebar for you to use when you need a new Headsweats hat over the next year.   I'll also be sharing pictures over the next year of me training in the Headsweats hats which is not hard to do considering I wear them all the time anyway and also the fact that I already am planning over 20 races next year.

So spend away and save a little in the process too.  If you've not tried them before, now is the time to see what they're like.  The quality is exceptional and I know that you will be happy with your purchase.

Have a great day and....Keep Running!!!!

Note:  Some of the products here I received in exchange for past reviews.  All opinions are my own.  I do not receive any compensation for purchases made with the discount code.

Wordless Wednesday 12/18/13

While the iPhone app has issues, I'm really loving my new Garmin 220

Have a great day and....Keep Running!!!!

100 Marathons book review

About a month ago I received "100 Marathons" by Jeff Horowitz to review.

I enjoy reading about other peoples marathon adventures and this book is a great one.  Anyone can right about their experience in a race but Mr. Horowitz does things a little different in his book.

First, he does not detail every single race.  How boring would that be?

Second, he picks particular races that were of interest and details them out so you really feel like you were there.  In fact, there are a couple races he talks about that I'd love to run now that I've read about them.  I need to try that Huckleberry shake after the Mesa Falls marathon.  He traveled around the world to run many of these races.

I think the biggest thing that sets this book apart from other marathon books is the history.  As he discusses races, he also talks about the history of the area, the race, etc and it really gives you a different perspective of the race.  If you are a history buff that also likes to run, this is a must read.

For me in particular, he brings a closer touch to running as his first Boston Qualifying race was the Detroit marathon.  He also talks about his family which really personalizes the book.  Surprisingly, the end is quite sad.

While running a marathon is an amazing accomplishment, the things that the author achieved are simply incredible.  I suggest picking up a copy of the book to see for yourself.  It really kept my attention and, if you like to run, you will really enjoy this book.

Have a great day and....Keep Running!!!!

Note:  I received a complimentary copy of "100 marathons" in exchange for this review.  I was not required to give a particular opinion on the book.  All opinions are my own.

Headsweats Fleece Race Hat Winner!!!!

Headsweats Fleece Race Hat

Sorry everyone that I didn't post this yesterday!  We had some fairly good interest in the Fleece Race Hat made by Headsweats.  I really love their hats and, as my review explained, this one is great for winter.

The winner of the hat is..........

Leah Holben!!!!!!!

Congratulations Leah.  I hope you like the hat as much as I do.  We did 10 miles on a very cold, windy, snowy day and I can thank this hat for keeping me comfortable the entire way.

Pontiac Lake Trails with my Headsweats Fleece Race Hat

Please e-mail me your address and I'll get the hat out to you!

Thanks again to Headsweats for sponsoring this awesome giveaway!

Have a great day and....Keep Running!!!!

Note:  I received a Headsweats Fleece Race Hat and one to give away in exchange for my blog posts.  All opinions are my own and I was not required to give a particular opinion on the product.

Pontiac Lake Trail in Winter

Me on the left, Kevin in the right

I'm bound and determined to run the trails all winter long but we will see how it goes.  Yesterday, Kevin and I made our way out in snowy weather to run the Pontiac Lake Trails with the Stay in the Shade organization.  Karl, the organizer, puts on some regular training runs here.  I've talked about the trails before and been on them several times.  One thing great about Michigan is that, for trail running, you really do get a different perspective in the different seasons.  Winter is certainly no exception.

This is already a pretty difficult, rocky, technical, hilly trail to run but add into it lots of leaves and snow and it makes for a real workout.  Almost immediately you start with the hills.

I really like single track because for the most part it's very difficult to get lost on them.  There are a few options for ways to run it but for the most part, if you follow the bike path, you will be fine.  It also helps when there has already been others out there so you can see the tracks in the snow.

A couple miles into the run and you are greeted with a great view:

Highest elevation on the path - yesterday's run

Same area in May - big difference!

Of course, that was the highest elevation on the route so what goes up must come down.

I'm actually glad that I've run this route several times without the snow because I knew what to expect and sort of what to watch out for.  The downhills are much harder in the Winter since it's so easy to slip.  Fortunately, I didn't fall once today.

There were about 10-12 of us out there this morning, more than I ever thought would come.  I was telling Kevin I would not have been surprised if just him and I showed up but we had some company which was nice.

I kept stopping at points along the run to get some pictures of the land.  I'm not sure when I'll be out there again during winter.

The one thing that doesn't change is the hills.  Yup, they are still there and make for a tough route with the snow and leaves.

I took the lead for a little bit with the group we were with and got a nice view along the way.  I will say that it is a little unsettling to be looking forward and not seeing anyone but I knew there were others behind me following.

Below is pretty much the last hill on the course with an open area.  It snowed the entire time we were out there.

snowy

Run in May

After I finished, Kevin was about a minute or so behind, so I ran to the lake to get a quick picture of it.  They already have ice shandies out there!  I know it's been cold for quite awhile but not sure I'd want to take a chance.

Pontiac Lake

Elevation per Strava - hilly!

Map/splits per Strava - click to enlarge

Overall, another really enjoyable group run out at Pontiac Lake State Recreation area.  I can't wait for the next one.

Have a great day and.....Keep Running!!!!

Happy Friday the 13th!!!!

Have a great day and....Keep Running!!!!

Things to consider when choosing your first marathon

Bayshore Marathon 2011

Before I even talk about this, I want to make it clear that I'm no expert here.  I've only run five marathons(Bayshore, Detroit, Flying Pig, Grand Rapids and Monumental Marathon) and they have all been on the roads.  I've got a trail full coming up in August(North Country) as well.  These are just a few things to think need about before deciding on your first marathon.

Size!

Size - they say size doesn't matter.......well, not exactly - at least when it comes to the marathon.  Size of the race should be a consideration on your first marathon.  Are you looking for lots of crowd support?  You might want to go with a marathon like Detroit, Chicago, New York where you'll have lots of people cheering for you.  Perhaps you don't like crowds or worries of getting into your corral?  If so, a smaller marathon like Bayshore up in Traverse City might be the way to go.  It still provides a great race atmosphere yet you don't need to be in the corral so early or even hours as some marathons but the crowd support is minimal.

Grand Rapids in Fall colors

Time of year - this is a big one.  When do you like to train?  Do you run better in cold weather or hot weather?  If you enjoy it cold, then a Spring marathon might be better for you.  Like to be hot and sweaty - go for a Fall marathon.  While the training might make you hot, usually race day is cooler which can be an advantage for you when you've trained in warmer weather.

Indianapolis

Location - Should you do your first race out of town or one in your hometown?  I ran Bayshore for my first marathon but I also stayed at my cottage so I got to sleep in a bed that I'm used to.  Of course, going out of town is also a great way to get in a vacation or see a new City at the same time.  I really enjoy going to races in other cities.  One of my favorites was Monumental Marathon in Indianapolis.

Cost - yeah this is always a big one for everyone.  I can run the Detroit marathon here locally and get it for $70-80 when signing up early, go down race morning and run my race.  Going out of town certainly adds a big cost to the race but even if you live in a city where there is a large race, race entry fees are typically higher.  New York for example is $255 to get in - if you can get in.  Chicago is $175.  You can find some smaller races as low as $50 too.

Bling - I'm all about the bling.  What do you get for your money?  Most give a shirt and medal.  What's the shirt made of?  Cotton or Tech.  What's the medal look like?  Is it huge and tiny?  Are there any extras?  I received socks from Bayshore and Grand Rapids.  I received a duffle bag from the Flying Pig marathon.  I got a winter beanie at Monumental Marathon.  See all my medals for all my races.

Flying Pig Expo

Expo - Do you like going to expos and try and seeing all the new running stuff?  The bigger the race, the larger the expo.  The largest I've been to was for the Flying Pig.  The smallest - Bayshore.  In fact, I just had my buddy pick up my packet for me since it was so small.

Just before the Monumental Marathon

Who's running - Do you have someone to train with for it?  It really helps if you do.  Get a couple running buddies to run them with you.  It makes the training more fun and the race an entirely different experience.  I really suggest having or getting to know at least one person that you can go and train with.  Meet some runners at SEMR and run with them if you don't know anyone running it.

Flying Pig marathon elevation

Course - if you can, take a look at the course before deciding.  I always research the course before signing up for a marathon.  What's the elevation?  How are the roads?  Is it all road, some trail, all trail?  Is it scenic?  Is is rural or urban?  Ask other runners who have run the race before.  Check Marathon Guide.  Read my reviews.

In the end, for my first marathon, I was looking for a great scenic route that was fairly flat, a buddy to run it with and something that was not too large but still enjoy runners around me the whole race.  I also didn't mind training through winter and did not want a race that was going to be too warm.  I always felt that Bayshore was the right choice for my first.

Hope this helps those thinking about running their first marathon.

What tips do you guys have?






Have a great day and....Keep Running!!!!

Wordless Wednesday 12/11/13

Results for #5

Have a great day and....Keep Running!!!!

Headsweats Fleece Race Hat review and Giveaway!!!!

A couple of weeks ago I received the Headsweats Fleece Race Hat.  I was really interested in reviewing this hat to get some other options for winter running besides beanies.  Don't get me wrong, I love winter beanies but it's nice to have something different if it keeps you warm.

As you can see, the Fleece Race Hat has a couple unique features.  First, it's made like a regular running cap with a bill on it.  Second is the bottom portion of the hat that protects your ears and neck.

As you can see below, the bottom portion is an ear and neck guard and it's nice because it covers your ears which you cannot get from a regular running hat or beanie.  In this case, it goes around your ears and neck to help keep you warm on your runs.  I've run in this hat down to about 15 degrees and it kept not only my head warm but my ears nice and warm.

I also ran in this in the rain/snow and it helps keep both out of your eyes.  It really has the feel of a regular running hat with more warmth.

On the inside, Headsweats has incorporated in their Eventure elastic on the back and it helps to fit it properly and the band helps keep sweat off of you.  It's a one size fits most.

The hat is really put to best use in colder temperatures with a range of 35 degrees or lower.  Above that, for me, it would be too warm.  Given I've had the opportunity to run in very cold temperatures, I can attest that you will stay warm for even the coldest runs.

You can see below how the hat fits.  It completely covers your ears and neck and you can still use your headphones.  Also, my Petzl headlamp fits nicely on the hat and stays in place well due to the hat bill.  Sometimes when I wear a beanie, the lamp slips once in awhile but with this hat, it remains in place.  You can throw it in the washing machine after your run with no issues.  In fact, I do that with all my Headsweats hats.

Once again, Headsweats has provided another excellent choice for winter running.  If you've never tried them before, consider this or any of the other running/cycling hats they offer.  The quality is excellent!

Interested in learning more?

Go to the Headsweats website

Like them on their Facebook Page

Follow them on their Twitter Page

How would you like to try one out?  Headsweats has provided an extra one to giveaway to one of my lucky readers!!!  Woohoo!!!

Here's the rules to enter:

1) "Like" Headsweats on Facebook, leave this message on their wall, "Detroit Runner sent me!", come back here and leave a comment that you did.(1 entry)

2) "Follow" Headsweats on Twitter, tweet, "Check out Detroitrunner.com for a cool @HeadsweatsCo giveaway", come back here and leave a comment that you did(1 entry)

3) Tell a friend about the giveaway and have them "like" Detroit Runner's Facebook page and have them post on my wall, come back here and let me know they posted.(1 entry)

Contest will end Saturday, December 14th at 5pm and a winner will be announced on Sunday, December 15th.  Good luck everyone!

Have a great day and....Keep Running!!!!

Note:  I received a complimentary Headsweats Fleece Race Hat and one to giveaway in exchange for this review.  All opinions are my own and I was not required to give a particular opinion on this product.