First of all it was all women (ok well mostly women). It had a great flat course around Niagara Falls. Not to mention the schwag bag!
I was a bit concerned that the weather might be an issue - being June and all.
In the end, it was a perfect event. Especially considering it was in it's inaugural year!
My mother joined DH and I for the trip to Niagara, so that was nice. Packet pickup was at Great Wolf Lodge - which was easy to find. Pickup was very well organized! Bib, verify, schwag bag, bottle of wine... WHAT? and not just a single glass bottle either - a full 750 ML bottle of Merlot. Also to be found in the schwag bag - free wine tour for 2, press on toe nails ( still trying to figure out if this is a joke
), foundation, nail clippers, coupons for Niagara attractions. Wow! Never!Race day! Got up early so I could get some food in me and digested before the start. Timmies was right across the street from the hotel, so that was handy!
Off we went to find the start. This was the only problem. There was a HUGE line to get into the parking lot. There was tons of parking, but it was taking so long for people to get in that they had to delay the start of the race by 15 minutes. They claim to already have a plan in place to fix this for next year.
Beyond this issue,the race was perfect! Great weather, awesome volunteers, a well marked, accurate and well marshalled course (it needed to be, because there was a few switch backs and no mid race timing mat).
I found Deanna at the start, and she was ready to go! It was pretty chilly while we were waiting though. I was just anxious to get running!
As I mentioned the course was fantastic. The first half of the course was much more scenic - going by the Falls, but the second half was nice and flat pathway.
I felt really good at the beginning, and knew if I executed properly, I'd PB on this day. I was SOOOO close! I'm going to blame the wind
In reality I think I did hold back a little, because I was afraid of bonking in the second half - I really need to get over that. Turns out, my paces were very consistent right to the end!
Finish was 1:50:12, which SHOCKINGLY was good for 5 out of 140 in my age group! Woo Hoo! How can I not be happy. OK, -13 seconds would have made me happier, but it is what it is.
Through the finish chute was was medal, water, and little pink boxes with cookies, banana, apple and orange in it. Also some chocolate milk! Cool!
Other mentions! I ran into Cupcake Girl, and DBB was waiting at the 3K (near the falls) to get some pics. I think he got a couple of me.
I also ran into them after the race, and Cupcake girl seemed happy! Oh and way to go DLS on the sub 2!You never know what you are going to get with an inaugural event,but this one is superb all round. I expect much higher numbers next year when word gets out!
If I don't do Ottawa next year, I'll be back to this one!
Sounds like you really enjoyed it. Well done.
