Eric Runs A Lot - Blog

Race REview: First Watch Sarasota Half Marathon

3/30/2018

"Disclaimer: I received a free entry to the First Watch Sarasota Half Marathon as part of being a BibRave Pro. Learn more about becoming a BibRave Pro (ambassador), and check out BibRave.com to review find and write race reviews!”
First things first: I loved this race!! The city is beautiful and the race is well produced. Definitely a race I will run again.
This is a smaller race, so I enjoyed the small-town kind of feel. The packet pickup was small, in Miami on Wednesday and then in Sarasota at Fit2Run on Friday and Saturday. It was very quick and efficient. The race shirt isn't my favorite ever, but it is soft and I will certainly wear it. The folks at packet pickup were so nice and welcoming of an out-of-towner like myself, and it made me that much more excited for this race!
Parking on race day was a bit of a challenge, as the race start is in a congested area. This isn't as much of the race management's error as it is just the logistics they have to deal with. I recommend arriving an extra 30 minutes earlier than you might normally arrive for a race. We found parking on a side street, but after searching for a bit.
The start line was well-organized with the pace groups holding their signs to help organize where folks were lined up. The course heads out to St. Armands key briefly, which does mean heading over a pretty steep bridge at mile 2, and then coming back over it around mile 4. The rest of the race goes through residential neighborhoods and is well-shaded from the sun.
Aid stations were plentiful, but I was confused as some aid stations only offered water or only offered Gatorade, while others offered both. The cups it was served in often changed and a few times I didn't get the liquid I needed. It was a little frustrating. The racing rule of thumb is that Gatorade should always be first and water second, and cups labeled accordingly. Nailing details like this will help keep the field much happier, in my opinion.
The finish line was a welcomed sight! I received an awesome medal and a bottle of water and a bottle of Gatorade.
The First Watch buffet was one of my favorite parts of my race experience- it featured fresh pancakes (they were making them non-stop!), fresh fruit, yogurt parfaits, a few other small items. I LOVE First Watch to begin with, and I remember reminding myself in the later miles of the race that the sooner I finished, the sooner I got pancakes!!
Free race photos and finisher certificates from Athlinks also are an incredible gesture and very much apprecated.
Overall, I had a great experience and would recommend this race to Floridians or those looking for a race-cation alike.

Race Review: Gasparilla Half Marathon

2/28/2018

"Disclaimer: I received a free entry to the Gasparilla Half Marathon as part of being a BibRave Pro. Learn more about becoming a BibRave Pro (ambassador), and check out BibRave.com to review find and write race reviews!”

This was an overall fun race right along the bay! A flat and fast course as you watch the sunrise -- this was a great experience.

The expo was fairly large with a lot of the usual booths and I found it pretty easy to park, get in, get what I needed, cruise around the exhibitors, and get out. Instructions about where to park, how much to expect to pay, how to navigate to the expo hall, etc. could have been more clear, but nothing too terrible.

Race morning was similarly confusing, with vague instructions on parking and how to then navigate to the start line. Though not publicized other than a blurb in the pre-race booklet, I utilized the gear check inside the convention center. I found my way to the corrals area, which was extrememly confusing. The announcer actually was giving instructions of where each color bib should line up by giving street names, but as an out-of-towner, I struggled to understand where the correct place to be was. The announcer, at one point, apologized and said he had actually been giving out the wrong locations for lining up, adding to my confusion and frustration. I quickly figured it out by seeking out folks who had the same color bib as I did, but I was dissatisfied with this process overall.

The race starts on Davis Island and is rather neat! It begins with a brick road that was in pretty good condition. The route then continues around the island past some beautiful homes and in the view of some of the docked cruise ships in port. The race then heads back toward the bay where the rest of course is run. It is a beautiful view and as you go along, the sun rises to your left. It being so close to the water meant that when the sun came up, there was no shade to provide relief from the heat. I admit that I got a little bored of this since it was out-and-back for mile 5 through Finish.
The finish line finally came and I was so excited to see it! It had begun to really get warm. I received a bottle of water, an ice cold rag (heaven) and one of the sweetest medals I've ever received. There were no race goodies or food to be found. I know a plate of food was supposed to be somewhere in addition to beer, but I never was able to find it? If it was in a different location, there was no signage or information pointing runners in that direction. I gave up looking after a short while.

My last note is that while the festival Gasparilla is held in January, this race is held about three weeks later. Other than a brief photo oppurnunity with a busty pirate, there was no Gasparilla theming to this race.

Aside from my few greiveances, none of these would stop me from running this race again. This was its 41st anniversary and it definitely draws a loyal crowd of runners who come back year after year. I will still recommend this race to those looking for a fun and fast springtime race.

Product Review: xx2i Bahamas1

6/17/2017

Disclaimer: I received the XX2i Bahamas1 sunglasses to review as part of being a BibRave Pro. Learn more about becoming a BibRave Pro and check out BibRave.com to review, find and write race reviews.

Another fabulous pair of XX2i sunglasses! I am excited I got the opportunity to test another pair out. I love this company's products because they are always top-notch quality. This time, I got to try the Bahamas1, which is part of their casual line.
Apart from looking sleek, something I love about these (and all XX2i glasses) is that they are high quality polarized lenses. They have 8K optical technology which helps cut down on any glare. I have found I like wearing them while driving especially because they make my surroundings really clear and allow me to focus better. They also protect from UVA and UVB rays, which is obviously really important!
I also took these out for a run, since that is a big portion of the time I spend wearing sunglasses is out on a run. I found they stayed snug on my head and didn't bounce around at all. Perhaps it would depend on one's head shape, but they fit my head perfectly.
Overall, I really liked these glasses. If I had to choose between these or any of the other three pairs of XX2i glasses I've tried, They'd tie with the Brazil1. Though they are casual, I found I had no issue integrating them into my running as well. These have definitely found their way into my regular rotation of sunglasses!
Want to get yourself a pair? Head over to xx2i.com and use code XX2IROCKS for 50% off! You won't be disappointed!

Product Review: RunnEr BOX

1/22/2017

Disclaimer: I received the Runner Box to review as part of being a BibRave Pro. Learn more about becoming a BibRave Pro and check out BibRave.com to review, find and write race reviews.

I was lucky enough to try out a new subscription box! I've always been a fan of the subscription box concept and have tried a couple different genres of them. This one obviously piqued my interest since it is built just for runners!

The box contained ten items. My first note is that almost all of them were food. I definitely understand and agree that nutrition is paramount in endurance sports. However, I would hope (and don't know if they do this) that they mix the contents up a bit and make sure a lot of runner-specific items are added in each edition of the box. My next critique has to do with the food options specifically-- I couldn't have some of the included items because of my nut allergy. I also didn't see this option on the website when signing up. I get the sense that all boxes are the same for every runner on the months they go out. I don't believe it is possible to request specific profiles for this subscription box.
Now, don't be discouraged. I had not heard of any of the included items in the box, and was very eager to try them each out. I especially liked the Zest Tea because I am a tea drinker. Again, I was just excited to get to try out items I hadn't heard of before.

Runner Box ships on a bi-monthly basis. Keep in mind they do charge you for shipping in addition to the box price (which is somewhat uncommon for subscription boxes) but for what is all packed into that box, I can justify it!

All in all, I would definitely be interested in trying out this product over time and seeing what kinds of fun things it would bring. Check them out here!

Race Review: Rise & Shine 5k

1/6/2017

"Disclaimer: I received a free entry to the Rise & Shine 5k as part of being a BibRave Pro. Learn more about becoming a BibRave Pro (ambassador), and check out BibRave.com to review find and write race reviews!”

I loved getting the chance to be part of the first year of a new Chicago NYE tradition! It was a 5k course starting and finishing in Millenium Park.

Registration opened in November and prices increased every few weeks up until race week. I did feel like the peak pricing was steeper than I would normally pay for a 5k. I also feel like lots of people don't make their NYE plans until much closer to the actual day than they might plan for any other race.
Packet pick-up was offered the day before at Fleet Feet - Old Town. Since I couldn't make that, I was pleasantly surprised that race day packet pick-up was offered. It was very quick and I only waited in line less than five minutes.
Instead of a shirt, the swag item was a hat and gloves with the race logo on them. They were exceptional quality for an otherwise giveaway item. They were really warm and cozy! I have so many race shirts, so I'm happy to get something I know I will get a lot of use out of!

Before the race began at 9:00 am, there was a stretching session lead by an instructor from a local gym. Then, when we lined up, the emcee was very energetic and did a good job at getting everyone psyched up to start! The corrals were organized by pace, which helped keep this small (1,025 runners this year) organized quickly and efficiently. The race started down Randolph and lead to the #ChiLFT (lakefront trail). It was a sunny day, so it was nice to be able to enjoy the view along the lake. The course eventually found its way past an aid station (water and Nuun were offered) and then into the relatively new Maggie Daley Park. Beautiful park to run in! The finish line was back in Millenium Park and was very energetic. Some snacks and bottled water and Nuun were handed out.

All in all, I really enjoyed this 5k. It was light and fun-spirited. I would definitely do this race again!!

Race Review: Honolulu Marathon

12/17/2016

"Disclaimer: I received a free entry to the Honolulu Marathon as part of being a BibRave Pro. Learn more about becoming a BibRave Pro (ambassador), and check out BibRave.com to review find and write race reviews!”

The HNL Marathon is an incredible experience! A marathon through the beautiful city of Honolulu is a perfect way to end the year.
Race registration starts 11 months in advance. Register early to get the best pricing.
The expo is moderately-small. It includes a lot of vendors that aren't even running-related, which was a bit odd. Bib pick-up was quick, and I was a little annoyed that they were not checking identification as promised. This is important for a majority of the running community, especially after we were told in emails constantly that ID would be checked.
You also pick up your gear check bag, which you would need to drop off the day before the race if you were to use it-- the start and finish lines are not in close proximity, so they transport them in advance. It makes sense to me, though I've seen other runners complain about this.
I was impressed with the huge variety of official race merchandise. There was literally anything thing you could think of branded with the race name on it!
Day of the race, I was staying in a hotel near the finish, so I took one of the shuttles to the start line. That was really quick and efficient! The start area is easily the biggest opportunity for improvement. There was no security, which I think should be in place for a race of this size. There were no seeded start corrals. With almost 25,000 runners, you simply cannot get away with not organizing the runners by expected finish time. I'll be honest, I was really frustrated by this. No matter where you squeezed up to, this made it really difficult to avoid walkers in the first 400 meters even(!). This alone makes this course not a PR course. I spent the first mile weaving and I was pretty far up.
Once you begin, the course winds through some of the downtown area before heading down to Waikiki, which was beautiful! The course then heads up High-Five Hill around Diamond Head, which was just so awesome. Countless volunteers every few paces for more than a mile just there to give high-fives and cheers of positive energy.
The course eventually winds to a highway, where most of the race is on. This part seemed to last forever. There are some pretty views along this out-and-back stretch, but I have to say it is still quite boring. I wish the course took you on some more "local" streets and neighborhoods just to mix it up and keep it from feeling too monotonous. On the way back in, I remember feeling beyond relieved I was done with the highway portion. Finally, you end in a park right near the beach to a beautiful shell lei and a gigantic and wonderfully designed medal!
Aid stations were plentiful, but a few more couldn't hurt, especially with how hot and humid Hawaii weather tends to be. Not all aid stations had water and Gatorade, and they weren't always in the same order. It was quite confusing at times. As other runners have pointed out, the Gatorade was incredibly watered down to the point that it was almost not worth it. I was really disappointed in that. Some aid stations also had ice cold sponges, which was always a treat to see! One aid station in the last third also had a few GU flavor options, which I happily accepted.
Overall, I would do this race again. I was running this race just for the experience, not to PR. I ran an overall good race, but did need to increase my hydration to adjust a bit, but that is to be expected. The views and spectators make this race worthwhile. It's Hawaii, after all!!

Product Review: xx2i Brazil1 Sunglasses

11/20/2016

Disclaimer: I received the XX2i Brazil1 Sunglasses to review as part of being a BibRave Pro. Learn more about becoming a BibRave Pro and check out BibRave.com to review, find and write race reviews.

Let me start off by getting right to it: I love these glasses! If you're keeping up, this is the third pair of XX2i glasses I have tried out. I'd go as far as to say they are my favorites of the three. I really enjoyed the Hawaii1 sunglasses (until they got stolen...) because they were excellent to wear while active. The Brazil1 are part of XX2i's casual line, so they aren't specifically built for active situations, but I found myself wearing them casually and while running.
One of the first things I noticed is that they were quite reflective from the outside. The frames are similar to what I've seen brands like Oakley put out. Being a somewhat stylish gay man, I don't necessarily find myself in Oakley's target market, so I was unsure how the Brazil1 would look on my face. Basically, I was all wrong. They fit my face quite well, and by looking at photos of other BibRave Pros who also tried these out (both men & women!), they look good on anyone!
The next thing I noticed is how feather-light they are. The other day I had started a run and it was sunny, but by the time I was in my final miles, it was getting dark, and I held the glasses in my hand for that short time (I hate when running tights don't have pockets!). Not only were they so light that I barely realized I was holding them, but I also noticed how durable they were designed to be. I was holding them, hands all sweaty, and perhaps at times gripping moderately hard, and they took the abuse like a trooper. Just another reason why I said I think they are good for wearing during activity as well.

The bottom line: they're stylish, they're durable, and they offer great protection from the sun. I would recommend these to anyone looking to check off all those boxes!

Race Review: Milwaukee Running Fest 5k

11/13/2016

"Disclaimer: I received a free entry to Milwaukee Running Festival 5k as part of being a BibRave Pro. Learn more about becoming a BibRave Pro (ambassador), and check out BibRave.com to review find and write race reviews!”

This race, in its second year, is a must-do for midwesterners! I'm from the Milwaukee suburbs and live in Chicago now, so it was fun to run a race in my "hometown"!Expo: What better Milwaukee venue for the expo than the Harley Davidson museum. Parking here was a slight challenge, as there wasn't any direction in the Runner Guide sent out the week before, and there wasn't any signage or people directing. I came right at the expo opening, and found parking in a small lot across the street, which was fine, but kept looking around for more parking, wondering where the masses were going to park as the surge of runners would be coming shortly.
The expo itself was moderate in size, but perhaps they've already outgrown the room in which it was held. Lots of great vendors, but that forced the actual packet pickup area to be a little congested. They moved people through the line very quickly, and were very accommodating as I was also picking up a bib for a friend.
The shirt is a long-sleeved tech tee with thumb holes! Really nice, too! Also included was a cloth tote bag, which is another nice touch. Inside the cloth bag was the clear bag to use for gear check on race day.
Race day: Parking was listed on the Runner Guide to be $5 right near the race start, but since I had forgotten cash (whoops!) used the listed alternative option and parked at the O'Connell parking garage about a half mile away (for $8, but allowed me to pay with a credit card!)
Once over in the start area, the first thing I noticed was incredibly long lines at the port-o-potties. This was a bigger issue than I think the management might have realized. It was minutes before the race was to start and the lines were 20+ minutes long still. I know renting port-o-potties can be pricey, but they need to at least double the number next year.
The next note is about the three races (Full marathon, half marathon, and 5k) all starting within ~20 minutes of one another. I don't necessarily think they need to have separated corrals, but perhaps a staging area behind the corrals to line up the Half and 5k runners while we waited for the Full runners to go through. It was a bit confusing trying to figure out where I should stand until it was time for me to line up. A minor complaint, but one worth considering.
The race announcer was awesome, did such a great job getting everyone the information they needed and keeping the runners energized! We did start a few minutes late, but it wasn't a huge deal.
The 5k course pretty much circles the outskirts of the beautiful lakefront Veterans Park. It was very flat and easy terrain, with very minimal turns. I felt this was a good course to PR on! There was one aid station at around the halfway point, but I was confused at which cups were water and which were Gatorade. They seemed to interchange the cups. This is just a 5k, but I hope in the future this will be addressed.
The finish line was the same place as the start, and runners were greeted with the announcer shouting names of finishers, and then a GORGEOUS medal and post-race snacks and goodies.
The post-race area had free beer and a number of food trucks, along with music and good vibes.

Overall, I had a really great experience, and would seriously recommend this race to anyone. It it's second year, they've done an awesome job of providing a top-notch experience and soliciting feedback on how they can continue to improve. My only regret was not signing up for the Full or the Half so that I could've gotten an extra dose of the beautiful city! I can't wait to see how big this race gets in the next ~5 years!

Product Review: UCAN Bars

10/13/2016

Disclaimer: I received the Generation UCAN Bars product to review as part of being a BibRave Pro Ambassador. Learn more about becoming a BibRave Pro (ambassador), and check out BibRave.com to review find and write race reviews!

Time for another product review! This is another product from Generation UCAN. I reviewed their SuperStarch powder product earlier this summer and it's a product I've used regularly since then. I had felt like it was a breakthrough product in the sports nutrition that we had been needing for a while. So, when I had the chance to try their Snack Bar, I was excited!
For those of you who aren't familiar with SuperStarch and/or UCAN, the short explanation is that it is a fuel that your body slowly burns in order to keep your blood sugar levels consistent while you are running/working out. I like the powder form because I don't have to continuously refuel during my longer (8-10+ miles). It's a weird thing to get used to, but it does work.
The Snack Bars are designed to be consumed before physical activity or just during every day times when you're trying to tie yourself over between meals and curb your hunger.

Now, I personally did not have the greatest experience with these bars. I had a few flavors to try, including Cinnamon Swirl, Peach Passion, and Chocolate. The bars don't look appetizing. Instead they appear very bland. Their texture is a bit tough. But the taste is almost chalky. Of all of the bars I tried, I was unable to take one or two bites of each. I spoke with some of my fellow BibRave Pros, and we all had a similar experience, unfortunately. We couldn't come to a consensus on which bar was the best, either.
It's too bad, because like I mentioned earlier, I love their SuperStarch powder. I think the technology and science behind it are excellent and have recommended it to many. However, the mark was missed with the bars. I think with some re-engineering, these bars can be adjusted and improved. Unfortunately, this product doesn't earn my stamp of approval. Again, I would encourage you to try to their regular powder in the mean time.

Race Review: Bucktown 5k

9/25/2016

"Disclaimer: I received a free entry to Bucktown 5k as part of being a BibRave Pro. Learn more about becoming a BibRave Pro (ambassador), and check out BibRave.com to review find and write race reviews!”
This year I got the opportunity to run a race I had been trying to run for years- the Bucktown 5k! This race seems to have a sizable following and is known for being a great alternative to the many lakefront races. This race is also known for having above-average swag items. This year, the swag item was a hooded technical fabric hoodie with the Chicago flag as the design. It looked great, but myself and many other runners found the material to be cheap.
I signed up for the race about 90 days out and found there to be a moderate amount of communication via email. Most emails referred you to their website, which is a little annoying for me. I'd rather they occasionally give me updates right in the email, but not a big deal. One major thing I noticed and heard about from other runners was the lack of instruction about how to get to the race start, where to park, how much parking was going to cost, etc.
The start line utilized corrals A-K, with runners placed based on projected pace (except for corral A, which required submitting a previous race time). The corrals were then released every 2 minutes.
The race course is one of the best parts- it's through very quaint and cute neighborhoods in Chicago's Bucktown neighborhood. That meant most of the streets were shaded and had quite a few families out in front of their homes cheering for the race. That was so fun to see!
Around 1.5 miles, an aid station that had Nuun then water was available. I'm very strongly against Nuun on race courses, but that's not a huge deal for a 5k.
The finish line was lively with lots of spectators cheering and fun music playing. This wasn't a PR race for me, since I am in training for the Chicago Marathon and had run 20 miles the morning before, but I still did well and enjoyed myself.
Overall, I had a really good time! I run my fair share of races, most in Chicago, and really cannot say I've had this much fun in a while! I would recommend this race to anyone.

Special Note: Though every effort is made to provide the most accurate and up-to-date information, I cannot be held responsible for misinformation. This site contains many of my personal points-of-view and does not necessarily reflect the opinions of my employer, the American Cancer Society, Bank of America, Chicago Marathon Office & Staff, Chicago Endurance Sports, or Fleet Feet Sports. This page is not endorsed by any third party. All content is my intellectual property, unless otherwise noted, and All Rights are Reserved on my content. You may request to quote me or utilize the information herein only by obtaining my written permission. Please use the Contact page to do so. If you suspect any information is incorrect or it appears to be your intellectual property, please notify me via the Contact page. Eric Blasius, All Rights Reserved 2018.