Vibha Atlanta Dream Mile 2023 - Atlanta - 10K - Race Recap

 I ran the Vibha Atlanta Dream Mile 2023 10K race on 17-Sep-2023 Sunday morning.

Races are such rejuvenating experience. This race was well organized and a pleasant experience. 

It was a drizzly week and this Sunday morning was cloudy, dark, maybe 66F and very very light drizzle for some patches. Summer running outfit & shoes sufficed for this weather.

This race covered all type - 5K, Run/Walk, 10K and Half Marathon. It was staggered one of the other, so the race route never got lonely. The route was round-about, starting from the mall, partially on Peachtree parkway, more on the western home areas and back. So, this route was definitely packed with numerous uphill & downhill. Rain somehow did not make it slippery. And I think I have gotten used to this topography (something I always cribbed about), because a volunteer complimented me on an uphill I was climbing twice or so, "I love how you are pacing yourself".

Volunteer support was of full enthusiasm. They were throughout the route, guiding runners and frequent water support. There was no scope for getting lost. Big chuck of the volunteers were SEWA kids - and they were the best cheerleaders - hyping us up with loudspeakers. One particular boy was very persistent in cheering the ladies, "Aunty Run Aunty you can do it" :) He hyped my friend with his repeated "Aunty run"  and he even ran the last patch with her. While she was pleasantly irritated by being called Aunty so much, she finished at a great time.

Water & electrolyte support throughout was great. 10K running got a medal at the end along with water, banana & protein bars. The booths put up were fun. Lot of food ones too and a photo booth with airdrop to transfer to phone. And the race end prize announcements were an event. My friend won 2nd prize in her age category. Super thrilling.

Packet pickup at convenient location Big Peach Running Co.

There is one improvement the organizers could do. That is to add the starting location & parking location info in the website and emails sent out. Its not boldly mentioned, so I emailed the question. Fortunately someone replied immediately, so I was good. Later my friend guided me to the start location. Its obvious once you have run the race before, but for the first timer, there was no address mentioned.

Great  race overall

Alpharetta Women's Half Marathon 2022 - Race Recap

 I signed up for  Alpharetta Women's Half Marathon  immediately after last years (2021) race. This year it was on 23-Oct-2021 Sunday starting at 7:30 am. Not as dark as last year, but colder than last year. This week was some unseasonal cold blast through the country.

Start point is in Avalon Mall, which is an open outdoor mall. Parking was in the usual mall places. Route experiences were entirely like last year's.

Once more thanks to those who wrote funny & motivational quotes throughout, I mean throughout, the 5-6 miles of Greenway. Kept us going throughout he difficult 2nd half.

Official race results says 3:28 finish time. The route had 0.40 miles more than the watch. I am taking this my new HM time benchmark considering current age, weight & inclines. Maybe I need more HMs in a year for practice & to increase my speed. But it was not lonely at the finish line. For that matter, throughout the second half, while I was chugging all engines fired jog, I was surrounded entirely by leisurely walkers - all.

Thanks to the Water support volunteers for the frequent water & Gatorade (watermelon flavor). Guides at almost every turn. The MC announcer with powerful voice. Starting point warm-up. Perfect parking spots. Spacious spread-out waiting areas.

Race gear was interesting. Pickup at Big Peach Running Store. Medal was a wine bottle cap - so multipurpose medal, that's good. Race shirt was comfy cotton - but if it was a tech material, I could use it in run training.

Alpharetta Women's Half Marathon 2021 - Race Recap

Training in Georgia climate & routes was great and made me ambitious about a race. Even overcome the cloud of pandemic fear and check out events around here. And much to my glad surprise, I found an upcoming race in my town. What better way to see my town by foot - but a supported run ? So I signed up for  Alpharetta Women's Half Marathon & 5K and landed here on the morning of 24-Oct-2021 Sunday at 6:15 am.

Early start at Avalon Mall, which is an open outdoor mall. Parking was in the usual mall places. It was still dark and could see the moon till it was bright after 8am. Being outdoor mall, there was perfect spacing among cliques of run-buddies. Once we squished together for the start time, out came numerous masks (including mine). Half a mile later, when the crowds thinned, it was easier to take the mask off. And no, mask did not hamper my half-mile performance in a race.

I signed up in September and usually an Oct-end race means tight clothing to match the almost 20F morning temps. That what I was dreading but was cautiously optimistic. Come race day, I dressed up like a usual summer morning run. Nothing to plan at all. Temps were between 50F to 70F. Unbelievable. 

The initial 6 mile route went around city roads, from Avalon mall to Northpoint mall. As promised, loads of inclines and then declines. Thankfully it was not as bad as it reads. 

At one point, we turned down to enter the Alpharetta Greenway. This decline was so steep, someone had actually chalked "Wheee" and the runners before me yelled the same :)

Kudos to those who wrote funny & motivational quotes throughout, I mean throughout, the 5-6 miles of Greenway. 

Last 2 miles were killers. The latch after Greenway exit, upwards till Web Road, then on Web Road with a left turn upwards to Avalon mall. Ahh such inclines in the last patch - such torture.

My watch said I finished at 3:10 hours. Official race results says 3 more minutes. The route had 0.20 miles more than the watch. Either way, I did not meet the goal of sub-3. But I guess I have to accept it now. Good thing the race had a 4 hour cut-off. It was not lonely at the finish line. There were 75 more finishers after me. Which means the finish line food & timer stayed for me - them being dismantled is my worst anxiety. 

Thanks to the Water support volunteers for the frequent water & Gatorade (watermelon flavor). Guides at almost every turn. The MC announcer with powerful voice. Starting point warm-up. Perfect parking spots. Spacious spread-out waiting areas.

 

I missed my Minnesota run buddies, familiar faces & places and crowds. Yet so lovely to get back to the actual race atmosphere. This is what makes us do things, we do not think we can do.

Securian Winter Run 2020 - Half Marathon - Race recap

My fav Winter race Securian Winter Run - Half Marathon was on 25-Jan 2020 Sat this year.

That thing on bottom-right pic is an Ice Sculpture.

Temps were between 20F+, no sun, no wind, no snow. Supposedly great conditions, but I prefer the one from last year. There was slight alley wind in the downtown streets. But Shepherd road was perfect even with no-winds. This race has the best start location, with the spacious Securian building & skyway as warming location for practically everyone.

My run gear was not-so-perfect. With my neck gaitor & bulky gloves, I was overdressed. Rest were fine.

1. Columbia thermal jacket + 2 tech shirts 
2. Run cap & headband to cover ears
3. C9 thick Neck Gaitor - This weighed my neck after an hour. Totally not needed for 20F+ race.
4. Compression pants + wind-cheater-type outer layer pant
5. Ski socks in my regular running shoes. My toes never got cold.
6. Gloves. Large loose ones with hand-warmer - Totally not needed for 20F+ race

My finish time was a 3:10+ hours. I am officially the last finisher I think. They haven't published the results yet. I would blame the extra time on the last 3 miles, that I had to run on the slushy sidewalk. And in this patch I got nose-bleed, my first time for any race. I had been blowing my nose on my handkerchief all along, that must have weaken my nose in this dry winter. Organizers were about to dismantle the arch & time recorder when I reached the end. I think I will hang my boots on Winter Half Marathon. I know I said it so last year too. But, this time I am serious.

Race swag was a cool full sleeve hoodie shirt and neat mug.

If you are looking for more specific info on the facilities provided by this event, then please refer to my older posts. They have more details.

My Securian Winter Races - 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2019 | 2020 |

Minnesota Half Marathon - StPaul - 2019 - Race Recap

Brutal. That's what this year's Minnesota Half Marathon was, on 3-Aug-2019.

July had been rather cool, not hot at all. Race morning however was all hot & steamy. Still it looked manageable. There was Sun out in open and I guessed it would be 70'sF. I did not expect it, but it was the rising humidity which took the toll. Race started as usual and I kept the usual pace while being on the sunny side of the road. After the turnaround, made it back to the Science Museum side, which is 8th mile. Now the breathing seemed labored and I took my first walk break. Here on I saw many stops where medic van was helping runners. My run buddy who ran a 10 miler, actually saw many people throw up.

So by 9th mile, I decided that this slow pace is fine. I only need to cross the finish line. The real torture began after the turnaround on 11th mile. On this last stretch, Sun was on our back. No big deal. But gradually after 5-10 minutes I could literally feel all of my back - from my head to the heel - was on fire. I let out a yelp and turned around. This was totally real. But there was just no escape here - no trees, no building shades to hide behind. I don't know how I went on. Everyone on this stretch was red-faced, feet jogging ahead. On the 12th mile, a young girl was red-faced and crying. I tried screaming some motivation stuff, but within a few minutes I felt like I would breakdown. So I stopped and inched away from her but in forward direction. Every moment that I am talking about here, should be imagined in slow-motion. Anyway finally made it to the finish line.

And it shows up in my race time - a never before 3:15:33 hours.

Brutal & Horrifying - that what this race was.

Race gear is the same design as last year, which is great because it's a lovely cut & great material.

Past Minnesota Half Marathons: 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2014 |

Maple Grove Half Marathon - 2019 - Race recap

This is my first time running Maple Grove Half Marathon today on Mon 11-May-2019. Start of the race was from Maple Grove Senior High School. Coffee, hot chocolates & muffins was available at the start thanks to Daily Dose. They were other sponsor tents like massage.

Perfect weather morning for the race. Pleasant 53F, Sunny with constant breeze. Very April Springy weather in May.

Half race started at 7:40am, with a loop around the track. Then the route went in & out of Rice Lake Trails. Those portion were by the water. Out of trails were in residential areas. The roads were not closed out, as there was hardly anyone driving this early Sat morning.

Route directions were exceptional. Considering how circuitous route this is, with 2-3 turns every mile, there were arrows with volunteers at each of these. A lot of those were high school students. Without these arrows, no way could we make it through this route. For people of my pace group, it got lonely in the trails after first few miles. Felt very Run club kind-of run. Water-stops were frequent & they had Gatorade after the first stop. Very helpful & cheerful volunteers here.

My race time was a satisfactory 3:03:08 hours.

Race swag was cool, perfect fit shirt & medal.

Securian Winter Run 2019 - Half Marathon - Race recap

My fav Winter race Securian Winter Run - Half Marathon was on 26-Jan 2019 Sat this year. I was here after a gap.

Being a Winter Run, this race has the best start location, with the spacious Securian building & skyway as warming location for practically everyone.

 

As usual there was lot of hand-wringing before the race about weather conditions. The day I signed-up, the lowest it had been was bright & sunny 35F in Jan. Right after I signed up, the temps started dipping and hovered before -10F and 10F. I can't explain the number of nervous messages I exchanged with my run buddies.

But all that worry was for nothing. Weather worked out perfect for this morning. The actual bad weather came up right next week onwards - with a week of Polar Vortex (temps before -45F), followed by 3-4 days of icy road condition. Icy throughout the twin cities, like never ever seen before. And then weeks of snow blizzard. Looking back, that weekend was a warm one.

Temps were between 0F-10F, no sun, no wind, but light snow throughout the 3 hours.
My run gear was perfect. I was worried about overheating before the race. But my choices were perfect in these conditions.  I was never cold or hot throughout the 3 hour run plus more time to get back home.

1. Columbia thermal jacket + 2 tech shirts 
2. Regular Woolen cap
3. C9 thick Neck Gaitor - Most of the quick runners had the thin variety on. But this worked perfectly for me. I alternated between covering mouth till nose every few minutes. So it never got too moist. Air was not cold, so that helped.
4. Compression pants + wind-cheater-type outer layer pant
5. Ski socks in my regular running shoes. My toes never got cold.
6. And most importantly - Gloves. Large loose ones, so I could curl up my fingers on a warm palm. And Hand-warmers to keep warm the palm.

 

I have run out in cold past few years. But this year I hardly stepped out in Dec & Jan. But in all my life, this is the first time I had so much snow on me, my face. I got #FrozenLashes or #Lashicles.
When the leading crowd was coming back after turnaround, I got to see the leaders with #FrozenBeards. Unique sight indeed. 

My finish time was a decent 3:04 hours. So every half race, 11-13 is the killer stretch, where some pain drags my mood down. This time it was at mile 10, but no physical or mental time. But the van showed up. Driver asked me to get inside as they will open the roads in 10 minutes. I was incredulous - how can they open so soon. Its never been so soon before. But I knew they had to, coz it was snowing throughout, volunteers were few (& stars) and they couldn't stay out freezing for so long. Made sense, but also made me angry. That I wouldn't get a finish time in my record. I was so looking forward to this race, I didn't want it to end bad. I swore, this is the last half I do for any winter anymore. Anyway, I opted to continue, and after the van moved on, I was worried about getting lost in the city. Shepherd Road is a straight stretch, but after the left turn within city, I had no idea how to make it to the finish location. But once the choice is made, I had to stick to it. On the Shepherd Road, I switched to the sidewalk on the right. A police officer helped me cross the half open road. Far away I spotted an Orange jacket running. Even with snowy visibility, I kept him in sight. Then once I turned inside the city, turns out I knew the way ! Roads were opened, but the finish stretch outside Securian was still closed. Finish arc & time machine was still around, so I got my finish times. Asked others for pics & I was done. 

Race swag was a cool full sleeve shirt and neat cup. Cup was useful. As soon as I finished, first thing to do was get the free coffee in this new mug, coz everything else was packed up.

My Securian Winter Races - 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2019 | 2020 |

Minneapolis Halloween Half Marathon - 2018 - Race Recap

Fantastic race at Minneapolis Halloween Half - 2018 this year. Very similar to my experience last year in 2017. Actually no. My run-time was better - a sub-3 time of 2:54 hours.

Also the very first thing was very different. Usual parking lot was in construction, and there were long waiting lines on the roads. Even though we came in early, it was a huge shocker, unexpected surprise. I barely made it with minutes to spare for the start. Hence not too many start line pics of costumed runners.

Inspite of my usual cold-anxiety, race day weather was a perfect early 30F & no wind but no sun too. Fantastic road conditions. Very enthusiatic & efficient volunteers everywhere. And the organizers has taken my feedback and put in more turn markers at the Stonearch Bridge.

Race Gear was neat again this year. Scary pumpkin on the spoon on the shirt & medal. Very pumpkin-y twist to the Minneapolis symbol of Cherry-on-the-spoon. Shirt material, design & cut were fantastic as usual for MN Run series.

Minneapolis Halloween Half Marathon - 2017 - Race Recap

Minnesota Half Marathon - StPaul - 2018 - Race Recap

Fantastic Half this year's RBC Minnesota Half Marathon.

After a long time, my race time was satisfactory - 2:57:28 hours.

Race gear is the same design as last year, which is great because its a lovely cut & great material.

Past Minnesota Half Marathons: 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2014 |

Lake Minnetonka Half Marathon - 2018- Race Recap

My third time running Lake Minnetonka Half Marathon. Results were on Athlinks. While I miss the flexibility of MTEC Results, in terms of reordering the entire result list to analyse different criteria, I am happy with the finish-line photos they have shared on Athlinks.

Race had an early start this time at 7am, which was good. It has been only 2-3 weeks since good weather landed in MN, and yet it has caught up to 80s by the afternoon. So with 7am start, it was mild chill at the start and pleasent at the end.

Wayzata - start corrals

Lake Minnetonka Half Marathon route is breathtaking - even when not running. Its only filled with real estate or lakes or lake facing real estate. You could spend the entire stretch till 11 mile admiring the properties and guessing their prices. Mile 11 is on a LRT trail and the last stretch is through the suburbs, to end at Excelsior by the lake, which is a perfect picnic spot.

Excelsior - finish location

A lot of the route stretches were on open roads with traffic while we ran on the shoulder or sidewalks. But most went through closed roads and some trails.Throughout there was beauty to see. Maybe because the trees are not in full foilage by this time this year, I saw something new - "North shore" which was a boat parking, all large boats packed in white covers for the winter and racked on 3 levels of stands. I want to explore that and see which machine did this stacking of 100s of large liesure boats to upto 3 levels ?

On the Crystal Bay Rd, there are houses facing the lake. And this happened in 2015 but I remembered it while running.
So a father & boy were working on their driveway and the boy asks, "Who are these people ?"
Father replied, "They are running a race."
A pause, then the boy says, "But they are not running."
All runners started laughing. Then father replies, "They are tired by now.":D

I finished at 3:02:39 hours, which is much better than a lot of Halfs in the recent past. But uff I narrowly missed being sub-3hours. The mile-wise breakup clearly shows what happened on the route ?

At the start line, there was a 2:30 pacer and a "Last Runner" pacer, and I placed between them. For the first time, I was in a suitable corral. But by the time of start, I realised I was standing very close to the last finisher pacer. That realization really scared me. I was sure, soon I would be behind her. So I took off as fast as I could, to increase the distance between us. Hence the increadibly fast I-saw-Ghost pace in the first few miles.

Wayzata - start corrals

And later I was in my usual cadence. Everything was cheerful till mile 10-11, when negative clouds started to engulf me. By Mile 11 milestone, I started to fast-walk. Eventually it turned out to be my sole planter fascia pain. It took another day to go away. Maybe its time for me to change my shoes and increase my reduced run training.

Race swag was a good quality shirt and medal.

Finish line at Excelsior included the usual perks of banana, chips, bars & water. Medical aid was available throughout the route and finish line. Volunteers were a cheerful lot and very helpful. My Lifetime Run club too turned up to cheer us at Mile 7 and the Finish line.

My Lake Minnetonka Half: 2018 | 2017 | 2015 |