Race: Redmond Reindeer Romp Half Marathon 2018
Runner: Jorge P
Race Date: 12/01/2018
Location: Redmond Watershed
Results: https://www.webscorer.com/racedetails?raceid=163121&did=177490
Strava Activity Link: https://www.strava.com/activities/1994935401
3 Bests – What aspects of the race did you like the most?
Great holiday vibe, lots of happy runners and crew. Pretty gentle trail, and the race was super well organized, as usual.
Not so much – Aspects of the race that didn’t do it for you
Nothing, it was great.
Weird factor – What’s the weirdest thing about this race?
Xmas costumes!
Highlights of your race – What did you do well and enjoy about your race in particular?
The half is two 6.5 mile loops. I ran the first one a bit conservatively to learn it, so I was able to tune up my effort a bit more on the second one. There’s a hill towards the end that can catch up with you if you get to it too tired!
Lessons for others – Share your pro-tips on the race to help the next runner
Bring trail shoes with good traction, there are a lot of wet leaves this time of the year. I brought my trail shoes but decided to swap them for my road ones last minute since those are more cushioned, which I thought would help me with a small hip ache I’ve been having the last two weeks. This slowed me down a bit on some downhills where I was really watching not to slip and fall.
Lessons you learned that will help you next time around
I’ll try to run the course of the next race before the race if I can.
Most important course specific knowledge to know about the race
Save some energy for the last hill!
Aesthetics – Is it a pretty course?
Yeah
Difficulty – Is it a tough course?
No
Organized and well run – Did it feel like a well-oiled machine or were they flying by the seat of their pants?
Super. I love these runs from Northwest Trail Runs. They nail it every time.
Competition – Is there a strong field?
I am not sure I can judge, I think so.
Logistics – Does it require a special handshake, registration a year in advance, hotels all booked? Give us the low down on the nuts and bolts of making the race happen.
This race sold out. I talked to another runner who told me it was just a 100 people not long ago, so it’s becoming popular. Book in advance! (I have a friend that waited too long and couldn’t get in).
Aid Stations – Standard fare or anything special to know about the aid stations in terms of what’s available or when?
They had bananas. I love bananas. The people in the stations rock. Say thank you to them when you go by!
Weather and typical race conditions
Wet but not too cold. Wet leaves and a few roots. Started raining at the end for me.
Gear – Did you need anything special or is there anything you’d recommend for the next guy?
Trail shoes!
Spectators – Is this a friendly course for your friends?
No, I don’t think so.
How’s the Swag?
Swagy.
The Overall Score – How many stars do you give this race and do you recommend that others run it?
10 out of 10. Awesome vibe, gentle trail, close to the city if you live in the Seattle area.
