Seattle Rock n Roll Marathon – Dionne H

Race: Seattle Rock and Roll Marathon – http://www.runrocknroll.com/seattle/

Runner: Dionne H

Date: 6/18/2016

Location: Seattle, WA

Results – 3:51.25 (PR!)

3 Bests – what aspects of the race did you like the most

-It’s in Seattle. So the logistic is very easy and simple when the race is in your own hometown.

– Known for not a fast course, surprisingly it was not that bad. If you train on hills this course is relatively fun.

– It is a very spectator friendly race. People cheer you on everywhere.

Not so much – aspects of the race that didn’t do it for you

There is no restrooms to change after you are done. They have porta potty but it is tough to change in one of those.

Weird factor – what’s the weirdest thing about this race

There were none really.

Highlights of your race – what did you do well and enjoy about your race in particular

Given the fact I just came out of an injury recently, to my surprise I set my PR in this race. I studied the course profile more so than before because I was nervous and felt slightly under trained (not enough time). And having your peers, in this case Daisy and Josh, throughout the course gives me boost of energy that help me finish the race strong.

Lessons for others – share your pro-tips on the race to help the next runner

Be patience. I ran conservatively, watched my pace and heart rate in the beginning. Then I really tried to push it for the last 2-3 miles. It paid off.

Lessons you learned that will help you next time around

Bring more gels just in case. I ate well every 45-50 minutes. But the last hour or so I got hungry and ate 2 gels within an hour. I’m glad I brought enough.

Aesthetics – is it a pretty course

It is pretty overall when you ran along the water in Lake WA Blvd, around the Seward Park and in the beginning of the course when you run the viaduct looking towards the sound.

Difficulty – is it a tough course

As I mentioned it before, as long as you train well this course is not that tough.

Organized and well run – did it feel like a well-oiled machine or were they flying by the seat of their pants?

Yes it is a very well organized, except for the changing room area.

Competition – is there a strong field?

Very strong field indeed.

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.

I decided to register 6 weeks prior to this race and there is still spots available. I don’t think it is a sold out event at all. And if you are from out of town, I overheard some people were saying the hotels were not fully booked either and relatively available around town.

Aid Stations

I noticed there were several of them throughout the course.

Weather and typical race conditions –

Get ready with Seattle weather. I was training for hot weather only to find this year the weather was in high 50s to low 60’s and a slight rain. But it was perfect.

Spectators – is this a friendly course for your friends

Very friendly course

The Overall Score – how many stars do you give this race and do you recommend that others run it

4 out of 5. 5 will be a completely flat course for me ???? with the same weather as this weekend.