I’m officially entering Taper Town, and I could not be more ecstatic. This past weekend was my last super long run before race day on October 22nd. I looped in my mileage with the Northern Ohio Half Marathon, which just so happens to be one of my favorite races. I’ve reviewed and recapped Northern Ohio twice before (read 2015 here and 2016 here). This year I’ll keep my review brief and get on to the good stuff — the race deets.
Northern Ohio Half Marathon Review
Parking
Parking at the Northern Ohio Half Marathon is very easy. It’s a large parking lot and volunteers direct you where to park. There’s no navigation of city streets, there’s no walking for miles to get from a parking lot to the starting line. It’s easy.
Swag
I wasn’t quite as impressed with the race shirt this year as I have been in the past, but the medal was pretty amazing. If you’re into your bling, the medal definitely makes up for the shirt.
Crowd support
I’ve said this before and I’ll say it again — if big crowds are your thing, this isn’t the race for you. It’s a smaller field (this year topped out around 1,200) and while there is some crowd support, it’s not like in the bigger races. If you like the small races where you can zone out and relax, you might really enjoy this race. I like turning up my tunes and doing my thing — small crowds work for me.
Course
The course winds runners through residential and lakefront neighborhoods, along wooded paths in parks, and next to the shore of Lake Erie. It’s scenic and has something for everyone. If you’re not racing for a PR, be sure to stop for the gorgeous photo opp of the stairs leading to the lake located on the lakefront trail (it’s called Headlands Road on Google maps but it’s most definitely not a road).
Post-race party
The post-race party at Northern Ohio is always lots of fun. Grab your medal and a bottle of water, then head over to the food tents for some granola bars, pizza, candy corn, bananas, coffee, and hot chocolate!
If you’re in the greater Cleveland area in October, Northern Ohio Marathon, Half Marathon, and Relay is well worth your time. It’s a really great race!
Northern Ohio Half Marathon Race Recap
As I mentioned, I’m just now entering taper. I had to figure out how to squeeze in 18-23 miles this weekend. I went through several iterations and dozens of emails with my coach before finally settling on running a warm-up, the half at marathon race pace, and then a cool-down for a total of 18 miles. Luckily, my friends Julie and Sara also had to fit in a long run this weekend so it worked out really well.
Warm-up
Unfortunately Julie overslept so she didn’t make the warm-up miles, but Sara and I ran 2.7 warm-up miles. We kept the pace nice and easy.
Half marathon
My race portion felt really great. It was colder than I prefer but it definitely made for good running conditions. I wore throwaway arm sleeves for several miles before eventually ditching them.
Miles 1-4
The first few miles flew by. I ran with Sara and another woman I just met, Amy. She was very nice and it was great to have company for the first couple miles. I was right on pace.
Miles 5-8
Miles 5-8 were fantastic. Sara, Amy and I got separated so I turned on some tunes and went with it. I felt amazing and picked up the pace. My splits were about 30 seconds faster per mile in these miles.
Miles 9 -13.1
As we entered a park, I realized I needed to use the little girls room. I had a full bladder and frankly had to empty it. I ducked into the woods and as I popped out, who would be there but Amy! After a quick wave, I ran on. Unfortunately my belly would start talking to me a couple miles later.
I could feel my tummy cramping up starting around mile 5. It would come and go but ultimately got me in mile 11. I had to walk for a few minutes. There were no potties around as I was in a residential neighborhood. I didn’t want to be dubbed the Mad Pooper of Northern Ohio so I did what any runner would do and clenched until the cramping stopped. When the cramping subsided I was able to finish the race with no issues. I was a little worried about running too fast lest the cramping begin again so I held back for a mile. When I was on the homestretch I turned up the heat and ran hard. It felt really great.
I finished, said hello to some friends, saw Julie finish (this has never happened before because she’s so much faster than me!) and made a beeline for the restroom. Thank gawd there were flushing toilets! I felt much, much better.
Cool-down
Julie, Sara, and I ran our cool-down miles on the course going the opposite direction as the incoming runners. As much as I didn’t want to be running anymore, I was grateful we were on such a beautiful course by the lake. Since Julie missed the warm-up and still needed to log more miles, she continued on while Sara and I went back to the race finish.
Race day favorites…
My race day favorite was definitely meeting a couple of my blog readers! The first person I met was Debbie. She recognized me from a training group we’re both in on Facebook as well as my blog. We chit-chatted about the race and other nearby races. We’re hoping to get in a few training runs for the Cleveland half next year — should be fun! Hi, Debbie!
The next person I met was a guy named Tom. As I watched him walk over to me I tried so hard to place him. “Do I know him from a race?” “Do we follow each other on Instagram?” But I came up empty handed. He introduced himself and said he was planning on running a race last weekend that ended up being cancelled due to the extreme heat. When he decided to look for another marathon within driving distance, he did a Google search and came across my review of the 2016 Northern Ohio Half Marathon. He liked the review so much he and his wife, Jen, ventured up to Cleveland for the race! I asked them if it lived up to their expectations from my review and thankfully they said yes.
As we continued talking, the world continued to get smaller and smaller. Not only are they from a city in Maryland where I have family, they just so happen to live on the street where my aunt’s street dead-ends. AND, Tom will be running MCM and Jen will be pacing their niece. WHAT ARE THE ODDS?! We exchanged numbers and I’m hoping to see them again in a few weeks. Ah, the wonders of the internet…
Race day woes…
I ran sans water which was definitely a mistake. My hands were sausagy and swollen despite drinking at every aid station. I had a similar issue at the Rock Hall Half Marathon but this is the third year I’ve run Northern Ohio and I’ve never run with my own hydration so I didn’t foresee it being an issue. Lesson learned, though. Unless I’m racing for a PR, I’ll be running with my own hydration from here on out.
Oh, also — the belly cramps. Not awesome and definitely a race day woe.
Looking ahead
All in all it was an amazing day. The weather couldn’t have been more perfect, I logged my last super long run before Marine Corps Marathon, and I met a few new friends to boot! I’m looking forward to enjoying the heck out of my taper. The next two weeks will be a slightly lighter load but keeping the intensity. And then it’ll be time to travel to D.C.!
Official finish time: 2:09:04
Total mileage for the day: 18.28 miles
xo
Let’s talk!
When racing, do you prefer to be too hot or too cold?
Do you run races with your own hydration?
Linking up with My No-Guilt Life, Marcia’s Healthy Slice, and MCM Mama Runs for Tuesdays on the Run, and HoHo Runs and MissSippi Piddlin’ for the Weekly Wrap. Also linking up with Nicole, Annmarie, Jen, and Michelle for Wild Workout Wednesday, and myself, Susie, Debbie, and Lora Marie for the Running Coaches’ Corner linkup.
I received a complimentary entry to this race in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
75 Comments
Congrats on racing and training and hitting all you goals! My first marathon was cancelled due to heat (hello 93 degrees and 90% humidity) and I think the only way I was able to finish was because I carried my own fluid (water stations had run out). Since then I ALWAYS carry my own. Sorry about those cramps. Not fun but thank goodness the clenching worked! I’d much rather be too cold than too hot.
Thank you!
Did you finish before it was cancelled? That must have been so tough. I definitely learned my lesson. I always carry for fulls. For half marathons it really depends on if I’m racing or just fun running. I think going forward I will always carry, though.
The cramps were the WORST. Ugh.
I was at mile 24 when they stopped the race and begged us to board cooling buses. I didn’t run 24 miles to board a cooling bus and not finish so I kept on and when I got to the final stretch the finish line clock was still on. It was all so weird.
That is weird. And I wouldn’t board the bus either. 24 miles to not finish? Ha! No way!!
Yay!!!! It sounds like your day was near perfect (despite the tummy troubles). And that medal is b.e.a.u.t.i.f.u.l. I think I’d rather be too hot as opposed to cold. At least if you get overheated, you have the option of slowing down or walking to cool off…if you’re already too cold. you’re kinda screwed unless you get the mojo to speed up and finish faster (which, unfortunately, I don’t have). Welcome to taper!!
I like to carry my own water for longer races too bc the water stops can be really crowded. Glad you are feeling strong about heading into your taper
Thank you! I’m so glad it’s taper time. I need a break.
Never carry my own water. It just wrecks my form. I use the water stops to walk and re-group.
I love the warm weather but for a race, I’d rather be cold.
Congrats!
You are going to rock MCM!!!
Thanks, Darlene!
I can’t do handhelds — those wreck my form, too. I can do the vest, though. So much better!
Hi Rachel, it was so nice to meet you yesterday! Great review of the race – I also love this course. Beautiful scenery and a good mix of running surfaces. Loved the lake views! Enjoy your taper and good luck on your marathon!!
Hi Debbie! Super meeting you as well. We’ll have to get those training runs in together in the spring!
Congrats on another great long run and race! Sorry to hear about your tummy trouble – been there done that! Glad you were able to finish the race and then hit up the restroom.
I usually run with a handheld, but I noticed it was annoying my during my last two races. I purchased the Orange Mud HydraQuiver Single Barrel on Wednesday and tried it out for my run on Saturday so I’ll probably use if for the marathon. I like that I can run hands free but still have my water with Tailwind available.
YES! I LOVE my OM HQ. I have the single and double. Admittedly, the double can be very, very heavy. I run with it as little as possible because of that. But I love the single. And I love that I can carry so much stuff with me. 🙂
Congrats on another great run for the books. So lucky for that beautiful weather!
Thank you, Deryn! The weather was absolutely perfect!!
Way to get your long run in and include a great half in the miles! What fun meeting up with friends, old and new! I always carry my own water but have entertained the thought of not doing so at Chicago next week…I think you’ve convinced me otherwise!
Hmm, yeah… I would definitely carry your own water! My hands were so swollen, it was no good.
Congrats on a great race! That medal is pretty neat. I never bring my own hydration for races. I rely on the water stops! I think I prefer to be too hot. Well, I did run a half marathon in 18 degree weather and once I got warmed up it was fine. Enjoy your taper!
My only complaint about running in the cold is that I have to wear too many layers. I would much rather not even think about what I have to wear. 55+ is perfect for me because then I can wear minimal clothing and feel good.
Congratulations on your race!! Oh the bathroom issues – so nerve-wracking but I’m glad you weren’t the Mad Pooper, haha! This sounds like an awesome race, I love scenery and not too huge crowds. If only I could make it your way someday for a racecation…
I prefer starting a race too cold. Always! I’m hoping the cooler weather is here to stay!
I hope you come here for a racecation, too! It would be awesome to meet you in human form!
I was literally so close to being the Mad Pooper… I was a little panicky! Haha. I didn’t know what to do. Thank the heavens the cramping stopped!!
Sounds like a great race and an impressive finish time, in my book! I’d rather be too cold when racing than too hot any day of the week! Awesome medal …because I’m into the bling! 🙂
Sounds like you are more than ready for the MCM! Best of luck!
Thank you, Teresa!! If you’re into bling, you would love this one. It lights up, too. 🙂
Congrats on your race! I had some stomach problems this weekend post long run. So thankful I made it home in time and praying that it doesn’t happen next week when I’m pacing the 10k!
Oh my gosh, you and me both! The GI issues are so not fun during (or after) a run!!
I definitely go for the cooler temps. I put my run off on Saturday until the afternoon, and I was definitely warm afterwards. I do run with my own hydration, but haven’t raced with it yet. I may have to in Vegas since I saw the 10k course only has two water stops. That’s not enough for me.
I usually drink every two miles, so even if I carry my own, I still walk through the aid stations to hydrate. I think two water stops would be plenty for me for a 10K. I probably wouldn’t even stop to drink for that distance anyway.
So important to remember that water! 🙂 Looks like an overall fun race!!! You’re getting so close!
So close! I can’t wait. 🙂
Congratulations on a great race! It sounds like it was an amazing experience!
Thanks, Sonali! It was a ton of fun. 🙂
Sounds like a nice day! Thanks for sharing it with us 🙂
It was a great day — thanks!
Thanks for sharing your experiences with us! Sounds like a great way to celebrate an accomplishment.
Thanks, Mollie! It was a great day for a run!
thanks for sharing! & congrats!!!
Thank you!
sounds like a fun race..and always nice to meet other readers!
I think that was the best part of the whole experience, to be honest. So cool they recognized me from my blog and wanted to meet me in person. I was honored!
Congrats on the race!! Only 3 weeks to MCM!
I always run with a small bottle of water. I’ve found over the years that I need more water than other people and having some in hand is perfect.
Agreed — I definitely need more water than the average person.
We have to try to meet up!!
A big congrats to you! You are doing such amazing things! 😀
Thank you so much! What a nice thing to say. 🙂
Great job! This sounds like a good race and I will need to keep it in mind if we ever go to Ohio in the fall. I don’t like to bring water when I run shorter races, but sometimes for a marathon its nice to have it.
Yes, for sure. This is a great race. And fall in northeast Ohio is just beautiful.
Congratulations on your race! Wishing you continued success!!
Thank you!
It looks like it was a gorgeous day! It’s so cool you were able to meet some of your readers too!
It was SO cool! I love when the world gets a little smaller like that. 🙂
Nice work! Looks like you had great weather and all that hard work paid off. Way to go!
Thanks! The weather was perfect, really. Once the sun came out it was much better. 🙂 And the scenery was fantastic.
Congrats on a great race and for now entering Tapertown 🙂
Unless the conditions are really warm I usually never carry hydration – I like to be as light as possible during a race. And I would definitely rather be too cold than too hot!
Enjoy your taper!!
Nice job and really nice handstand!
I do not like a big race, so this sounds right up my alley. You are so ready for MCM!
Great way to get in your long run. Yikes on the GI issues though – did you figure out a possible trigger? I would rather be too cold — because I warm up quickly and I always carry my own water in a hydration pack or belt!
I hope to see you when you come to D.C.!
I did one race were I was so cold I was shivering the whole time (it was -20C) and another went when it was verY hot out (Ironman 70.3) I’ll take hot over cold any day.
Congrats!! So happy you had such a good run :). I love this pictass too!
I love when I’m at an event and get to meet blog readers or social followers! It happened at Falmouth Road Race back in August and I felt like a celeb, haha!
Congrats on racing and winning all you goals. Looks like you had amazing time!
Sounds like a mostly good race? Awesome medal! I talked to someone (sometime) this weekend who said they ended up knocking n a random stranger’s door to use their bathroom. And while standing in the potty line before the beginning, I chatted with a girl who’d just moved here! It is a small world, indeed.
I started out always carrying my own water — I’ve had races run out. The joys of BOTP runners. Then one race I forgot my handheld & it was fine. So I stopped. Then there were several races that ran out of water, cups, or BOTH.
So now I always carry my own water.
And while I definitely prefer to be cold than warm, there’s also definitely such a thing as being too cold . . . ahem! Wineglass (although not my coldest half ever).
Congrats on the race and hitting your goals! Sounds like a great time. I love reading about races in other states as I’m making a list of ones to hit when the kids are older.
Wow! What a day of running! I’m totally impressed that you added that many more miles to half marathon day!
Sounds like things went really well! Good luck tapering over the next two weeks for DC – I’m sure you’ll crush that one as well!
Great job in using this half as a training run! It sounds like the kind of race I prefer — small and scenic. I do not carry anything while I race. It drives me nuts and I like the feeling of being “free”. That medal is really cool with the rope border! Oh, and cold over hot any day! Thanks for linking.
One of the best things about blogging is meeting other bloggers in real life. Especially at a race!
I never run with water during a race. I hate carrying anything. Good luck in DC>
Congrats on your race! That is a gorgeous medal! I’d rather be too hot in a race, I hate the cold!
It sounds like it was a perfect day for a race and a long training run. Way to go! That medal is absolutely beautiful. What a beautiful way to symbolize such a strong day of running.
Running through the cramping is not an easy fast. Way to go! And ow cool that you met a reader?!
Nice job on your last long run! I did pretty much the same thing this past weekend.
I always run races with my handheld. I’ve gotten used to running with it, so I barely notice it, but it’s nice to have when needed.
I can’t believe how quickly MCM came up!! Sounds like a great race, I especially love that medal!!
It’s pretty sweet bling!
Congrats on a great, solid run, great training and earning another beautiful medal! It sounds like you had a fun time!
This sounds like a great race! I can’t believe you clenched that in for 8 miles, though!
Nice one! I love combining a race into my training runs – it makes everything go a bit quicker and more varied 🙂 I prefer runs to be cooler temperatures because I get very very hot whilst running – and my facee into the sun whilst sunny leads me to lose a lot of water and get dehydrated very easily. Well done for finishing all your long runs of the cycle, it must be such a relief!!
[…] ran a hard effort training run last Sunday at the Northern Ohio Half Marathon. On Monday I felt fine. On Tuesday my IT band was […]