by Mollie Millington | Jun 14, 2018 | race review, running
Run To The Deep was a last minute sign up. There had been an email to the run club at work but I totally forgot about it. The reminder email (with a photo of the octopus medal) was just the nudge I needed to register. Put on by the British Science Association, who smartly hired The Race Organizer to execute the race, it was a lovely Friday evening run around Hyde Park. The weather was perfect for running- just a bit cool with a slight breeze. About 200 people came out, although the race could have allowed 500 runners to take part.
|
| Race pack |
Race entry and fees: Registration was £25 through Eventbrite. You could also register on the day. Rather than mailing out the race packets, we had on hour before the race started where we coud collect our bibs at the start line. I got there 30 minutes early so had time to say hi to some friends (a pleasant surpise to see them!) and warm up.
 |
| Limbering up |
Course and bogs: The course was a 5 km loop through Hyde Park that you had to do twice. It was really well marshalled with a person in high-vis at every turn cheering us on, as well as large bright signs. There weren’t any mile markers so I was glad I had my Fitbit on to help me keep track of my distance. The paths were open to the public but it wasn’t too crowded.
Park toilets, which normally cost 20p but for some reason were free that night, were right across from the start line and there was never a queue. The water station was at the start line, rather than out mid-course, and sufficient in size for the weather, number of people and course length.
If you have been living under a rock, you may not have heard about how much plastic rubbish ends up in the ocean. The Run To The Deep organizers made a few simple decisons to help reduce the amount of plastic produced by the race. The water cups were biodegradable and compostable. The water itself was brought in in large carboys rather than small water bottles you would get at a store.
 |
| Group warm up |
Location: As I have mentioned, the race was in Hyde Park, London, after work on a Friday evening. It was really easy to get to. I actually took a bus over from Oxford Circus. I don’t make it over there too often so it was nice to see a different part of London. The park is the largest of the four Royal Parks, so it was fairly peaceful in terms of traffic noise and not very crowded with people. I imagine if it was a wee bit warmer, the park would have been more crowded. The course took us by the Serpentine too.
 |
| I had to stop and take a picture. You don’t see this on city runs very often. |
Atmosphere: With only 200 runners in a very large park, there wasn’t much atmosphere in terms of cheering or running alongside other people. One of the cool aspects of the race was the Run To The Deep app that used GPS to narrate your trip to the bottom of the ocean. It was really strange to run a race that encouraged you to wear headphones, especially where there were so many scientists together in a semi-social setting (well, I went because I am a scientist but I am sure some people were not). I opted to enjoy running in the park rather than listening to the app. My friends who used the app said it was pretty cool so I need to download it asap and give it a try.
Race bling and goody bags: The race medal design was what convinced me to do the race. There is an octopus on it and I am a marine biologist by training. Therefore, it was a no-brainer. Another eco-friednly choise was using a ribbon that was 100% cotton so it didn’t contain any plastic. Hurray!
The paper goody bags contained the medal, a banana (no wrapper!) and a collapsible stainless steel cup on a key chain (#genius). That is going in my camping gear as I always carry a resusable water bottle with me anyways.
 |
| Goody bag and back of medal |
Tips if you want to take part next time: If you had been listening to the app, you would know how far you have gone along the route. If you run without the app, I would suggest having a running app or watch to let you know the distance covered. As I mentioned above, I was keeping tabs of my mile splits with my Fitbit so this wasn’t an issue for me. Make sure you bring a few 20p coins in case you have to use the loo.
Unfortunatelt, I am not sure they will have another Run To The Deep race next year, but I heard they did a solar system run last summer and want to do a series of four races altogether. I highly recommend it if they do. #nerdsunite
 |
| Me and my bling |
by thinkmarsh | Jun 14, 2018 | race review, running
Run To The Deep was a last minute sign up. There had been an email to the run club at work but I totally forgot about it. The reminder email (with a photo of the octopus medal) was just the nudge I needed to register. Put on by the British Science Association, who smartly hired The Race Organizer to execute the race, it was a lovely Friday evening run around Hyde Park. The weather was perfect for running- just a bit cool with a slight breeze. About 200 people came out, although the race could have allowed 500 runners to take part.
|
| Race pack |
Race entry and fees: Registration was £25 through Eventbrite. You could also register on the day. Rather than mailing out the race packets, we had on hour before the race started where we coud collect our bibs at the start line. I got there 30 minutes early so had time to say hi to some friends (a pleasant surpise to see them!) and warm up.
|
| Limbering up |
Course and bogs: The course was a 5 km loop through Hyde Park that you had to do twice. It was really well marshalled with a person in high-vis at every turn cheering us on, as well as large bright signs. There weren’t any mile markers so I was glad I had my Fitbit on to help me keep track of my distance. The paths were open to the public but it wasn’t too crowded.
Park toilets, which normally cost 20p but for some reason were free that night, were right across from the start line and there was never a queue. The water station was at the start line, rather than out mid-course, and sufficient in size for the weather, number of people and course length.
If you have been living under a rock, you may not have heard about how much plastic rubbish ends up in the ocean. The Run To The Deep organizers made a few simple decisons to help reduce the amount of plastic produced by the race. The water cups were biodegradable and compostable. The water itself was brought in in large carboys rather than small water bottles you would get at a store.
|
| Group warm up |
Location: As I have mentioned, the race was in Hyde Park, London, after work on a Friday evening. It was really easy to get to. I actually took a bus over from Oxford Circus. I don’t make it over there too often so it was nice to see a different part of London. The park is the largest of the four Royal Parks, so it was fairly peaceful in terms of traffic noise and not very crowded with people. I imagine if it was a wee bit warmer, the park would have been more crowded. The course took us by the Serpentine too.
|
| I had to stop and take a picture. You don’t see this on city runs very often. |
Atmosphere: With only 200 runners in a very large park, there wasn’t much atmosphere in terms of cheering or running alongside other people. One of the cool aspects of the race was the Run To The Deep app that used GPS to narrate your trip to the bottom of the ocean. It was really strange to run a race that encouraged you to wear headphones, especially where there were so many scientists together in a semi-social setting (well, I went because I am a scientist but I am sure some people were not). I opted to enjoy running in the park rather than listening to the app. My friends who used the app said it was pretty cool so I need to download it asap and give it a try.
Race bling and goody bags: The race medal design was what convinced me to do the race. There is an octopus on it and I am a marine biologist by training. Therefore, it was a no-brainer. Another eco-friednly choise was using a ribbon that was 100% cotton so it didn’t contain any plastic. Hurray!
The paper goody bags contained the medal, a banana (no wrapper!) and a collapsible stainless steel cup on a key chain (#genius). That is going in my camping gear as I always carry a resusable water bottle with me anyways.
|
| Goody bag and back of medal |
Tips if you want to take part next time: If you had been listening to the app, you would know how far you have gone along the route. If you run without the app, I would suggest having a running app or watch to let you know the distance covered. As I mentioned above, I was keeping tabs of my mile splits with my Fitbit so this wasn’t an issue for me. Make sure you bring a few 20p coins in case you have to use the loo.
Unfortunatelt, I am not sure they will have another Run To The Deep race next year, but I heard they did a solar system run last summer and want to do a series of four races altogether. I highly recommend it if they do. #nerdsunite
|
| Me and my bling |
by Mollie Millington | Nov 24, 2017 | race review, running, travel, WMM
|
| Kit lay before the race. Thanks to my husband for the card. |
This year was the 40th anniversary race of the Chicago Marathon who took part in the first weekend of October. There was a big opening ceremony with the press as the expo opened, featuring some of the more famous participants of the race over the years. I met one of the eight men (pictured below) who has run them all, who said to start off slow. While waiting in the start pen, I learned there was a lot of security because of the recent Las Vegas shooting which was a bit sad to think about- how we live in a day and age where that needs to be a consideration.
 |
| The eight gentlemen who have ran every Chicago Marathon. |
Race entry and fees: There is a ballot entry, along with charity places, legacy finishers and time qualifier (good for age). In 2018, it will be $195 for US residents and $220 for non-US residents. I feel very lucky to have won a ballot for my first and third World Marathon Majors (WMM) so far. Direct flights to Chicago are mid-price. As I added a stop in Houston to my trip, mine were a bit more. I also was lucky enough to stay with friends in the suburbs which allowed me to save a lot of money during my one week stay in Chicago. There are hostels local to the start line though if you plan ahead (or wait till the week before the race for people to cancel, we learned). I arrived Wednesday to allow my body to adjust to the time difference but it didn’t seem to be too much of a problem.
 |
| Obligatory bib shot at the expo |
Course and bogs: The course travels through 29 neighbourhoods in 26 miles of the race. I really enjoyed Mexican part of town as it was one big party with lots of fun music. There were lots of bands long the way too with varying genres of music. The portal loos were deserted at 6:30am in the morning but as my pen time approached at 8|:30am, the line was probably the longest I have ever waited in for a race. Along the way, loos were available at some of the drink stations but I only used them once (big improvement from Berlin) There were 20 aid stations long the way, some with medical tents and/or Gatorade. I was pleased to find the aid stations were not bottlenecks along the race route. They were so long, as well as on both side of the road, that I was able to keep a constant pace. To compensate for the warmer temps, wet sponges were distributed at a few points, along with fire trucks and sprinklers offering mist across the road for runners to cool down.
 |
| 6|:30am portaloos without a line |
 |
| Come start time, the lines were the longest I have every been in |
Location: Throughout the “Windy City” in the midwest of the United States. The city is easily accessible by most major airlines.
 |
| Such a cool display to get the runners going in the early morning. |
Atmosphere: I love Americans. They are excited to be there and cheer for the runners. There was rarely a lull in spectators along the course. Signs were in abundance and made me chuckle. Favourites included ‘You are running better than our government” and “Make America chaff again”. People were also handing out candy, donuts, pretzels and beer. I even heard someone say “Who shows up to watch a marathon for four hours and doesn’t bring beer?”
 |
| Custom sign from my friend, Pattie, who flew in from Atlanta for the weekend |
Race bling and goody bags: I might be a bit biased, but the medal is pretty cool as it means I am 1/2 way through my WMM quest. Goody bags had various drinks and snacks. Everyone got a free Goose Island beer too at the finish. Unfortunately, I don’t drink beer but I took one to share with friends or fellow finishers. No one was up for it though so I ended up throwing it away.
 |
| So happy to be done |
Tips if you want to take part next time: I did a lot of research before the race to look for other tips. The best one I read was that the GPS get confused in the city because of the tall buildings. The suggestion was to keep track of miles as “laps” for your mile splits. I found this a good distraction tool but did miss the mile marker a few times. As I have found for many of these big races, there isn’t a need to carry water as the aid stations are so frequent. I decided to wear my Osprey Duro rucksack to keep a small amount of water on hand in the heat. I sipped it along the way and took Gatorade on board at the aid sessions where I could.
 |
| Halfway there! |
I highly recommend you to do the 5k the day before the marathon. It was a lot of fun and can be something to do with your friends and family who are in Chicago with you but not taking part in the marathon. After the race, there is an awkward/stiff walk to the park where you can get a free massage at the after party. If you tend to be stiff after a race, let me warn you that the walk is long to get there. It is worth it though as you walk by the picturesque fountain and there was hardly a wait line. Plus the massage feels so good after your efforts on the course. I didn’t stay for the party in the park because we had dinner plans but it didn’t seem too busy.
 |
| Line to enter the massage tent |
Finally, the weather is unpredictable for that time of year so be prepared to give up a PB (PR) if it is hot outside. I know it sucks, but you need to take care of you.
 |
| Start of the 5K with friends |
I want to say thank you to my friends, Pattie, Lisa and Mel who came to Chiacago for the weekend. Also, big thanks to Christian, Leigh, Mia and Moo for allowing me to move in for week and for a fabulous celebratory dinner. It was so good to be back in my homeland. I was lucky enough to earn three medals and a belt buckle in eight days in two different states. It is a trip I will never forget.
by thinkmarsh | Nov 24, 2017 | race review, running, travel, WMM
|
| Kit lay before the race. Thanks to my husband for the card. |
This year was the 40th anniversary race of the Chicago Marathon who took part in the first weekend of October. There was a big opening ceremony with the press as the expo opened, featuring some of the more famous participants of the race over the years. I met one of the eight men (pictured below) who has run them all, who said to start off slow. While waiting in the start pen, I learned there was a lot of security because of the recent Las Vegas shooting which was a bit sad to think about- how we live in a day and age where that needs to be a consideration.
|
| The eight gentlemen who have ran every Chicago Marathon. |
Race entry and fees: There is a ballot entry, along with charity places, legacy finishers and time qualifier (good for age). In 2018, it will be $195 for US residents and $220 for non-US residents. I feel very lucky to have won a ballot for my first and third World Marathon Majors (WMM) so far. Direct flights to Chicago are mid-price. As I added a stop in Houston to my trip, mine were a bit more. I also was lucky enough to stay with friends in the suburbs which allowed me to save a lot of money during my one week stay in Chicago. There are hostels local to the start line though if you plan ahead (or wait till the week before the race for people to cancel, we learned). I arrived Wednesday to allow my body to adjust to the time difference but it didn’t seem to be too much of a problem.
|
| Obligatory bib shot at the expo |
Course and bogs: The course travels through 29 neighbourhoods in 26 miles of the race. I really enjoyed Mexican part of town as it was one big party with lots of fun music. There were lots of bands long the way too with varying genres of music. The portal loos were deserted at 6:30am in the morning but as my pen time approached at 8|:30am, the line was probably the longest I have ever waited in for a race. Along the way, loos were available at some of the drink stations but I only used them once (big improvement from Berlin) There were 20 aid stations long the way, some with medical tents and/or Gatorade. I was pleased to find the aid stations were not bottlenecks along the race route. They were so long, as well as on both side of the road, that I was able to keep a constant pace. To compensate for the warmer temps, wet sponges were distributed at a few points, along with fire trucks and sprinklers offering mist across the road for runners to cool down.
|
| 6|:30am portaloos without a line |
|
| Come start time, the lines were the longest I have every been in |
Location: Throughout the “Windy City” in the midwest of the United States. The city is easily accessible by most major airlines.
|
| Such a cool display to get the runners going in the early morning. |
Atmosphere: I love Americans. They are excited to be there and cheer for the runners. There was rarely a lull in spectators along the course. Signs were in abundance and made me chuckle. Favourites included ‘You are running better than our government” and “Make America chaff again”. People were also handing out candy, donuts, pretzels and beer. I even heard someone say “Who shows up to watch a marathon for four hours and doesn’t bring beer?”
|
| Custom sign from my friend, Pattie, who flew in from Atlanta for the weekend |
Race bling and goody bags: I might be a bit biased, but the medal is pretty cool as it means I am 1/2 way through my WMM quest. Goody bags had various drinks and snacks. Everyone got a free Goose Island beer too at the finish. Unfortunately, I don’t drink beer but I took one to share with friends or fellow finishers. No one was up for it though so I ended up throwing it away.
|
| So happy to be done |
Tips if you want to take part next time: I did a lot of research before the race to look for other tips. The best one I read was that the GPS get confused in the city because of the tall buildings. The suggestion was to keep track of miles as “laps” for your mile splits. I found this a good distraction tool but did miss the mile marker a few times. As I have found for many of these big races, there isn’t a need to carry water as the aid stations are so frequent. I decided to wear my Osprey Duro rucksack to keep a small amount of water on hand in the heat. I sipped it along the way and took Gatorade on board at the aid sessions where I could.
|
| Halfway there! |
I highly recommend you to do the 5k the day before the marathon. It was a lot of fun and can be something to do with your friends and family who are in Chicago with you but not taking part in the marathon. After the race, there is an awkward/stiff walk to the park where you can get a free massage at the after party. If you tend to be stiff after a race, let me warn you that the walk is long to get there. It is worth it though as you walk by the picturesque fountain and there was hardly a wait line. Plus the massage feels so good after your efforts on the course. I didn’t stay for the party in the park because we had dinner plans but it didn’t seem too busy.
|
| Line to enter the massage tent |
Finally, the weather is unpredictable for that time of year so be prepared to give up a PB (PR) if it is hot outside. I know it sucks, but you need to take care of you.
|
| Start of the 5K with friends |
I want to say thank you to my friends, Pattie, Lisa and Mel who came to Chiacago for the weekend. Also, big thanks to Christian, Leigh, Mia and Moo for allowing me to move in for week and for a fabulous celebratory dinner. It was so good to be back in my homeland. I was lucky enough to earn three medals and a belt buckle in eight days in two different states. It is a trip I will never forget.
by thinkmarsh | May 25, 2017 | race review, running
|
| Forecast over London = rain! |
The British Heart Foundation (BHF) Town of London jog has been on my bucket list since we moved to London. I mean, who wouldn’t want to run in the old moat of the former Royal residency. This year, I was finally organized enough to register. Originally, I was supposed to run with work friends but I ended up being on a first aid course near home which mixed up arrival times. Luckily, I ran into friends from Advent Running, making the race much more enjoyable for me as it was pouring with rain. One km laps surrounded by brick really aren’t that fun.
Race entry: Register online for £20 (I think) plus there is an option to fundraise for BHF. You can register on the day too if you aren’t big on planning ahead.
 |
| Bogs to the left, baggage tent to the right. All in the moat! |
Course and bogs: As it says on the tin, you run around the Tower of London. I thought it would be literal but instead you do U-shaped laps. You can run as much or as little as you want with suggested distances of 5 or 10 km. The race isn’t timed and you can start whenever you want within a three hour window. I saw many groups of people running together- work teams, rugby clubs, and families all taking part. The course wasn’t crowded but it was busy due to some people walking. One water station as you turned around made it easy to rehydrate as needed.
There were a handful of port-a-loos near the bag drop off. Luckily I didn’t have to use them. Because of the variable start time, there wasn’t a huge line at any point from what I saw.
 |
| Advent Running unite! Photo courtesy of Mel McKay |
Atmosphere: Even though it was pouring with rain, people were having fun. Many were walking and several had signs on their back stating who they were running for. Some ‘fans’ were even cheering from the pavement above. I think for many people, it was their first race event and most seemed to have a personal connection to the charity.
 |
| Note the catapult |
Bling/goody bags: There wasn’t a goody bag but I did snag a free five minute massage. I was most excited out the race bling, which had potential to be epic, but instead it was pretty boring. Each participant received a free red technical t-shirt, but again, these were generic. I totally understand that BHF saves money by not customizing the freebies but I was still sad about the bling. I would forgo a t-shirt for a really cool medal.
 |
| I am still in the moat. 5K done! |
Tips if you decide to take part next time: 2018 will be the 40th year of this epic race.
If you are a seasoned runner, get a group of colleagues or neighbors together to take part. Travel light so you don’t need to check a bag unless you want to wait for a loooong time to collect it. If you have a lust for #racebling, don’t run this race for the bling as it is sadly a generic medal (but has a custom ribbon). BHF gives extra shout-outs to folks who raise more than £500, so if you are committed to the cause, go for it!
by Mollie Millington | May 25, 2017 | race review, running
|
| Forecast over London = rain! |
The British Heart Foundation (BHF) Town of London jog has been on my bucket list since we moved to London. I mean, who wouldn’t want to run in the old moat of the former Royal residency. This year, I was finally organized enough to register. Originally, I was supposed to run with work friends but I ended up being on a first aid course near home which mixed up arrival times. Luckily, I ran into friends from Advent Running, making the race much more enjoyable for me as it was pouring with rain. One km laps surrounded by brick really aren’t that fun.
Race entry: Register online for £20 (I think) plus there is an option to fundraise for BHF. You can register on the day too if you aren’t big on planning ahead.
|
| Bogs to the left, baggage tent to the right. All in the moat! |
Course and bogs: As it says on the tin, you run around the Tower of London. I thought it would be literal but instead you do U-shaped laps. You can run as much or as little as you want with suggested distances of 5 or 10 km. The race isn’t timed and you can start whenever you want within a three hour window. I saw many groups of people running together- work teams, rugby clubs, and families all taking part. The course wasn’t crowded but it was busy due to some people walking. One water station as you turned around made it easy to rehydrate as needed.
There were a handful of port-a-loos near the bag drop off. Luckily I didn’t have to use them. Because of the variable start time, there wasn’t a huge line at any point from what I saw.
|
| Advent Running unite! Photo courtesy of Mel McKay |
Atmosphere: Even though it was pouring with rain, people were having fun. Many were walking and several had signs on their back stating who they were running for. Some ‘fans’ were even cheering from the pavement above. I think for many people, it was their first race event and most seemed to have a personal connection to the charity.
|
| Note the catapult |
Bling/goody bags: There wasn’t a goody bag but I did snag a free five minute massage. I was most excited out the race bling, which had potential to be epic, but instead it was pretty boring. Each participant received a free red technical t-shirt, but again, these were generic. I totally understand that BHF saves money by not customizing the freebies but I was still sad about the bling. I would forgo a t-shirt for a really cool medal.
|
| I am still in the moat. 5K done! |
Tips if you decide to take part next time: 2018 will be the 40th year of this epic race.
If you are a seasoned runner, get a group of colleagues or neighbors together to take part. Travel light so you don’t need to check a bag unless you want to wait for a loooong time to collect it. If you have a lust for #racebling, don’t run this race for the bling as it is sadly a generic medal (but has a custom ribbon). BHF gives extra shout-outs to folks who raise more than £500, so if you are committed to the cause, go for it!
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