2012 Alliant Energy 5th Season 4th of July, 8K &5K races--Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

First I just have to say that this race was HOT and not hot like great, but HOT in temperature. We woke up to 80 degrees with high humidity early in the morning. You can just imagine how much hotter it got one and two hours later. Last year I ran the 8K (5 mile race) in 48:38, this year I was hoping for a better time, however I did so much worse.  The best thing I can say is that I finished.  I had a really hard time cooling my body down. It wasn't until mile 4 at a water stop that I asked several volunteers to throw water on me that I finally felt better. Racers were puking all over the place, it was disgusting. People were just pushing themselves way beyond what they should in the heat.  I never puked and for that I'm grateful.

 If you want to see results click on this link.

It's a nice organized race.  I have written some good and bad points that are my opinion about this race, so you can decide if you want to do this race next year:  

The Good
Organized packet pickup.
Organized in general.
Course is down hill for half of it. 
Plenty of volunteers at every turn so you never could get lost. I was impressed by the number of people volunteering.  You can't have a good race without a bunch of volunteers.
3 water stations, which ends up being 4 because you pass by 1 of them twice. 
Chip timed--however you have to give the chip back. I think for a race this size they should have those disposable bib chip timing things. 
Some food after--Water, Gatorade, oranges, bananas, cookies after 8K race. 
Medals for 5 places deep in the age group. 
Early time in the morning to start the race so if it is hot, like this year you get it over with early.


 The Bad 
 Course is up hill for half of it. 
NO goody packet.  Instead it was an envelope with advertisements for other races. Save some paper and put those brochures on a table and if people want to pick them up they will.  Seriously with all of these sponsors can't you give away something?  Instead all the money from sponsors goes to pay fast runners to do this race, why? 
Shirt was the EXACT same as last year, just a different color. WHY? Change it up a little please.
 More food at the end. When my daughter finished her 5K there were NO cookies left. You should have enough food for all races. Why wasn't there better food? Last year it was better and I would expect with all the sponsors you have to see more choices.   Seriously it's a 5 mile race and I've seen more choices of food in 3 mile races.  Many people ran both the 5 and 8K race.

The UGLY
You run past a super stinky factory that makes you literally gag, maybe that's why so many people were throwing up.

I did have a nice morning despite the bad points and the heat, below are some pictures:

My daughter and me.  I found these tanks at Wal-Mart.
Perfect for the 4th of July.

Jason and I.

One of my running friends, Lisa.

Alyssa running in for a strong 5K finish.

Here is me after both the 8 and 5K race.  I first did
the 8K for me, then Alyssa wanted me to run her race
with her, so I did.  I'm grateful I'm fit enough to do
just that!  My tank stretched way out when it was wet
so it looks horrible at the end of two races.  I won't be
wearing that again.