Marathon Readiness Series

For a number of years BioAstin has sponsored the Marathon Readiness Series, preparing runners for the Honolulu Marathon. This is advertised as five great races increasing in distance, including:

Boca Hawaii -Norman Tamanaha 15K, August 9

Runner’s Hi 20K, September 6

Hokulani Bake Shop Brio Ice Cream 25k, October 4

HMSA 30k, October 25

Mizuno - Val Nolasco 1/2 Marathon, November 15

I love this idea and would definitely participate in the entire series if I was here full time. It would be a great addition to marathon training and make long runs much more interesting. The cost is $165 for all 5 races.  With many half marathons going for $65-$175 this is a steal!

Pros:

• For locals, this is a great way to progress through marathon training.
• Honolulu police department is out in force not just standing at intersections and directing traffic, but encouraging runners.  Aloha spirit at it's finest!
• The course was clearly marked.  Most times we had a full lane.
• Plenty of volunteers, plenty of water and Tailwind Nutrition sports drink. 
• Race registration for this single race was $35.  We received a bag instead of a t-shirt and I was fine with that.
• Ice cream at the finish line!  I'm working on a post about Brio Ice Cream.  It took a little while for my stomach to settle after the race, but once it did the ice cream was awesome.

Cons:

• Pre-race instructions were a little unclear.  This might have been because it was the third race in the series and most of the participants were local.
• I never saw the start line.  Probably something I missed in the pre-race instructions!
• The course was quite a bit short.  Because I was suppose to run 18-20 on Saturday, I had hoped for at least 15.5 at race conditions.  I did hear later that the course was changed because it use to run on the military base and they were no longer allowed to do so.
• I had one little issue with some walkers on the course.  A large group had gone out an hour earlier, so I started passing them.  Most of them were aware of their surroundings.  Unfortunately we were on a narrow part of the road and two walkers were taking up the entire "lane."  When I said, "On your left," one of the walkers replied, "Good for you."  Ha!  She obviously didn't know that I was trying to politely say, "Move out of the way!" 
• Only the top 3 in each age group received a medal.  I have mixed feelings about this and almost listed it in the pros, but I know a lot of people want that medal! I'm sure they do this to keep costs down.
• Post race food.  This might be a "me" problem, but I always want something salty - pretzels, crackers, etc., post race.  There were rolls, muffins, fruit, and ice cream, but nothing salty.  I was feeling a little nauseated and sweet definitely did not sound good.

 

All in all it was a great race and a great tune-up for me.  I would definitely do the full series if I lived here and was running the Honolulu Marathon.