Merrillville Mini

Merrillville has a Mini Marathon?! That's what I said. And the timing was perfect to work on my full pace, so why not head home and try a new race.

First off, I hate change. I run the same races EVERY SINGLE year. So I told myself, one different race a year, so this was my newbie. It was advertised as flat and fast, and a reasonable price. So it was a no brainer to run. So here's a quick and dirty on the Merrillville Mini:

• The race course was never posted online. This freaked me out. Like the race didn't exist.
• But....the course rocked. Flat, no hold ups. Country roads, trails, neighborhoods. Plenty of scenery. 
• Only two port-o-pottys at the start. And if anyone has went to a race with me, you know how  important the pre-race bathroom situation is to me. I think I saw one along he way, but plenty of wooded areas : )
• Water and Gatorade stations were ample.
• They had pacers...for a small race, I was impressed. And with me trying to work on my full pace, I knew not to let the 1:50 pass me and not to pass the 1:40.
• It was ran in the region...home....so 3 Floyd's was easily found at a liquor store for post race!

Overall, great local race, and would definitely recommend it for runners. As for myself, I was partially rested, looking to run a 1:50, my goal full marathon pace. I finished at a 1:49, but was hoping it would have felt a little easier. Regardless, I'll take it...less that a month to #BeMonumental!