Mile 1 9:20<– the start was straight up a hill! Even though we ran through Hyland, the course stayed on the paved trails the whole time, no dirt/trails. Yes, there were some significant hills, but nothing that we couldn’t handle. There were volunteers at all the confusing spots and cones and arrows making it very well marked. The course was very twisty-turny, but I never was confused about where to go. There were a few out-and-backs where we could see the lead runners. It was such a beautiful course though through Hyland park and around Normandale lake- so, so pretty! The course was lovely. The start line was a little odd actually- no one was really lined up by the time they started the 10 second countdown! It was a narrow path to start I can’t imagine that if this race becomes more popular that they will be able to keep it on the paths that they did, but the paths were definitely a highlight for me.
CIDER HUSTL FREE
Free parking was available in a ramp across the street. We were there a bit too early (around 7:30 am) but the time passed quickly. The race started at 8:30 am at Normandale Lake bandshell in Bloomington. A few other runners made comments about how ‘bold’ I was running in so little, but I run really “hot.” I was totally fine.
CIDER HUSTL PRO
I actually warmed up quickly and was comfortable in shorts, compression socks, and a tank ( Oiselle distance shorts, Pro compression, Oiselle Flyte tank, no longer made, Lole hat, and Brooks Ravennas). It was a brisk 43 degrees at the start, but the sun was shining and there was no wind. We probably could have picked up our packets on race morning as there turned out to not be much of a line, but the race organizers discouraged us from doing so. At the pickup, we received our fleece hoodies and bibs with chips for chip timing. You could pick up for a friend if you brought a signed waiver.
I ran there over lunch to pick up Vicki’s and my packets. Packet pickup was held on Friday at Dick’s Sporting Goods in Richfield, which is really close to my office. The Hot Cider Half Marathon is a new race to the Twin Cities and a great option for a fall half marathon, (especially if all the bad press about Team Ortho turned you off of their Monster Dash.)
Prior to pacing Vicki, I was back to running pretty consistently 5-6 days a week around 30-35 miles a week, so I hoped sub-2 hours (around a 9 min/mile pace) would feel pretty good. Her previous PR was a 2:04 and her goal was to run under 2 hours.ġ3.1 miles would be the longest I had run since the Twin Cities Marathon when I paced my sister, but I had such a great experience with that, that I was excited to pace again. I wasn’t racing it for me, but rather paced/ran with her. It is a fantastic way to get fall foliage fix while you log miles.As I mentioned in my weekly recap, I ran the Hot Cider Hustle Half Marathon last Saturday, October 22nd with my friend Vicki. I highly recommend this race to all runners/walkers. All runners receive white mug cup instead of traditional medal. The medals are only given to top three age group winners. The best part was to receive warm hot cider immediately after crossing a finish line. The course is mainly on crushed limestone covered with beautiful fall leaves and twigs. The hardest part of the race for me was to run the last half a mile on the grass horse track. The course was easy to follow and well marked with energetic volunteers. This year, a unisex black hoodie was given to all participants. I chose mailing option and received the package well in advance. Race day packet pick up was available as well as a mail option for an additional $10. The parking was very well managed and easy to find, but filled up quickly and was about a mile walk to start line. The race is held in the forest preserve trails in the south side of Wheaton. This race is unique in it is a two-day event, with both 5k and 8 mile distances offered both Saturday and Sunday beginning at 9 a.m. The Hot Cider Hustle in Wheaton is the perfect way to enjoy all the sights and sounds of the fall season.
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