Real David H.

older. wiser. slower.

The Cleveland Experience

✴︎

Beyond my race performance, my brief encounter with Cleveland was a positive one. I kind of wish I wouldn’t have rushed my time there so I could have taken in more of the sights.
Back when I was going to run the marathon, my plan was to make a full weekend out of it. When I changed to the half marathon, it became a quick trip to go to my in-laws, go to the expo late Saturday, run Sunday, return to my in-laws, return to Virginia on Monday.

My wife and I did get to catch some of the sights of downtown Cleveland without spending any extra money, but I’d like to go back sometime with some better planning.

Cleveland skyline

Cleveland - Lake Erie

One of the cool things about Cleveland was the access to Browns Stadium before and after the race. It’s great to see a race, city and venue work together to allow runners to use clean restrooms and to be able to relax in a quiet place.

After the race, I just wanted to sit in the shade in a quiet place. Who knew an NFL stadium would be the perfect place for that?

Browns Stadium, Cleveland

My wife said this was one of the best spectating events she has been too from the standpoint of the vendors opening up early. She was able to buy some coffee without walking back to downtown and hang out for a while before runners started finishing.

I’m not sure if I’ll do this race again or not. While my overall experience was positive, I wasn’t overwhelmed by anything to want to make a return any time soon. As I think about what I might do in 2013, this race isn’t jumping out as one I’ll sign up for right away.

Never say never though.

For now I’m eager to spend a few weeks of running for the fun of it, building a base, and then focusing on Richmond Marathon training.

5 responses to “The Cleveland Experience”

  1. Jessica B. Avatar
    Jessica B.

    commented on

    Come back to Cleveland! We have lots to see and do. I loved all the vendors that were there and that they opened up so early, it was really great to have around. Great weather for spectating, not so much for racing.

    Like

    Reply
  2. misszippy Avatar
    misszippy

    commented on

    Just went back and read your race recap–Pretty sure we had to have been near each other. My first mile was an 8:11 and then dropped to pace also. After that, not so much!
    Cleveland is an interesting place/culture. I think in many ways it is the place that got left behind. I left more than 20 years ago and whenever I go back, I find it hasn’t changed much in terms of mindset/culture. It has potential with the lake setting, low cost of living, etc, but I really think that it’s caught in a time warp. I even felt like the running culture was different than what you find out here–did you?

    I’ll probably give this one a go again b/c I do think it could be a fast course given better conditions. And really, how often does NE Ohio get that cloudless stretch of days like that?

    Like

    Reply
    1. David H. Avatar
      David H.

      commented on

      YES! There is/was something about the running culture that felt different. While there was a lot of support among runners that were in need of medical attention, something was different. Nobody really talked to anyone on the course, or looked at anyone else. What struck me was the SILENT finish area with hundred of people lined up. Maybe they were hot too.
      After I wrote this post, I noticed the price of next year’s race is just $40. Very tempting, but I need a few days to collect all my thoughts. 🙂

      Like

      Reply
  3. Kristy Avatar
    Kristy

    commented on

    I have to say the running scene is a little different than I am used to here in Cle. I lived in NYC for 8 years before moving back to Cle and it is just way different. Just so spread out, and kinda clickish. There’s not as much “unity”.
    I do think though, that your unfriendly running experience was due to the weather. I honestly was having such a hard time catching my breath for the entire second half of the marathon so chatting was a chore. I didn’t want to chat to people bc I just couldn’t. Near the end I did, but it was a minimum. I think most people were in survival mode and were just really struggling.
    I’m normally a very friendly runner and was not at all during that race.

    Like

    Reply
    1. David H. Avatar
      David H.

      commented on

      I wouldn’t call it “unfriendly” … it just all felt different from my racing experience in Virginia. I’m glad to have that experience though. Something to learn from every race and every venue/city. For the most part, Cleveland was a great experience. If I run it again, I’ll try to get the crowd going myself in the finishing area!

      Like

      Reply

Leave a reply to David H. Cancel reply

latest posts

categories

subscribe to my blog

Subscribe