SEAWHEEZE
Seawheeze is the kind of race where nothing could go wrong or feel bad because it exudes positivity!
Seawheeze Race Photo 2019,Vancouver, Canada
Pre Race
This race, this location and this experience were much more than I had ever imagined for a race weekend! The expo, the Seawheeze store, and all the fun meet-ups and city experiences are a MUST DO before running a half marathon in one of the most breathtaking places in the world! Lululemon sponsors that race, but don't let that scare you from being surprised by the most amazing weekend of the year. They hooked me up with some super cool experiences and swag because of social media posts and because it was my first time ever visiting Canada. I was able to enjoy a fabulous meal at Cardero's with a new friend and some Instax photos with my new camera! I also tried out the Cactus Club and all the french pastries and coffee. My favorite non-race experience was seeing the Capilano Suspension Bridge park- it was beautiful and worth every penny. Speaking of, the exchange rate is such an interesting point of conversation because things are just a little bit cheaper in Canada including the Lululemon gear because of the exchange rate. Keep that in mind when you plan your trip! The flight wasn't too terrible, but I would definitely recommend splitting a room with friends or strangers. It was quite affordable this way! If spending money isn't your thing, groups like November Project hosted events like a free art walk in the city the evening before the race and a post-race celebration.
Race Day
Pro Tip: Wake up early & get your hotel close to the start line! I met up with my friends before the race to take pictures. This race was so unbelievably beautiful and a picture doesn't serve it justice. I threw in a few pics of the Virtual Seawheeze I ran in 2020 and I think that's the best part of the race is the positive mindset surrounding the race even from home it still feels like the best Run. Party. Yoga. weekend of the year. There are so many fun tidbits along the racecourse there's really no bad vibes period. I had a few personal health issues and I still felt happy at the finish line! Have fun, take in the views, and breathe in the fresh air!
Post Race
Seawheeze is not JUST a race; it's an experience. So after you get done showing everyone what you've got on the racecourse, be prepared for yoga and DJs at the Sunset Festival post-race! This was an experience like no other, and I was beyond thrilled to partake. At the festival, you can eat, and there are recreational activities like skating and an artisan market to check out. They also make a special brew just for the Sunset Festival, and it was super delicious! Because I was rooming with 3 other ladies the post-race can seem a bit hectic! I had to leave on a flight to the US the next morning so make sure to preplan and pack before you go off adventuring for your last taste of Vancouver. A good pro tip: make sure to leave time the next morning to check bags/ don't wait till the last minute to get to the airport. I think the metro ran at later hours on Sunday so I was worried I needed a taxi, but being that I only had a carry on I was okay with security- mind you it takes about an hour to get through!