Aaron Palaian and the rest of the Onurleft Sports crew really know how to hold a triathlon…read more Held in Kemah, Texas, the Gateway to the Bay Triathlon includes a Saturday sprint-distance triathlon (500m swim, 12.5 mile bike, 3 mile run) and a Sunday olympic-distance triathlon (1500m swim, 40K bike, 10K run). Not only does this triathlon offer a saltwater swim leg, when a lot of triathlons in Houston and Austin only offer freshwater swims, the Gateway to the Bay Triathlon offers top placers entry into the Escape from Alcatraz Triathlon. Once you are registered for the event, Aaron will send you a weekly newsletter with important information and updates. Plus, for me, when I needed something changed with my registration info, he personally emailed me back, telling me he updated my info. Something that I really liked about this triathlon was that there was no race to grab a prime bike spot on the racks in the transition area. Spots were assigned on the racks according to your bib number. I wasn't lucky enough to have a spot at the end of a rack, but I was lucky enough to meet the 2 people right next to me, and we all made sure to accommodate each other. For the olympic-distance swim, the organizers chartered boats (the kinds you take a seated tour of the bay on) and dropped us off at the start buoys, 1500 meters from shore. This was my first olympic triathlon and my first saltwater tri swim. It would be an understatement to say that I was nervous. And it didn't help that the organizers kept saying that if it wasn't your day, stay on the boat. My mind echoed that in my head, "stay on the boat...stay on the boat...stay on the boat..." But, seeing the sun rise over the water, watching pelicans and seagulls fly around the boat, and feeling the wind on my face relaxed me. It was beautiful out there. Buoys were about ever 1/4 mile apart, leading the athletes to the exit ramp. Two more things that I liked about this triathlon were the wetsuit strippers and the carpeted trail leading from the swim's exit ramp to the transition area (the carpet was nice on my feet). My wetsuit stripper took less than 10 seconds for something that would have taken me at least a minute. It was funny--my dad happened to be right behind the wetsuit stripper as the stripper was yanking off my wetsuit, and my dad got smacked in the face with my suit. The bike leg was mostly flat save for the up-and-down over the Kemah Bridge (146). It was steeper than I thought it was. The rest of the bike course was flat. And the organizers of the triathlon were able to get plenty of the local law enforcement to hold and direct traffic. The race officials warned us that there would be only one set of portapotties on the bike leg. Luckily, I didn't have to use it, but I could see how some others might have wanted a few more out there. By the time I got to the run, it was hot (I'm not the fastest triathlete!). There were plenty of aid stations along the route serving gels (I tried an apple cinnamon gel...it was gross), gatorade, heel (another kind of energy drink), and water. And there were a few more portapotties along the route...but, being a dude, the portapotty situation isn't as crucial, if you know what I mean. When I got to the finish line, I was given a medal, a wet, commemorative towel, a water bottle, and a finisher's shirt (along with the participant shirt). That's a whole lot of schwag for a small triathlon! Plus, there was a lot of food (pizza, bananas, pretzels, My Fit Foods was out there giving out food) and drinks (beer, water, gatorade). And there was a live band playing, too. Parking was great. The organizers secured the Kemah Boardwalk parking lots and the use of the Boardwalk garage. My parents, who came out later in the day, were still able to find parking. The only two things that I would have love happened (and, hopefully, can happen next year) are: the olympic run route going around the Kemah Boardwalk, which is something Kemah is known for. I like running around sites the host city is known for. I believe the sprinters got to run around the Boardwalk. The other thing is...well, it's kind of silly, but I like to drink chocolate milk at the end of a long race. So, if anyone from Onurleft Sports is reading this, can you get some chocolate milk for me at the finish? And thanks to all the volunteers, law enforcement, and organizers, who made this a great day for me.

I signed up for the olympic/international distance since it was the first triathlon of the season…read morein the region. Packet Pick up was at Northwest Cycling Center and they provided everyone with a cardboard box that contained bibs, numbers, a tech shirt and a participant's guide. Prerace. I woke up around 4am and got to kemah around 520am parked around 530 and arrived at transition around 545 with only 15 minutes to set up my transition before it closed around 6am. I had to race to get all my stuff to the transition area, find my spot, set up my gear in record time, run barefoot to the boat area and the race hasn't started yet. We all boarded the boat and sat on the floor waiting for it to take us to our destination. I'm on a boat, mother****er! Or at least I was until we were transported to the dropoff point and each triathlete crossed the electronic start line and jumped into the water to swim to shore in a deceptive straight line. I'm not a big fan of swimming as I felt that there were a lot of waves and a current pushing me off course and disorienting me at times so I would have to frequently sight the buoys. That and I feel like I'm drowning in the water when I swim. I remember hearing lots of people dry heaving and I was thinking that it was glad that I didn't eat any of the donuts on board the ship. The buoy were large and easily visible. There were wetsuit strippers to help me get my suit off me so I could run to the transition area on the carpet path. The bike portion was flat, smooth and didn't go over the kemah bridge. There were about two turnarounds that we had to slow down at. The headwind coming from the north was brutal but at least it turned into a tailwind that helped me go around 27mph with a high cadence as I headed back south. The run portion consisted running around a neighborhood, around the kemah boardwalk and up/down the kemah bridge twice. They had some accelerate electrolyte drink that I took a sip of and spit out. I have to buy one of those race belts that lets you carry personal fluid to avoid situations like this. I just had water at every station from that point on. The start of the run was tough since I haven't done any brick training and was focusing on just not stopping. I actually got stronger toward the later part of the run as many were fading away. Post race. They give you a medal, bottle water and various honey milk once you cross the finish line. The post race food included chicken rice bowel from my fit foods, bananas, granola bars, cookies, pizza and soda. There were tables to eat your food but the chairs were all being hoarded by different groups of people.

The Rice U running trail is a great option to incorporate into a running path rotation. Forming a…read moreloop around the Rice campus, adjacent to the medical center, rice village, and the surrounding neighborhoods, it's well used by students, medical professionals and community members. The sand path is wide, well maintained, and mostly shaded by beautiful live oak trees, though after a heavy rain there can be quite a few puddles. The route is just under 3 miles, about 2.9 to be exact (which drives the perfectionist in me crazy). This is the perfect distance in my opinion as 3 miles is easily manageable by most, but it also allows more ambitious runners to go for 6 or even 9 miles with double and triple loops, respectively. This path is great, however free parking doesn't exist on campus so either pay the hourly rate or try your luck in the nearby neighborhoods or in rice village. As always, keep an eye out for parking signs and be respectful of the neighborhood.

lots of trees and shade. lots of driveways passing thru the trail too. the path is not very wide.read more

If you're a native to Houston or visiting, Let's Do This Houston is a must do activity! We booked a…read moreride for a birthday celebration and theme was 90's R&B led night ride. The staff was very nice and personable, the 90's vibe was in the air, and the feeling of the wind blowing through my air made all the stresses of the world go away. They offer a variety of bikes to choose from including electric bike options, and even if you're tall like me (6ft), they have bikes for you too! Along the bike ride, we stopped at multiple bars to relax, grab food, and drinks. You may be hesitant on bike riding, but the staff ensures your safety! They have whistles to alert you, and you "stop at EVERY light and stop sign". This safety measure will be etched in your brain as they have a saying to ensure no one is injured or left behind. This place is a 10 out of 10. Special shout-out to the Host/DJ, Amber, and Coco!!!

Been on a few tours with this group. Always fun with great music, as well as light hydration prior…read moreto takeoff. Spring break was crazy but the team was good at on the fly adjustments of route. It's reasonably priced and a great way to see the city.

This club is filled with awesome, fun people. If you're having trouble motivating yourself to run…read moreor just looking for some fun people to hang around, this is the club for you. I joined just after signing up for my first half marathon and I couldn't have done it without the Striders. They have a free marathon & half training program for all members. They have several weekly scheduled runs. They accomodate all paces, including mine - SLOW (but getting faster)! The last Wednesday of each month we have a "run with the Prez" which lately has been a pub run. We run a few miles out to the first bar and then make our way back to Memorial Park. It's great fun. The club also offers runs on the westside at Terry Hershey Park and long runs on the weekends. It doesn't get any better than this.

This is a great running and cycling club for both the casual and hardcore among us! Great food and…read moredrink specials for the club, and after your 10th run/bike you get a free Berryhill Athletic Club tech tee. And best of all, it is completely free!

This is ONE, really FUN RUN that is second to NONE…read more So perhaps there are places you wouldn't drive 5 miles to, hence the quite interesting combination of two cool places: Discovery Green and Hermann Park. Its not just about point A to B, but the journey of five miles with some truly cool Houstonians. As this is the 6th Annual Park to Park Run that benefits the Hermann Park Conservancy, it stands to reason that they have got there act together. This was a well organized event with a great deal of support from enthusiastic volunteers, police, race officials, and even medical support teams. My day started with a primo parking spot at the Toyota Center Garage (free). Rolled into check-in and had no trouble getting my racing chip. Had I needed too, I could have had a bag of spare clothes taking to the Finish Line at Hermann Park by race personnel. Because the start is at the Green, racers had unlimited access to the nice bathroom facilities (no Portacans, yeah). Race started with a very classy prayer and a beautiful acapella rendition of the Star Spangled Banner. The route was well coned and staffed by volunteers and police pointing in the right direction (believe me, I have seen this go horrible wrong at other events). Everyone got a great tour of downtown, midtown and the museum district (had Reggae Hut been open, I would have been jonzing for a beef patty). Volunteers at every mile marker yelling out race time and pace. Little dry on the water stops at the midpoint (but no biggie). The Finish was located between the Reflection Pool and the Boat Lake. Race officials quickly snipped off my chip and someone handed me a welcome bottle of water with a smile. Plenty of bagels, donuts, kolaches, fruit, water, and juice to be found. Farrah was proudly passing out great Yelp schwag. And even better: liquid adult carbs were available from Budweiser (run & drink before 9am -- stay classy Houston). No problem getting back to your car at the race start because they had a free Metro pass back to the Green. Not that I'm an expert racer or anything, but this was truly a great event that I will attend every year from here on out (until my knee gives in). It's only the last five miles that's hard. Make sure you try it!

Amazing run.... Thanks to all of the police directing traffic, to all of the people handing out…read morewater and to all of the incredible people that put this together and worked the concesions after the race....

Brays Bayou Park (aka Bayou Parkland) is a small park within the Texas Medical Center Area that…read moreprovides access to Bill Coats Bridge, Hermann Park, and the Brays Bayou Greenway Trail. If you choose to go biking or running, the Brays Bayou Greenway trail, offers over 30 miles of paved trail. You can head east to UH's South Macgregor Park or west all the way to the 610 loop (view map here). You can also cross underneath Braeswood Blvd and walk directly into Hermann Park, if you're looking for more activities and walking trails. Our favorite part of the park is the taking photos on Bill Coats Bridge, which overlooks Brays Bayou. Bill Coats Bridge makes our top photo op list. Unfortunately, there are only a few free parking spots available at the parking lot. We recommend visiting on an off peak hour

Nice long hike and bike trail that stretches for miles along the Brays Bayou. Easy to access the…read moreroad that winds through Meyerland to the Medical Center to Hermann Park and beyond. Still a lot of construction and there are multiple closures along the trail, but the completed paved sections are smooth, open and wide. Much safer to be able to go under bridges to avoid crossing major intersections. Need a break? Lots of park benches along the way. Thirsty? The new water bottle refill stations are strategically positioned. Don't have a bike? Look for the hourly rental stations available. The trail has detention capacity that has been expanded after Hurricane Harvey that will hopefully decrease the risk of flooding to homes and property along the bayou. Nice to see so many birds, like herons, cormorants, egrets and ducks, enjoying the water along the trail. Perfect for a long bike ride on a sunny weekend.

I've run this half marathon just about every year since I moved to Houston, and it's a great race…read more The race occurs every year on the Sunday before Halloween and provides a great warm up option for the Chevron/Aramaco race that occurs in mid-January, known to be the largest sporting event in Houston. The course is pretty flat, making a short loop around downtown before heading out along Allen Parkway and through Memorial Park and back, with only the few rolling hills near Buffalo Bayou park to slow you down. Half marathon runners get the chance to pass through the new Memorial Park tunnels which is a lot of fun. The race also offers a 10K option but these runners turn around at the end of Allen Parkway, missing Memorial Park and the tunnels. This race is also nice as the price is fairly low and includes free race day photos. Score! Having done the race several times, I will say that personally, I feel like I like it a little less since UTHealth has taken over as sponsor. The packet pickup now occurs at their Bellaire clinic and promotes a number of their health screening services. Don't get me wrong, I am all about preventive screening and public health, however I really enjoy packet pick ups as an avenue to check out running vendors to score some fun apparel and accessories. This is no longer offered with UTHealth. It feels very much like an advertising event for their health services. This year too their race day website went down for several hours the night before the race, when everyone wants to review the participant guide. They also promote live tracking, which I signed up to receive notification alerts at significant milestones, however there were no time clocks displayed on the course itself. Most runners have a sports watch or tracking app, however this was a little disappointing. Overall, I'm definitely going to continue to run this race but am a little disappointed with the new race sponsor.