Not sure I can put all my thoughts together in this review, as my brain is still reeling that I ran…read more13.1 miles. But of course, I will try my best. I have a standard to uphold, you know! This was my first half marathon. I had been thinking of running a half marathon since last summer/fall. I was typically doing 6-7 miles on the weekends, so what's adding a 6-7 more, right? So I started training. Had a few setbacks, but after hearing good things about this race from my running friends, decided to sign up. If you get a chance to run a race put on by FAB Racing (Angie and Frank Binetti), do it. Do not hesitate! They are a wonderful, professional husband and wife team of runners that know what runners need and want in a race. Swag, bling, communication and a great course, massages after the race, plus food, food, and more food at the end. And you will get all that, plus more! Don't worry about not knowing what's going on...a newsletter is sent out at very regular intervals, or if there is any news (like the weather last Sunday). Plus, they are very responsive if you need to ask a question through e-mail. I have never seen race directors so available and prominent at race events. I love that they are so involved! Packet pickup is quick and easy, or, if you have the time, they offer free Rock Taping (kinesiology tape), which is VERY cool. I took advantage of that as I had been having IT Band issues. And it really helped so that was a huge plus! Race day was chilly and rainy but the excitement was awesome. There were plenty of porta potties (you know I will take a star or two off for that!), loud music, and a t-shirt exchange for different sizes, if needed. I thought was cool and something I hadn't seen before. The course is an easy, flat, out and back down Bay Area to Red Bluff, down Kirby almost to Nasa Road 1, then turn around and head back. Plenty of water stations with amazing volunteers, water and Gatorade, plus a few spectators out cheering for the runners, which was fun. Obviously it's not like Houston or other big races (this was capped at about 790 runners) where there are spectators everywhere, but everyone that was out (photographers, volunteers, spectators) was freaking awesome. Another cool thing is that the results are printed right there to read before you leave. how freaking cool is that? I never have seen that before. Most times you have a wait a few days to get your official results, so that is a nice plus. And bling? Oh yeah. A big ol heavy, colorful medal you can wear with pride! Plus, a pilsner glass, socks, a hat, a singlet, coupons, etc in the swag bag. Breakfast tacos from Taco Cabana afterwards, plus fruit, shaved ice, Girl Scout cookies, and massages afterwards, Oh yeah baby. Finishing 13.1 miles never felt so good. Oh Wait. This was my first! Still, though, it was a very cool finish with a lot of cheering folk at the end...even though I was one of the last ones, I still got a huge cheer. And not just from friends and family! Overall, this was everything I wanted and expected in my first half marathon! So. Will I do another half marathon? Oh yes! Will I do another half marathon put on by FAB Racing? Oh hell yes! And you should, too!

7:00am and already done with the half marathon...very disappointed. Turns out it was a scam. Drove…read morearound the area for 45 minutes...no signs, aid stations, or people! If you see Angie's Half Marathon FAB Series posted on any website, question the legitimacy of the website! I know I won't be registering for one of their "races" again! Good luck training, I'll see you at the finish line!

I was a bit skeptical about this race because of all the bad reviews from last year but it actually…read moreturned out well. The race course went through different areas which kept the views interesting and the medals this year were cute. However, I would caution those who have a bad ankle because part of the course is a bit hilly which can cause injury. They took out a water station in the middle so they were just on either end which meant that there was only water every 1.75ish miles. There was plenty of water and the volunteers were very sweet. What was a bit annoying, even though it wasn't their fault, was that the portable restrooms were delivered late and only 5 of them were delivered. This caused a long line and made the race delay by 20 mins so everyone had time to use them. The other ones came after the race started. There was plenty of snacks but they ran out of hot chocolate. This race had 1000+ participants I am taking one star away since they didn't give out tshirt as until the day of and because specifics of bib pick up weren't told until 2 weeks before the race.

A very well executed and organized race this year! The sponsors were well organized and friendly,…read morethe race administrators made sure everyone was staged in time for the gun. I was a bit surprised that they started the 6kers after the 12k, so that the whole race was a game of dodge-the-slow-12kers. However it was effective in getting everyone finished in a limited amount of time. And best of all, medals for all! And snacks for all!

This is my first time ever playing on a co-ed team but Houston Women's Soccer Association has made…read morethe experience very enjoyable. HWSA is definitely "on top of their game" and are efficient and organized. If it's raining, they'll be sure to post the most updated information for you to inform you if your game is still on or if it's been re-scheduled. The parks that HWSA holds games at are safe, clean, and relatively easy to find. The referees are (for the most part) good at what they do... every now and then you'll get a ref that you just want to replace, but hey, it comes with the territory. I highly recommend coming out and joining HWSA even if you've never played soccer before in your life. They have divisions 1-5 co-ed soccer. I think 5 is the most beginner, so if you're more advanced, then you'd want to sign up to be in division 1. It's so much fun, and you'll meet a lot of new people for sure. If you want to "exercise" without having to run on a treadmill or elliptical machine at the gym, come chase a soccer ball around, you'll definitely get what you asked for, and the best part is, it won't even feel like exercising!

This is a small little park in midtown that doesn't get too much attention but it's very convenient…read moreif you live nearby. I love coming here with our lil pup because he can run around and expend some energy after a long day inside. The park is about half a fenced in dog park and then a small green area but most people come to bring their dogs. It's usually pretty empty but sometimes people stop by. They just remodeled in the middle of 2018 so if you haven't been recently it'll look new to you. I love coming here and recommend stopping by if you live within walking distance.

This park is covered in dog poop. It is disgusting and disappointing that dog owners that care…read moreenough about their pups to take them to an awesome dog park to get good exercise do not clean up after their pets. THE PARK PROVIDES POOP BAGS! Have some respect for your community. This review is not towards the city or midtown because they have provided everything a dog and its owner may need-poop bags,water fountain, benches. its towards the lazy pet owners that ruin it for others.

What better way to build up an appetite for thanksgiving day feast? This is a great fun and…read moreexciting run. I am shocked at how crowded this thing gets! But people wake up early, dress up and run a 5K. The sponsors usually come packed and it makes it a sight to see thousands of runners with turkey heads in the streets near the galleria.

2014 was my first year running in the Turkey Trot near the Galleria, and it was quite an…read moreexperience! They offer both a 5k and 10k race option, so depending on your level of experience you can race whatever works best. There are also wheelchair and kids specific races happening, so bring out the whole family! The course wound through the Galleria area, and the weather was perfect for running. As a first timer, I thought the instructions were a bit vague and I wish there had been a little more structure to the begining/pre-race activities. There were lots of people running in a group dressed in costumes, so if you have a couple of crazy friends grab them, get creative with the costumes, and have some fun running before stuffing yourself full of turkey later that day. Post-race activities include a few snacks for runners, photo opportunities, games and inflatable slides/obsticle courses, and a lot of great vendors to visit and get free swag. Yelp was one of hte race sponsors, and they had a booth where you could get yelp branded merch as well. Fun!

These folks are phenomenal when it comes to working things out with people when the unexpected…read morehappens. I purchased a Groupon for 5 wks of bootcamp and broke my ankle and have had to have surgery twice. My Groupon had long expired by then and I am still testing the limits of their patience hoping to begin the sessions next month. Furthermore, I did attend one session and - for my specific purposes - it was hands down the best bootcamp of its type. Why? Because you get a full hour - not just 30 minutes. (includes warm up/down), it is outside at a park and no equipment is used (except for dumbbells), just the resistance of your own body weight. Most important of all (for ME) there is no unwanted rap music inflicted on you. Lastly, I will give one caution: The workout is intense. I only lasted a half-hour and was sore for several days. I am 57 and in average shape. I hope to post an updated review when I have completed my sessions to let you know the results!

If anyone is intimidated in starting bootcamp or working out in general- Silverback is the place to…read morebe. The classes are targeted best for beginners and intermediate level and is conveniently located in Grady Park, across the street from the Marathon building. The instructor, Manny, provides a variety of drills to keep the workout fun and challenging. The best part is (unlike other exercise programs such as running on the treadmill), the hour goes by fast. In addition, Manny also incorporates exercises from crossfit such as deadlifts, tabatha style method and kettlebell workouts. I would definitely recommend this to anyone who is trying to lose weight, increase their stamina, strengthen their muscle and work or lives in the Galleria area.

I never swam much growing up and decided it was time to develop my swimming level. Sairy was very…read moregood at explaining various techniques for a beginner level swimmer like me. Highly recommend, I will be booking another lesson soon.

I did two tours with Jovan in one weekend, and they were fantastic! I was motivated to get…read moreexercise, learn more about Houston, and meet new people. These tours easily hit all three goals, plus it was fun. I hope to make it to other tours too and highly recommend them!

Randomly called 2 days in a row. Asked for me by name and then said they had the wrong number when…read moreI said I was who they were asking for. Weird.