A1A Marathon radiates warmth in more than one way

It didn’t take me long to sign up for my first marathon of 2018.

All I needed was one look at the A1A in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., which is held Sunday, Feb. 18. The race promises all I need for a potential PR and BQ race, and more.

First, it’s a flat and course. Today, I will be heading out on a 20-mile run and then tapering for the Indianapolis Monumental. I am aiming to set another PR and qualify for Boston, as I did in last year’s race. But anything can happen on race day so I decided to pick a race early in 2018 as a backup.

Disclaimer: I received a free entry to the A1A Marathon as part of being a BibRave Pro. Learn more about becoming a BibRave Pro ambassador, and check out BibRave.com to review find and write race reviews!

You can use my code, "BIBRAVE" for 15 percent off the A1A race. While I will be doing the marathon, there are other race distances including a half marathon, 5K and a Komen’s Run for the Pink 6K.

Runners will receive complimentary shuttle to/from the start and/or finish, as well as a gender-specific tech shirt, swag bag and finisher’s medal. There also is a post-race party featuring food, beverages — including beer for those 21 and older — and live music.

While the comped entry was a factor in my decision, I could have easily picked another marathon. But A1A stood out in other ways.

• The weather will be 60 to 75 degrees on race day. I’m looking forward to escaping winter for a brief weekend getaway, which is also timely since the race is the day before the President’s Day holiday. That extra day for recovery will be enjoyable.

• I really like running by the ocean when my work travels take me to one coast or the other. I have never run a race alongside either ocean that borders the U.S. but I am definitely excited about doing so at the A1A race.

• The race start and finish lines are in close proximity to each other as well as various hotels. It appears that it will be easy for visitors, with or without a vehicle, to navigate around. The race expo, which is held Friday and Saturday, is also located nearby.

• And, last but not least, RX Massage Therapy will be on hand to provide post-race massages. From their website: “Once you have cooled down, bring your sweaty, exhausted, road grime covered body to the massage tent! We will be happy to assist you in your recovery with a flush massage.”

But first things first. I am heading out to do my 20-miler, then crush the Indy Monumental. And afterward, I will be looking forward to my first race in Florida that I’m sure will be highlighted by some well-deserved warmth in February in the Sunshine State.