I can’t believe I’ve been so busy that I haven’t even been able to blog about what I love! Okay, so that’s not true, I’m still blogging about what I love, but I had plans to do training posts and all that fun stuff, but instead all you get is my race recaps from the Run Rock ‘N’ Roll Marathon Series Remix Challenge.
Last year I ran my first 1/2 marathon with Run Rock ‘N’ Roll and for some crazy reason they allowed me to be a Rock N Blogger this year. Meaning in exchange for my race entries I got to share how awesome I think the Rock ‘N’ Roll Marathon Series races are. Awesome right? Well I had plans to travel to CA for a 1/2, but after my stress fracture I decided to just focus on getting better and staying local this year. As a result I decided to run the Remix Challenge – a 5k on Saturday Night and a 1/2 Marathon on Sunday Night!! Both events taking place right on the Las Vegas Strip.
As a local I tend not to venture down to the strip too often, unless it’s for a show or family in town, but running on the strip, at night, with all the neon glowing is seriously worth the trek from my suburb!
Friday – Expo
On Friday I ducked out of work a little early with the blessing from my boss to head down to meet up with my fellow Rock N Bloggers and Toyota. A few days prior to the race I was contacted by Toyota (one of the main sponsors for the #StripAtNight race) and asked if I’d like to get VIP tickets for the event and meet Kid Rock (who was headlining on Sunday before the races). UM, Yeah – do you even need to ask! I pretty much died. Well not really since I’m here typing this, but you know what I mean! How cool was that!
I got to the expo and very quickly moved through packet pickup. Since I was doing the remix challenge I had to pick up both my 1/2 and 5k bibs, but it was super well organized and I barely waited at all. I met Dan my contact at the Expo who happened to be coordinating Meb Keflezighi’s expo appearance.
In case you are not a runner or living under a rock – Meb is pretty much an icon in distance running. He won Boston in 2012, has an Olympic silver medal, and can run a mile in 4:02… Just to name a few highlights. He’s amazing. And he’s really dedicated to spreading the running love.
In any event it was pretty awesome to see him right there, and I asked Dan if we could take a selfie with Meb in the background. He replied – “Let’s get Meb in the picture!” So I pretty much got to Selfie with a running guru. It was amazing and I’d only been at the expo for 20 minutes! I was glowing!
Next up I headed over the the Run Rock ‘N’ Roll booth/area and met Ashley who has been the blogger coordinator all year. You guys – she’s amazing. I love her, and I love her job! Seriously how much fun would it be to coordinate all these cool running bloggers and travel around the country for fun races! We did some interview stuff, and then I got to meet some other Rock N Bloggers. It was just awesome!
Pictured (IG Accounts) @meghanonthemove @crantina @prettylittlegrub @sue_dothingsalways
My friend Desi was also running the 1/2 marathon so for the next hour plus we wondered around checking out all the amazing brands in the running world.
I stocked up on my favorite Sweaty Bands, finally scored some “Gibbler” ProCompression socks, and bought #ALLTHENUUN! Okay – only 6 bottles, but all awesome. Plus I loved the Vegas #NunnLove bottle!
After I spent all my money – (yes, seriously all my money), it was time to pick up my kids.
Saturday – 5k
Saturday I tried to lay low and continue to hydrate for the half marathon on Sunday. I’d been fighting a pretty gross cold for nearly 8 days at that point and while I was feeling better, I wasn’t feeling great, but I was excited. My amazing babysitter (who also sits on the weekends so I can do my long runs) came over to hang with my boys and I headed down to the strip.
The 5k event was held directly across from the SLS Casino. Over 8,000 people were running. I got there with about 45 minutes to spare prior to the start, and used the bathroom inside the casino. Then I headed out to the field were I got to pick up an awesome glow stick/baton type thing. I’m glad I got there when I did – they went very quickly, but it was SO cool to see people shaking them and dancing with them at the start line. It almost looked like one giant glow stick party/runners rave!
I met up with the Rock N Bloggers who were doing the 5k and chatted for a bit before I headed back to my corral. It was really crowded at that point and I almost couldn’t get into my number, but I managed it. I talked with a nice lady next to me for a while, and soon we were off. The course was okay, but nothing amazing. It was easy and flat. We ran around the field and out into the street. We ran down the street for a while, then back into the outdoor arena where we pretty much did back and forth weaves around the course. I found that even with my cold and how cold it was outside I was running pretty well for me. At mile 2.5 I fell, and then got stuck behind a large cluster of walkers. Thankfully I was okay. I was pretty happy with my run until I realized when I pulled my phone out of my hydration pouch I must have dropped my ID. Unfortunately I didn’t notice until it was too late, and I wasn’t allowed to walk backwards to look for it.
After getting my medal I headed over to listen to Matt & Kim. They were a lot of fun and had really great energy. But I was bummed about losing my ID, and started to wonder what would have happened had I not fallen. Then I realized how cold it was and decided to call it an evening and head home. On my way out I stopped by the Toyota picture area and got a really great post-race picture and a new car charger (which I gave to my babysitter and she was really happy about it!).
Once I got home I showered and crawled into bed ready to see what Sunday’s Half Marathon would bring!
Plus I was going to meet Kid Rock!! Woot!
Part 2 Coming SOON!
I’ve had such an amazing time as a Rock N Blogger! As an ambassador I got up to 3 race entries covered in exchange for sharing how awesome the Rock N Roll Marathon Series events are. Applications are now open for 2016 Ambassadors!! Go APPLY today! I’m crossing my fingers to do it again next year!
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Sounds like you had a really great time…and more to come! That must have been so frustrating to lose your ID though. That sounds like something that would happen to me. 😉
Sweaty bands are my favorite. They are the only headbands that don’t slip out 🙂
This would be such a fun 5k to run!! I have never been to a Rock N Roll run before may have to go on my list to do!
Congratulations to you! This looks like a great time!
oh wow what a fun expo and fun!! You are looking beyond fabulous by the way. But seriously the ID 🙁 That sucks so bad. Hopefully, getting a replacement isn’t too much of a headache. I can’t believe they wouldn’t let you turn around though. Why not Maybe because I’ve never ran a race at night but I’ve never experienced that sort of rule.
Woot! That is awesome! I love your running outfit too!
I have always wanted to attend an event like this! I know that we had one in my city a few years ago and Flo Rida performed!
I realllly wanna do the half next year.
WALKRUNDANCESKIP —anything as it seems such a once in a lifetime experience.