Rock n Roll Run

There were huge crowds, probably 25,000 racers, but the Las Vegas Rock n Roll half and full Marathon was well organized. There were lines for everything, but they moved quickly. I was placed into a corral with other runners that planned to do the event in 11 minute miles. The elite runners started a full half hour before we did, but we were being entertained the whole time by a band imitating the Blues Brothers...so fun. Next time I need to wear some throw away warm clothes because I was a bit chilled by the time I started jogging. The temperature was a bit warm for running and cool for standing...close to 50 degrees until the sun hit us later. We wear a chip in our shoes that tells the timer when we cross the start line, so you are not penalized for starting late.

Lots of people wore costumes...God bless them. I find it enough to just do my thing in perfectly fitting, time tested clothes. These people are wearing chicken suits, Santa suits, bride and groom outfits (of course these folks actually tied the knot during the race) and of course lots and lots of Elvis costumes. Just think of wearing the wig...yuck. Most wore white, zip up the front jumpsuits. The most amazing was a guy in a Sponge Bob suit dressed up as Elvis.

I really took my time, listening to the bands and enjoying the freedom to run down the middle of the strip. About 4 miles into the race, two Petersburg marathoners found me. Brenda Norheim and Robin Parr came up behind me and it was so exhilarating. I kept up with them for a little more than seven miles. They are in fantastic shape, the result of a huge commitment in time and effort. I needed to let them go ahead around mile eleven and I only found out later that they both finished in wonderful time of approximately 11 minute miles. Running with someone is a real gift...the miles just fly by. The last couple of miles for me were tough. Thank goodness the music was there and the Mandalay Bay finish line visible for miles. I was given lots of goodies and liquids and a nice finishers medal at the end. I sat for an hour with the crowd in the sun watching the winners, including the wheel chair participants get their awards.

My time ended up being 2:21:16 for 10:47 per mile. I was very happy with the time and today I feel pretty good. My body was tired...as soon as I got home, I fell asleep for an hour. I feel so privileged that my body allows me to run. It helps in so many ways...with weight and energy and more than anything, with mental health.