Month: March 2016

Running the Big Easy

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Pre-Race Surprise!

Last night, I found out I was chosen to be an ambassador for InknBurn. This is  the best news of the year for me because I am completely obsessed with their clothes. In fact, it’s all I’ve ran in for the past year since I’ve discovered them. There are two other ambassadors here and I have to
find them! Even though it’s a madhouse of people, I know which corral each girl is in and I have no trouble finding them. They are like seeing a canary in a sea of blackbirds, the colorful runningwear stands out like a beacon in the night among the other runners. It was amazing getting to talk to each of these strong, beautiful women in person! I love how we are all so diverse, yet have the common bond of running and InknBurn!

New Orleans Rock'n'Roll 2016
New Orleans Rock’n’Roll 2016

Race Day!

Although it’s only 7:00 a.m. you can feel the excitement growing. Tens of thousands of runners have shown up to run the Rock n Roll race series in New Orleans and I am one of them. I’ve got thirty minutes until start time and I’m a girl  on a mission: to find my friends in this crazy crowd.

New Orleans Rock'n'Roll 2016
New Orleans Rock’n’Roll 2016

I got lucky, my friends found me as I was heading to my corral. We had such a great time! The weather started out perfect, but it heated up rather quickly. Having friends to chat with helped the miles to pass without thought. We pushed each other, made each other laugh, and watched out for each other. Running is such a great bonding experience!

The volunteers were awesome! For the drinkers with running problems, there were several beer stations, Jell-O shots, and mini martinis being handed out. For the runners with a sweet tooth, there was King Cake, doughnuts, and cookies!  For the gluten free runner, there were oranges, and I crave oranges on distance races!

New Orleans Rock'n'Roll 2016
New Orleans Rock’n’Roll 2016

The themed stations were so fun!!! It’s hard to think about how many miles are left when you have entire aid stations dressed in crazy costumes yelling out encouraging words and passing out goodies like it’s an adult Halloween.

 There were humorous posters along the course to read. Each year brings a few new ones out. This race did not disappoint.
The route took us past beautiful historical mansions, Jackson square, Cafe Du Monde (we were so tempted to stop there), and the park. It was a beautiful and fast course. The few hills that existed had little elevation.

Although I struggled with my IT band, it was something I was expecting. I knew I would not race to PR. I usually run my races alone. This time, I had my friends and they were amazing. I went to this race to meet new friends, have a memorable run in Nola, and to finish to get that jacket!

New Orleans Rock’n’Roll 2016

This weekend was all I hoped it would be and more. I’m leaving “The Big Easy” with amazing memories, great new friends, and state 9, marathon 11 under my belt. Life is good.