Rock ‘n’ Roll Los Angeles 1/2 Marathon Recap
This race was such a fun one. I mean, all races are, but this was just like a fun racing party at the same time. That’s what Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon Series is all about and man do they know how to put on a good race and a great party.
Since the Rock ‘n’ Roll Los Angeles 1/2 Marathon was a Halloween themed race, I decided I better run in the Dorothy costume. Sure, it was a cheap outfit and was not comfortable in the least, but hey, I’m glad I went with it.
Let’s recap.
Getting to the start was easy. That is always one of my big fears. I imagine myself getting lost or stuck in traffic and not making it there in time. We were given specific directions and since all the festivities were happening at LA Live close to the Los Angeles Convention Center there was plenty of parking.
With our VIP package we got driving instructions to avoid most traffic and access to free parking.
That is so key.
I didn’t notice too many people dressed up in the parking structure so I got out of there pretty quickly in search of some more costumes.
I had to ask a few people on the street where to find The Farm of Beverly Hills Restaurant. I had to giggle asking people for directions while I was dressed up in a Dorothy costume. It felt like I was trying to find my way home or something.
I found it relatively easily and was happy to see quite a few more people dressed up.
I brought my own roasted purple sweet potato and NuttZo for my pre race breakfast.
Funny story. As we were taking this I turned to Andrea (the girl in green) and said “You look so familiar. Have we met before? How do I know you?”
She just laughed and said she wasn’t sure and that she’d tell me later.
Come to find out from Katie that Andrea is indeed the famous Kimmy Gibbler from Full House. I am a knuckle head.
The start wasn’t too crowded and the weather was absolutely perfect. They did have quite a few corrals though so it took me a bit to walk up to mine.
I figured I needed a couple before shots just in case the Dorothy outfit didn’t make it the whole way. I was prepared to ditch it on the side of the road if I had to.
I was pretty excited that the outfit came together though with the blue Halo Headband, white Pro Compression socks and the red Mizuno Wave Inspire 10s. I usually don’t race in Inspires because they’re a little heavy for racing, but I had to do the whole red shoes thing. Ha.
There was good energy at the race right from the start.
By mile 1 I was already a bit uncomfortable with my outfit. I was impressed though that the whole underskirt was staying put. I wasn’t expecting that to happen.
The course was pretty flat through the streets of LA.
There were a few out and back loops and we got to run through the LA Coliseum. I’d never even been there before.
My stomach started hurting at mile 5. I didn’t know what really was going on so I just kept running through it and was hoping it would go away.
It was around mile 7 or so through this tunnel when a guy passed me and asked if my costume was breathable.
It was also there that I put things into perspective and thought that all I had left of the race was equivalent to two The Mindy Project episodes.
I was feeling okay up until around mile 8 or so when things were just not good. I realized I had eaten a little too close to the start time and didn’t give my tummy enough time to digest everything. I also realized I had gone out a bit too fast and that I hadn’t really drank enough water the day before.
Everything caught up with me right around mile 9 or 10 when I had to stop at the turn around. Let’s just say getting sick during a race is not my favorite and that doing the whole port a potty thing in a costume is not my favorite either.
I felt better after I stopped, although I took a pretty long time during my stop. Oh well.
On the way back to the finish line I got to see a bunch of people out of the course (Alicia, Pam, Brian, Katie and a man wearing the same exact costume as I was wearing).
Oh and I had a couple people cheer saying “go Little Bo Peep”. I didn’t correct them, but wanted to tell them that I was Dorothy, not Little Bo Peep. Ha.
The last few miles were a nice slight downhill to the finish line. I love races that end like that. I especially appreciated the downhill on Sunday. I just had to keep my legs moving.
The sweet Cassie got this picture of my towards the finish.
Crossing the finish line is always awesome. Whether it’s a good race or a bad one, that finish line is just the best. I actually felt fine after the race was over. Figures. Then I had to second guess myself and wonder if I should’ve gone harder out on the course. I didn’t dwell on it too long though. Running hard was not part of the plan anyway. I just wish I would’ve felt better.
Pam and I met up right at the finish line. I just adore her. She is a rock star and I’ll be seeing her yet again this weekend in New York.
He totally rocked the costume better than I did and he even carried that basket with Toto the entire race.
There are always tons of volunteers at the end of these races giving us goodies, congratulating all the racers and making sure everyone is okay.
Chocolate milk is huge these days at the end of races. I keep seeing it at the finish of every race. They even had two different options at this one.
Oh and random, but I was impressed by this cool banana handing out tent. It’s important to keep those bananas protected. Ha ha.
Luckily I tagged along with my nice new friend, Nolan and he showed me the way since he was headed there too.
I like taking pictures by the special sign because it makes me feel cool.
It wasn’t too crowded yet so I hit up the free massage (yeah, that’s right, you get a FREE massage) while a table was open.
Unfortunately getting on the table was a bit of a process because my calf started cramping and it was not fun.
My calves gave me some trouble for awhile, but good thing I was getting a massage and I got a little help with the situation. It wasn’t good friends. Darn it. But, the massage was darn fabulous.
After the massage I did some serious rehydrating.
These race crew volunteer ladies, Sharon and Andreia, took special care of all our bags and are awesome!
It’s also nice to take advantage of every post-race picture backdrop opportunity possible if you’re wearing a costume.
One of my favorite things about this party in particular was that they had free coffee drinks. Lattes, mochas, whatever. Oh heck yes. I went for a soy latte first and I swear it was one of the best lattes I’ve ever had in my life.
I was really glad I went for the massage when I did because the line got long really fast once more people finished the race.
Katie got there and the smart lady that she is went right for the good stuff. They had champagne, mimosas and Bloody Mary drinks for everyone.
I’m just holding the champagne to try to be cool again. I stuck with my coffee drinks since I had a long drive home.
I’ll just show you the food spread so you can feel like you were there, okay?
They had the same things set up that they did before the race along with some extra baked goodies.
You earn the Cali Combo medal for running three out of the four California Rock ‘n’ Roll Races. I’m not that cool just yet, but hopefully I will be next year.
One of the coolest runners ever though is Pavement Runner. He ran the 5K and then the half marathon all on Sunday morning. He’s a racing machine.
And this guy, Dan Cruz, is the Competitor Group man and it was his first race back at work as a new dad. He just rocks.
I thought about stopping, but knew I might hit traffic on my drive home so just did the walk by.
It was a good thing I didn’t stay since I did indeed hit traffic.
I am so blessed.
My racing is sure slowing down, but you know, time just doesn’t matter. It’s a learning experience every single time you put yourself out there and challenge yourself. It’s also one more reminder to cherish and appreciate your loved ones who do so much for you along the way.
Speaking of, Judah had given me this special coin before I left for the race for good luck.
He had made me this special “card envelope” while at church in case I didn’t win my race. It was all folded cute in an envelope and everything.
I mean really. How amazing is that?
I didn’t cry, but I did hug him as tight as possible and tell him he might have to make me quite a few more of those because I won’t be winning any races anytime soon (or ever).
That there “envelope card” is in my purse and will be traveling with me to every race from now on. You better believe it’s making the trip to New York in just a few short days along with my coin.
I am one lucky mama.
My official finish time from the half marathon was 1:40:33.
Weird to think that my PR is ten minutes faster than that. I wonder if I’ll ever get back there or if those days are over? I’m just not sure if it’s in me right now to train to get back there. Priorities area bit different at the moment.
Hmmm…. something to think about I guess.
Anyhoo……
Thank you Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon Series for another amazing race.
