#StripAtNight

My RnR Vegas Recap – #StripAtNight

November 20, 2016 by Michelle 24 Comments

Last weekend I was on the road once again for a race weekend – this time it was Vegas! Ah and what a weekend! Meeting Meb, Snoop Dogg in concert, some great food (and cocktails), blogger meet-ups, not one but two races, and running the Vegas strip at night – much fun was had for sure…so without further ado…settle in for my recap.

(Disclosure: As a member of the Rock’n’Blog team, I received a free race entry for the Remix Challenge. As always, all opinions are mine!)

Both my husband and brother were joining me for this trip. We arrived in Vegas by mid morning, got an early check-in at the hotel and grabbed lunch before heading to the expo. Packet pick-up was a breeze and we were quickly wandering the aisles of over 80 expo vendors. There were a lot of good deals, but we didn’t go too crazy. I couldn’t wait to pick up the awesome #Werunsocial t-shirt I had pre-ordered!

Yes it glows in the dark!

The highlight of the expo was meeting Meb at the Rock’n’Roll booth! We hadn’t heard the announcement that he was going to be there – I spotted him purely by chance. Meeting Meb was awesome! He was so gracious – we chatted about his book (you can check out my review here) and I did my best to not go totally fan-girl on him. A hug, photo and an autographed bib – yeah my race experience was complete and I hadn’t even toed the line yet!

The rest of the day was spent doing way too much walking taking in the sights of the strip. We capped the day with an amazing dinner at Yardbird Restaurant (definitely worth a visit!).

We took advantage of sleeping in Saturday morning before grabbing brunch and heading up the strip to scout out the 5K location. The race didn’t start until 6 p.m. and the three of us found it a little hard to manage the day and not do too much. The crowds heading up to the race were crazy – we had to let 3 monorails go before we could squeeze our way on one. I don’t think I’ve ever seen so many people lining up for a 5K! People did not self-seed well and there were way too many walkers up front. My brother and I did what we could to run when we could find open space, but in many places the course narrowed and we were just stuck behind a wall of walkers. We certainly weren’t out there to worry about time so we just went with it – first half of the Remix Challenge done! Off for another great meal – this time at Guy Fieri’s Vegas Kitchen & Bar.

Sunday morning started with a great brunch at Margaritaville’s roof deck. A perfect spot to watch the closing of the strip and pre-race set up. We hung out and watched football, again trying to lay low and not do too much. I just have to say late day races for me are hard! Finally it was time to head to the race. The guys were doing the 10K so we said our goodbyes at the monorail station and I headed off to hit the Snoop Dogg headliner concert and the We Run Social meet-up.

There were so many of us for the meet-up we barely all fit in the photo! It was great to meet so many bloggers including Sharon, Kim and Carlee. Snoop Dog played all of his big hits and really had the crowd going.

I was in the Yellow start so I had a fair amount of waiting to do until they called us to the start. The corrals were a hot mess and as I chatted with others waiting to shuffle to the start I reminded myself the goal for this race was simply to have fun – there was no time goal. Running the Vegas Strip was pretty amazing and the energy was great! The only lull was the loop of miles 7 – 9 where we were running through “old Vegas” and some random neighborhoods. You could definitely feel the runner energy drop at this point and I could definitely feel the whirlwind days catching up with me. Luckily we were soon back at the top of the strip and heading towards the finish line.

Final thoughts…

This was one fun race weekend! There is nothing quite like running down the middle of the Vegas Strip at night – definitely one that every runner should experience.

If you do run Vegas, know that this is not the race for a PR. You’ve got to go into it just looking to have fun and enjoy the experience.

If you can tack on an extra day, I would recommend post-race so you can fully celebrate Vegas-style 🙂

The Vegas pre-sale of just $99 for 2017 is on until midnight tonight…just sayin’ 😉

I’m linking up once again with Holly & Tricia for the Weekly Wrap!

Filed Under: #MebforMortals, #RocknBlog, #StripAtNight, blogger meet-ups, race report, Weekly Wrap

Weekly Wrap – Prepping for #StripAtNight

November 6, 2016 by Michelle 19 Comments

Happy Sunday!

Anyone else feeling inspired after watching NYC Marathon coverage today?! I always have said that if I ever decided to take on a marathon NYC would be on my wish list. As it is, I did decide to throw my hat in for the 2017 NYC Half lottery – fingers crossed for the December drawing!

But, before I get too far ahead of myself…there is still running the #StripAtNight in just a few short days. So how did this week go?

Monday: Post race rest day.

Tuesday: Strength day – Keeping up with the Turkish get ups, plank series and squats.

Wednesday: 5 miles with 3 at steady state.

Thursday: 3 easy miles.

Friday: 3.2 miles more.

Saturday: Saturdays are usually my long run day. I had 8 on the plan and given the boys’ sports/activities schedule, running in the morning was just not going to be possible. So I pushed the run to later in the afternoon…and then life happened…and the run got pushed to Sunday.

Sunday: Woke up oddly tired, despite the extra hour thanks to the clocks going back. This run felt surprisingly good despite the tired legs and hilly course – 7.2 miles done!

I’m linking up again with Holly and Tricia for the Weekly Wrap. Join in and share how your week went.

Filed Under: #StripAtNight, half marathon training, Weekly Wrap

Weekly Wrap – Rest & Recovery

October 16, 2016 by Michelle 23 Comments

After last weekend’s race, this week was all about rest and recovery.

Monday and Tuesday were all about rest.

Wednesdays are my usual strength day. Trainer Stacy was out of town so I was left on my own – lots of squats, lunges and abs.

The RC coaches wanted to give me as much down time as possible, so Thursday was yet another rest day. I spent some quality time with a lacrosse ball trying to work out some lingering knots.

By Friday, I was itching to run, and was happy to see 5 miles on the plan. Mid-40’s in the morning is perfect running weather in my book and everything about this run felt good!

The temps on Saturday were even cooler – I actually had to dig out a pair of gloves for this run. A hilly 6.25 miles with J. Another good run!

Now the week ahead will be the start of upping the mileage to get ready for Vegas! Since I’ll be running the Remix Challenge (5K on the first night and half marathon on the 2nd), the RC coaches will have me running short runs on Fridays before my Saturday long runs.

Fridays are usually a rest day, but I think this will be good practice for the Remix. I’m also going to try to shift my runs to later in the day to try to get use to Vegas’ late race start times.

Do you shift the time of your runs to match a race?
Any advice for running back-to-back races?

As always, I’m joining Holly and Tricia once again for the #WeeklyWrap link-up.

Filed Under: #StripAtNight, Weekly Wrap

Sharing some fun stuff

July 13, 2016 by Michelle 7 Comments

Hey guys, I’ve had some fun stuff come across my inbox lately so I thought I’d share.

Virtual runs are popping up everywhere and Rock ‘n’ Roll is getting in on the act. Now you can enjoy some Rock ‘n’ Roll fun no matter where you are! With Rock ‘n’ Roll’s Making a Band Virtual Runs you can run a 5K wherever you want and earn some great RnR bling!

There are 3 races – Guitar Solo, Drum Solo and Lead Singer. You can choose 1 or run all 3 races and earn a 4th bonus medal for “making a band.” Isn’t this a fun medal?! #RnRVirtualRun

Head over to: http://www.runrocknroll.com/virtual-run/ for details.

And, speaking of RnR, the Rock ‘n’ Bloggers just learned that our discount codes are now valid for Las Vegas! Yes! You know you want to run the #stripatnight

RnR is also extending our codes into 2017 for Arizona, New Orleans and Mexico City! So let the race shopping begin! (I’d love to make it to NOLA next year).

And, speaking of special codes, you can use my code michelle2016 when you place an order with SPIbelt and receive a bonus goody bag with your purchase!

Filed Under: #RocknBlog, #StripAtNight, race shopping, RnR, SPIbelt

Fall Racing – A Moving Target

September 4, 2015 by Michelle 8 Comments

When I saw that this week’s #FridayFive link-up topic was Fall Races, I was tempted to skip posting. Racing has been such a moving target for me, between injury and conflicts with my family schedule, that I’m almost hesitant to count any race as a sure thing at this point. But, if you’ve been around here for a bit then you also know how much I love a fall race….so here’s what I’m hoping for at the moment.

1) #StripAtNight

This is my one and only definite race…well it’s actually two because I’ll be doing the Remix Challenge (5K and Half). My husband and brother are running with me, and I just saw friends yesterday who confirmed they’re in! I’ve been waiting all year to get to a Rock ‘n’ Roll race as part of the Rock’n’Blog team – and, well c’mon it’s Vegas! And, speaking of the Rock’n’Blog team, we were just given special codes for a Vegas discount – use code RUNATTITUDE015LV and you can do either the half or the full for $145!

2) Still Rockin’ — Staying with the Rock ‘n’ Roll theme for a minute, I’m still hoping to get to RnR Philly at the end of October, but family conflicts are starting to crop up from all sides…keep my fingers crossed. But, if schedules don’t work, then I’ll be looking at finishing up my 3-race Tour Pass by heading to San Antonio for #RnRSA the first week of December.

3) Tufts 10K for Women is one of my favorite Boston races. It’s always held on Columbus Day, which means it could potentially come in conflict with the boys’ sports schedules/tournaments – it’s happened before, but if I’m free this is always a great race!

4) Canton Fall Classic is another local favorite – I usually run the 5K and my husband J runs the 10K. My son is thinking about running it this year…so once again as long as schedules don’t collide, this could be a family race.

5) Jingle Bell Run — OK this one may technically be a “winter” race as some years it falls on the weekend before Christmas. As you can see from the picture of my brother and I on race morning, this one’s all for the costumes and post-race beer fest. (And, yes that is a giant ball of mistletoe on his hat!) 🙂

Do you find your race schedule is pretty well set or is it a moving target?

(As part of the Rock’n’Blog team, I receive a 3-race Tour Pass. If you want to add a RnR race to your fall schedule, don’t forget to use my code on my sidebar for a discount (or the code above for Vegas!)

I’m linking up with Courtney, Mar, and Cynthia – be sure to stop by to check out where they’ll be racing this fall!

Filed Under: #RocknBlog, #StripAtNight, Canton Fall Classic, fall racing, family running, Friday Five, Jingle Bell Run, RnRPhilly

Figuring out the Fall

June 25, 2015 by Michelle 10 Comments

As I’ve been working to rebuild my mileage base, I have been pouring over race listings trying to figure out my Fall calendar. I was toying briefly with the idea of running a summer race, but unless I get a sudden urge to jump into a 5K at the last minute, I’m going to let that idea go. I think I’m better off continuing to build my base, get stronger, and focus on the Fall.

So here’s what I’m thinking my Fall line-up will look like:

September:

Wicked 10 Miler — Yes! I will finally get a 10-miler in this year! This race is typically just a half marathon, but after the race organization had to cancel the Black Cat 10 miler back in March (thanks to the winter that wouldn’t quit!), they decided to add in the 10 mile distance.

October:

Tufts 10K — This one is still a question mark, because it is held on Columbus Day and the family could have plans that weekend. Luckily this is an easy race to jump into at last minute so I can hold off on registering until I know for sure.

RnR Philly — I have wanted to do this race for a while and I’m very excited that I’ll get to do it as part of the Rock ‘n’ Roll’s Rock ‘n’ Blog team. It will be my first half marathon in more than a year!

November:

Vegas Baby! — I signed on for the RnR Vegas Half as soon as the registration opened. And now to add to the ~~madness~~ fun, I’ve decided to go for the Remix Challenge and make my 3rd Rock ‘n’ Blog race the 5K the night before! It looks like my husband J, my brother and a friend or two may also be in for this little adventure – should be a good time!

Should be a fun fall…and with Wicked a little over 12 weeks a way it’s time to get focused!

What’s your Fall calendar look like?

————————————————–

Wahoo Fitness Giveaway Winner — Thanks to everyone who entered the Wahoo Fitness Giveaway. Congrats to Janet R – you won the Tickr X heart monitor! Please email me with your info and the folks at Wahoo will get that off to you.

Filed Under: #RocknBlog, #StripAtNight, #Tickrx, #Wahoo, race calendar, RnRPhilly

April’s Ultimate Coffee Date

April 4, 2015 by Michelle 14 Comments

I’m joining Coco, Lynda and Deborah for one of my favorite link-ups — The Ultimate Coffee Date. It’s always a fun chance to catch up so grab a mug, settle into a comfy chair and join us!

If we were having coffee together, I’d tell you that I’m actually drinking tea this morning as part of a 14-day detox I’m doing. After hearing much about Naked Me Tea, I decided to give their 2-step detox tea a try. I’m 6 days in…and the jury’s still out. I’ll let you know how it goes.

If we were having coffee together, I’d tell you that the hockey equipment is finally being stored for the season and lacrosse is consuming my house with a vengeance!

If we were having coffee together, I’d tell you that RnR Vegas is now officially on my fall race calendar, as I wasted no time signing up when registration opened on Wednesday. I’m looking forward to seeing some fellow bloggers there – a chance to finally meet IRL! And, it seems like every time I mention Vegas to a friend this week, their eyes light up and there’s talk about them joining in. Could be quite the party before we’re done!

If we were having coffee together, I’d tell you that after carrying the same bag forever, I treated myself the other day to this new tote to usher in spring! Cute, right?

If we were having coffee together, I’d tell you that I need to get going because my youngest son is waiting to dye eggs. 🙂

Happy Easter!!

If we were having coffee together, what would you tell me? Have you ever done a detox?

Filed Under: #StripAtNight, RnR, Ultimate coffee date

Weekend Update v3

March 30, 2015 by Michelle 28 Comments

It was another weekend of scrambling between a hockey rink and lacrosse fields – but mercifully hockey season is finally coming to an end, and my son’s team came in 3rd in the tournament!

There was more spring cleaning/clutter clean out – I’m determined to get this project done because I know if … when it finally warms up enough to get back into my gardens I’m going to have zero motivation to be indoors!

I also did a little race shopping/prepping for the fall. First this happened:

My husband J & I ran a virtual 5K as part of the Rock ‘n’ Roll Las Vegas Kickoff Virtual Run! I’ve been toying with the idea of running the #StripAtNight for a few weeks now, and then last Monday RnR announcemed that registration is opening on April 1. On Friday night, we decided we’re both going to run, so on Saturday morning we headed out to do our “kickoff run.”

To get runners excited for Vegas, RnR is hosting a virtual 5K – you just run or walk a 5K between now and April 1, complete the form with a photo of your watch/treadmill screen/etc. as proof and RnR will send you a free Kickoff Shirt! So Vegas is now on the fall race schedule (or will officially be when I register on Wednesday)!

And, while I had fall racing on the brain, this also happened:

I registered for the RnR Philly half which will be in October – very excited for this one!

The rest of the weekend was spent hanging with family and watching some great NCAA basketball!

How was your weekend? Did you watch any of the elite eight games?

***Don’t forget, if you want to run a Rock ‘n’ Roll race this year, use the code RUNATTITUDE015 to save $15 on either half marathon or marathon registration in the US & Canada – unfortunately Las Vegas is excluded.***

I’m linking up with Tara’s Weekend Update – be sure to stop by and say hi!