Why RnR Liverpool will always be my favourite race...a tribute to Bobby Firmino.

 There's something The Kop wants you to know....you know the rest.

Such memories.  Where do I even start?

I always wanted to write about my favorite (or, correctly, favourite) RnR Marathon series race, Liverpool, but the blogs were always too long as the stories were so detailed about the wonderful adventures I had Across The Pond.  The Liverpool RnR was the first trip I took overseas by myself, before we all had GPS on our phones or global internet coverage, so I had to know exactly where I was going and what I was doing before I got there.  What a wonderful adventure and learning experience!!

But now it seems that two eras have ended--The RnR Liverpool is no more, and Bobby Firmino of Liverpool Football Club is leaving.

I discovered running marathons--well half marathons at the time--and my love of LFC in my early 40's.  True, I always loved both, but as an asthma sufferer and an American, both were a little limited during my early years.

The minute I stepped off the plane in England, all that changed.

I ran a few RnR Liverpool races before I committed to the full marathon.  And that's when I fell in love with the city of Liverpool, LFC, and every person associated with each.  The first time I saw Anfield, I ran through it and got to have my picture taken ON THE RACE COURSE that ran through Anfield and into The Kop.  Yes.  I got my picture taken in The Kop while running a full marathon.

That winter, I went to my first match, Liverpool vs. Manchester United, December 2018.  I sat in The Kop, where I had my picture taken six months before, and watched my now beloved team win!!  I had learned all the songs for all the players and sang until I went hoarse.  It was amazing.

What tops that??

May 2019 I came to Liverpool to once again run the full marathon.  Liverpool were doing well in the Champions League so I decked myself out for the race in LFC gear.  I had a special running skirt made that was printed, "You'll Never Walk Alone" all over it.

As I said, I have asthma, and getting up hills and such are quite a challenge for me.  I'm used to finishing last or next to last at races, but I had always finished.  This was nothing different.  But, yet, it was.

On the way up to Anfield, I went past this house that was decked out beyond belief.  All LFC, everywhere.  Cardboard cutouts, flags, banners, everything.  It was amazing!!!  I stopped for a few pictures but then the "End of the Line" crew gently said I had to get up the hill so that I could continue the race...OK...hills.  Ugh.

I remember gasping for breath as I came up the top and saw a man who started yelling at me:

Get up this hill you f****** Scoucer!!  Get up this f****** hill!!!  Holy Moley!  I got myself up, around Goodison and Anfield, and back down.

And that's when the most special part of everything hit.

The neighborhood kids were awake by then.  I came softly running down the hill that I had come up a bit before with a little momentum behind me.  They were cheering on the back of the pack as it is called, and since I was in the shadow of Anfield, running past this well decorated house, they ALL JOINED ME RUNNING and sang to me:

There's something The Kop wants you to know.

The best in the World is Bobby Firmino.

Our Number Nine.

Give him the ball and he'll score every time.

They had no idea who I was.  A stranger, a no name, a woman who would finish last in the pack if she finished at all.  But they gathered around me--a dozen at least--and sang the only song they could think of to sing to motivate me to keep me going.  They didn't give up on me and I sure as hell wasn't giving up on them!!!

That day I had a small taste of what it means to be a part of LFC and to see what it feels like when people sing your name.  It was incredible, indescribable, and one of the highlights of my life.

And then LFC went on the win the Champions League.  And I was in Liverpool for the match, parade, and celebration.  Two weeks of immense joy!

Flash forward post Covid.  After a severe battle with Covid that nearly cost me my life, I tried to run the RnR Liverpool marathon again on my 50th Birthday.  Alas, I didn't get through it.  I made it 7 miles before the safety team pulled me from the course for my asthma.  I did get to run past Anfield again, and that infamous house that was well decorated....

In fact, I got to meet Emily Farley, the woman who has the infamous LFC house when I demanded that the "Bus of Shame" stop so I could get out and meet her.  After all, I waited three years to say hello, right?  They stopped.  We chatted and I said I'd look in after her for tea next time I came over.

This was the first race I didn't finish.  I've run maybe 100 races since I decided that an old, asthmatic lady was still a stellar broad even if she finished last.  And that I've done.  And it kills me to this day that the race is discontinued.

So today, after an announcement from LFC that Bobby Firmino is leaving at the end of the season breaks my heart even more.  He is special to me.  His supporters sang to me to keep me going though they didn't know my name.  These young people knew what it took to get me moving just as The Kop knows what it takes to get Bobby and the rest of our Reds going.

And this I will never forget.  That day was one of the best days of my life.  I will remember it always, and I will try to connect with Emily to let her know how special she is to me.

Afterall...

We Are Liverpool

This Means More

How To Not Be “THAT GUY” when flying with food this Holiday Season, Domestically in the US

 

Those of us who fly for a living, not as an airline employee but as regular passengers who commute to work via plane, dread this time of year almost as much as Spring Break or the summer.  We always seem to be stuck behind the family traveling for the holidays who wants to bring the entire holiday dinner with them, but doesn't know what is or is not allowed through TSA.

Now that we are back to regular domestic travel in the US and the busy holiday season is approaching, it’s time for my annual list of things you can and cannot carry on a plane for domestic travel through the US.  Note that this is for MOST adult travelers.  Those who are nursing, traveling with infants/young children, or have special medical or dietary needs will need to do a little more research.

First step—get yourself a soft sided, insulated cooler.  Place 2-3 dry, empty Ziplock or other sealable baggies inside it.  Once you cross through security go to the nearest bar/restaurant or airport lounge and tip the bartender a few dollars to fill these bags with ice.  That will keep your food fresh for up to 24-hours in case of the all-to-often flight delays.

 

Things TSA will allow through security:

 

Frozen meat of any kind.  This includes your Thanksgiving Turkey or Christmas Goose or Ham.  Wrap it well in multiple grocery bags and stow it as it will be thawing as you commute.  While TSA may hesitate to allow a thawed bird through (as it gets drippy and will likely get flagged for liquid allowance issues) it is not exactly sanitary to have any type of poultry above the recommended food-safe cool temperature for an extended period of time.  No one wants salmonella under their tree.  Remember that this thing has to be hoisted by YOU above your head and into the bin, so you might just want to check it or rely on someone else to bring it.

Eggs—raw or cooked are allowed.  Keep them stored in the original carton for padding and make sure to wrap them in something on top of it in case they break.

ALL fresh fruits and vegetables are allowed.  Canned are not as they are normally contained in liquids which is not allowed through unless it’s under 3.4 oz (100 ml.)  Frozen veggies are also questionable depending on how melted they are by the time you go through the line.  Best to leave those alone.

Prepackaged salad kits with dressing.  I live on these when I’m on the road.  I buy 4 or 5 at a time and cram them into my cooler.  The dressing is well within the liquids size requirement so no need to worry.

ANY liquid food under 3.4 oz. (100 ml).  If you have TSA Pre, you’re in luck, as you can pretty much load up on the mini bottles of booze (which you CANNOT drink whilst flying).  If you don’t, you are restricted to whatever you can cram in the standard sized baggie.  I bring mini bottles of hot sauce with me—clearly marked under 3.4 oz—because I can’t eat my breakfast eggs without it.  This also includes food coloring, vanilla extract, Gravy Master, or specialty oils—as long as they are in small enough containers.

ANY diary that is solid or in less than 3.4 oz containers.  Hard cheese and butter can be frozen and will help keep your insulated bag at proper food-safety temps. 

All sandwiches, leftovers, stuffing (dressing) side dishes, pasta, rice, BBQ (not extra sauce though if it’s not under 3.4 oz), breads, burritos and tamales, etc.  If it isn’t creamy or dripping with sauce, it’s good to go.

Try to bring things through in reusable containers.  Aluminum foil can sometimes cause your bag to be pulled, and isn’t exactly environmentally friendly.  Neither is plastic wrap.  It’s easier to protect fragile food when it is all packed in same sized, clear containers that stack easily in a cooler than paper plates loosely wrapped in foil and clear plastic wrap that can slosh all over the place, ruining the contents and potentially dripping on your head if it’s in the overhead bin.

Cooking appliances.  I’ve taken nearly every kitchen gadget through TSA on one occasion or another.  My BB8 pressure cooker is a favorite of the United staff.  George Forman grill, egg bites maker, my omelet and bacon pans, including the lids, travel regularly with me.  As long as it doesn’t have a blade on it and fits in the overhead compartment, it sails right through. 

 

Things that are generally questioned:

 

Any type of powders or granules can be pulled for extra screening.  This includes protein powders and supplements.  This also includes a box of salt, flour, coffee, or spices.  I’ve been pulled aside for all of these at one time or another, but they just swab them and then return them.  I’ve never had anything not allowed through once swabbed. 

 

Things that are NOT allowed:

 

ANY liquid in a container over 3.4 oz (100 ml).  This has been the norm for 20+ years now and anyone who flies regularly knows this.  But….

Remember that the CONTAINER has to be 3.4 oz (100 ml) and NOT just the contents inside.  You cannot bring an 8 oz bottle of olive oil through security even if it only as an ounce or two left.  Nope.  They will pull it.  Same with any other liquid, including a frozen bottle of water that has started to melt.  While many TSA agents will let you pour off or drink off the melted ice, some will make you dump the whole bottle.  Bring it through empty and fill it on the other side.

Spreadable and creamy foods are considered liquids.  This includes peanut butter, hummus, cottage and cream cheese, yogurt, gravy, jelly, salsa and guacamole, dips, pasta sauce, butter and margarine.  Unless it’s in the proper sized container, they will toss it.  A travel product I love is GoGo squeeZ yogurtz and fruits.  They come shelf stable in 3 oz. containers.  This means I load up as I love them in my protein shakes on the road or have one when my flight is delayed and I’m starving.  The yogurt also comes in 2 oz “sticks” which I freeze and use to help keep my cooler at food-safe temperatures.  Other than that, if it isn’t frozen completely solid, they won’t let it through.  (Sometimes I have seen certain TSA agents allow people to “pour off” the melted part of a liquid, but I don’t recommend trying it.  Freeze it, wrap it, and check it.)

Canned or boxed fruits, vegetables, or soup cannot pass through if they are packaged in liquid.  Cream of mushroom soup can drop to 50 cents a can, so just buy it there.  Dried fruit in a package is good, but a can of peaches isn't allowed.  It's all about the liquid content.

Wine, beer, or liquor over 3.4 oz (100 ml) cannot be brought through—even if the wine bottle is sealed.  Check it.  I can’t count the number of times people have visited wine country and had very expensive bottles of wine on them and tried to go through TSA.  Nope.  Check it, dump it, or drink it.  As an aside, they do sell TSA approved corkscrews.  I might have whipped mine out a few times along with plastic cups I have in my bag and enjoyed someone else’s wine with them whilst standing aside in the TSA line.  It’s a great $3.99 investment.

Butter knives.  You can take spoons and forks through, but not a butter knife.  I was reminded of this the time I flew into IAD to run the RnR DC marathon.  I red-eyed in, grabbed a to-go breakfast at the United Club that included a bagel and cream cheese and promised the staff that I would bring the silverware back as soon as I finished the marathon and headed back to IAD.  Upon my return to IAD, security pulled the knife but not the fork.  Yes….the knife that I got on the secure side of the airport was not allowed to be returned to its home.  I digress….

Anything with a blade.  This includes the obvious corkscrew, but also includes the ever-popular personal blenders.  I’m still trying to find a way around that, but any time I’ve tried to take my protein shake maker through, it’s denied—even though you can’t operate it without satisfying the dozen or so safety features that protect the consumer from accidentally blending their fingers off making margaritas.  I’m waiting for the rules to change on this, and I know people who do take theirs through, but not worth having to return to the counter and check it at this time. 

This is just a personal list, generated from experience.  I’m sure there are those of you who have been the exception multiple times, but this is merely an informative post that will have you sailing through TSA on the busiest travel days we have seen in nearly three years.

And if you do get stopped, please be kind to your fellow passengers, step to the side, sort your belongings and not complain.  Travel is stressful enough for us trying to go to and from work on a regular basis as it is for those who work at the airports and for the airline employees.  Get there early, know what you should and should not do, and enjoy the ability to finally be able to travel again.

 

Happy Holidays!

Life Is Good.  Life is better when we all sail through the airports in record times!

How to Sew a Fabric Mask

Hi there!  Shifting gears right now.  I've been sewing masks here in Chicago for the healthcare workers who are getting ready to open McCormick Place as a field hospital to treat people with COVID-19.

I've been self-quarantining since getting home from a work trip on 29 February as I'm asthmatic and high risk. There are no Trade Shows right now, thus I'm unemployed, and this gives me something to do to help my community since I can't work or go for a run along the lake.

Here's the legal stuff:  This mask DOES NOT PROTECT THE WEARER AGAINST THE COVID-19 VIRUS.  It is meant as a protection against other airborne particles such as dust, pollen, and other non-virus particles.  These masks have been requested by specific agencies to wear over the appropriate masks that DO protect against the virus to prolong the use of such masks.  Also, for those healthcare professionals not working with patients who have COVID-19, this can offer a little bit of protection against anything airborne that is not viral.

These masks are also perfect for those who suffer from allergies and asthma, as this is the time of year where mine really flares up and wearing a mask always helps me breathe a little easier.  It is thin enough that one can wear it while running and still be able to breathe normally through it.  After all, if we can go out running here in Chicago in sub-zero temperatures with special face shields on, we can wear this type of mask and be fine.

I chose this pattern as it doesn't use elastic--which is impossible to find.  Elastic doesn't stand up too long to excessive washing and bleaching and after extended, daily use by our healthcare providers, it leaves a very painful chaffing behind the ears.  As a runner, we all know to avoid anything that causes chafing.  These take longer to make, but also last longer, so it works out for everyone in the end.

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To make the mask you will need two different 100% cotton fabrics, both light colored.  The different fabrics make it easy to tell which side is which so if the masks are removed and put back on again, it is easy to tell which side has been against the face and which side is exposed.

The directions are for just one mask, but I tend to cut enough fabric to make 4-8 at a sitting.  It seems to go quicker that way, and if you make them in an "assembly line" fashion, you can save thread, which is getting scarce right now.

Also, the seams can be anywhere close to 1/4 to 1/2 inch allowance.  This isn't an art piece that is being judge here, and you need to make them fast if you are donating them.  I eyeball a lot of seams, centers, pleats, etc.  As long as the seams do what they need to do--which is stay together, then you should be good.

You will need the following for one mask:

Steps 1 and 2

• Two different fabrics, 100% cotton, prewashed and shrunk
• All purpose cotton sewing thread
• Straight pins
• Iron and ironing board
• Bias tape is optional and can get expensive--if you use it, double fold 1/2" width.  I'll tell you how to make your own ties, so don't go out and look for it.

1.  Cut two rectangles of fabric, one from each style, 7"x9".
2.  Cut two strips of fabric to match the "back" of the mask, each 2"x36"

Step 3

Step 3

3.  With right sides together, sew the rectangles together along the short edges.  These will be the sides of the mask.  Turn right side out and press.

Step 4

4.  If you are using bias tape, skip the rest of Step 4.  If you want to make your own, follow the directions below...This is the longest part of making masks.  I tend to cut enough straps for 10+ masks and spend hours at the ironing board folding edges and zoning out to a few movies.  While not truly bias tape, it works for this pattern and will save you money.

4a.  Place the strips on the ironing board, right sides down.
4b.  Fold once in half, press.
4c.  Open fold, then fold up lower edge to meet the fold in the middle.  Press.
4d.  Fold upper edge to meet the fold in the middle.  Press.
4e.  Fold upper and lower sections together along original middle fold.  Press.

Step 5

Step 5

5.  You will now seal the edges of the straps.  Take the edge end in one hand and reverse the center fold, essentially turning it "inside out."  Sew 3x across this edge--forward, reverse, forward again to make sure it stays put.  If you are making multiple masks, you can string them all together without having to waste thread (which is in short supply right now) and then cut apart at the end.  Just leave about 1/2 inch of space--about 4 "sews" on your machine--between strips and feed right under the presser foot!

Step 6

Step 6

6.  Trim the fabric close to the seam, trim the threads, and turn the edges right side out again.  You can give it a quick iron press if you like, but a finger press works just fine.  Repeat for all edges.

Step 7

Step 7

7.  Fold the strap in half to find the center and align this center with the center of the long edge of the rectangle.  You can use either the front or the back of the mask body, but I usually start with the back.  Again, I don't measure exact, an eyeball works good enough here.  Open up one side of the strap and pin the center to the center of the mask body.  Smooth the strap along the mask body edge to find its corner, and pin.  Repeat for the other corner.  This will be the top of the mask.  Repeat for the bottom.

Step 8

8.  When you go to sew these pieces together, note where the most outer fold is.  Stay to the outside of the fold a bit to give yourself enough room to align it correctly again when you flip the mask over.  You'll see what I mean in the next step.  Sew the length of the mask body where you pinned.  Cut the thread, turn to the bottom of the mask body and repeat.  Remove the pins.  Flip the mask to the front side.  The straps should be underneath the mask body.

Step 9

9.  Fold the straps over the mask body, bringing the seams and edges into the straps so the edges and seams are hidden.  Give a little finger press to make sure that the edge seams and folds on the back of the mask are where they need to be.

Step 10

Step 10

10.  Sew the entire length of the strap, starting at the end of the strap and working towards the mask body.  Make sure to sew "back and forth" for about 1/2 inch or so at the strap edges to anchor them. Also, try to keep as close to the edge as possible here, 1/4 inch or a little less.  Eyeball it and don't worry about it--just make sure the edges are sewn closed.   As you reach the mask body, try to make sure your stitching is on top of where you originally attached the back of the mask to the strap so that the stitching looks even on both sides.  Again, it's OK if it's a little crooked or if you have to go back and touch up a little bit.  As long as the straps are completely connected to the mask body and the edges are closed, you're good.  Sew all the way to the end of the strap.

Step 10

Step 10

Step 11

11.  If you are making multiple masks, you can also "Assembly line" this part to save time and thread.  Just feed the straps in one after the other and cut them all apart at the end.

Step 12

12.  Make three pleats as shown.  It's hard to explain how to make pleats in writing, you just have to fiddle around with them until you feel comfortable with it.  As long as there are three, and they are all going in the same direction and about the same size, you are good.  Pin the pleats on both sides and then smooth them out in front of you to make sure they are going the same direction.  Trust me.  If you have fabric that has a defined up and down, you will want to make sure your pleats are going in the right direction.

Step 12

Step 12

Step 13

Step 13

Step 13

13.  Sew the pleats.  Go very slowly here as you are sewing through a LOT of fabric all at once and this is where I usually bend my pins, break my needle or have something else go wrong.  As you sew the first pass, when you reach the bottom, leave the needle in the "down" position and lift your presser foot.  Turn the fabric 180 degrees, and lower the presser foot.  Remove the pins and sew back along the seam to the top.  Repeat sewing top to bottom again and then secure the thread.  The pleats will have the most stress so they need to be sewn very sturdy.  Repeat on the other side.

14.  Trim all the thread and smooth the pleats straight.

THAT'S IT!!  One mask completed!

Step 14--THE FINISHED MASK!

Repeat that a few more times and donate them to those who need them!!

If you plan on making a bunch, let me offer you an incentive to make some more.  Have you heard of Tieks by Gavrieli?  Those beautiful flats???  Well they are offering a special incentive for those who sew large quantities.  You can find out more along with places to donate at:

#SewTOGETHER with Tieks

A special thank you to all our health care providers and others on the Front Line right now.  These are some scary times we are going through and please know that you are in our thoughts every minute of the day!

And to everyone else:  Be Safe.  Stay Home.

Sweet Home Chicago. United Airlines Hub Race #3

Baby don't you wanna go?

And you did.

What a weekend.

This was my first time hosting the Rock 'n' Roll Chicago Half Marathon as I had just moved here last year and was still getting settled then.  But over a year here, I was ready to showcase why this city is one of the best in the United States!

A view from my Summer office

It was a hot summer here, and I mean HOT!  This former San Franciscan is used to turning the heater on in July (yes, really), but now I own an air conditioner and definitely turned it on for this weekend!

With forecasts of 95 degrees and higher for Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, Rock 'n' Roll decided to cancel the 5K, a decision that was not easy, I'm sure, but one that I support.  I'd been working a Summer Job with one of the Architecture Cruises and even just BEING outside all day was testing my resilience, I can't imagine actually running in this heat.

My friend, Ryan Romero, was running the race weekend as well and I offered up my sofa for him.  We had met through the RnR Series and a wonderful friendship has developed.  Ryan runs for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital and has been an integral part of the HUGE amount of funds raised this year to help their cause.

Borrowing Ryan's medal for my picture.
I won't wear mine until I run all five hubs.

Now that I've worn it, not giving it back...

Since we couldn't run the 5K Saturday morning, Ryan and I decided to sleep in and then wander the city.  We walked all over and ended up at the 90-Minute Architecture Tour where I worked.

Marcos and Aracelli were determined
to earn the HoF medal.  Did they...?

My boss offered half price tickets to all my friends, so we went for a ride.  Any of the tours offered along the river are amazing, but I work on one that leaves from the South Side and is about 15 minutes longer than the River North departures.  A little cheaper too.  Look for discounts on Groupon once they start running again this year and maybe I'll see you on the boat!

Can't come to Chicago without a pic at The Bean

We stopped by the expo where we said hello to the usual crew and met a couple who were determined to earn the RnR HoF medal this year.  I'm surprised I had never met them before...I wonder what other races they will do...stay tuned and you will see!!!

We ran into our friend, Ilya Sandoval, owner of InstaRunners and as we were leaving the expo, the sky opened up for a Chicago Summer Thunderstorm.

Of course we got drenched.

We were hungry and still wanted a bit of touristy things, so we headed back to The Loop.  Lunch, some pics, and we were off for the rest of the day.  And because we wandered the city for a few miles, we felt we earned our 5K medals even though the race was cancelled.



Race Day started like all the others--waaaay too early in the morning because I never sleep the night before.  We hopped in an Uber and within 7 minutes were at the race.

The one, the only, Kathrine Switzer

I highly recommend investing in VIP at this race.  Chicago weather changes by the minute, and if it is 78 and sunny at the beginning of the race, an hour later it can be pouring down rain and then when the sun comes back out, it's 90 degrees and 90% humidity.  I've had it all at this race and having a VIP pass not only means you have food pre and post race, it means your things will stay dry in gear check, you have a private, dry place to change, and there are always clean port-o-potties with all the amenities you might need.  The past three years I've had to fly out right after the race, and having my backpack easily available so I could change and dash to the airport has been worth every penny!

The race itself was its usual fun festivities.  Running through downtown is always a treat and gives you a perspective of how beautiful the architecture is as well as how proud its citizens are of the city and especially their flag!  As a new resident, I made sure and had a proper running outfit made by my friend at So-Sew Running Apparel who custom made my running skirt for me.  I'm definitely a Chicagoan now!!

Countless volunteers out keeping us hydrated and pumped up!

After turning south for the last 10K, I was reminded why I love Chicago and I love this race.  Everyone was out in the streets celebrating and cheering us along.  The route turns towards the lake at 31st street and we were thankful for the extra water and snack stations along the way to it.  I'm not sure if these stops were official RnR stations, but it seemed that there were a lot more aid stations than usual this year which is a testament to the wonderful people in these neighborhoods.  The South Side is truly the Best Side!!!  OK...I live here, maybe I'm biased, but seeing my neighbors along the course whom I regularly share my commute with and see at the markets really gave me the extra push to keep going in this heat.  Because it was HOT.

Last three miles...I can do this.  We were along the Lakefront Trail, which is part of my usual morning strolls, so I knew what to expect.  Past the harbor, under McCormick Place and we're 1.5 miles from the finish line.

Except that when I popped up from McCormick Place, there was a runner down.  I looked to the left and saw a man on his back and a few people kneeling over him giving him CPR.  My brain and body both stopped at that moment, and the Event Manager in me kicked in.  Instinctively, I surveyed the surroundings, saw that there were people giving him aid and made sure that the closest First Responder knew what was going on.  He did.  The paramedics were on the way.  I stayed long enough to make sure the ambulance had a path clear of runners to get to the man so they could take over for the runners who were giving this man everything they had.  Knowing that I couldn't help any more, I continued on, constantly wondering if this man would be OK and sending every positive thought I had in his direction.

Finally...a hot one!

Bacon, cookies and mimosas!

I crossed the finish line, collected my multiple medals and went to the VIP section to relax and refuel.  As I normally fly out right after the race, it was a treat to be able to stay and enjoy all the little things that make VIP worth the price, namely bacon and cookies.  Yes, that's right.  Two of my favorite things are always at the Chicago RnR VIP--bacon and decorated sugar cookies.  Soooo yummy.



I was still very concerned about the man I saw and tried to find out more information about his condition.  Apparently, he was one of two people who had collapsed and had to be taken to the hospital.  So scary.  I also found out that a member of my running team was one of the ones giving CPR until the paramedics arrived.  I wasn't surprised at all, that's what we do.  Times, finish lines, medals...they don't matter when there is a runner down.  We're family, even if we're strangers, and family takes care of each other.

Flying the Friendly Skies

We wrapped up the post race festivities and headed back to my house.  Both Ryan and I were flying out the next day so it was an early night for us both.  The next morning I was treated to a First Class upgrade on United--part of those Premier 1K perks that I love so much and keep me loyal to my airline.  I still don't know what happened to the runner who collapsed during the race, but I think of him every time I go past that spot at McCormick Place and hope he is doing well.

United Airlines Rock 'n' Roll Marathon Series Hub #3 of 5 complete.  Bring on Denver!!!

Life is Good.
Life is Better when you get to run a race in your Hometown.

DECEMBER ROCK 'N' ROLL MARATHON SALE!!

Hall of Fame 2019!

Hello Everyone!!

I'm just getting back from the Rock 'n' Roll Cancun where I earned my Hall of Fame medal!  That's 15 races of at least a half marathon or more completed!

This is my fourth year earning this amazing accomplishment and I can't wait to sign up for more races next year!

Do you want to run some RnR races with me in 2020?  You're in luck!


Rock 'n' Roll is having it's greatest sale of the year again on December 11th!  Starting at midnight PST, register for the best pricing of the year on individual races, or do like I do and get a TourPass and decided later which races to pick!

Trouble deciding?  Check out my Five favorite RnR races and get some inspiration!


Set your alarms to get the best prices and click below to register!

CLICK HERE FOR THE SALE!!

And don't forget to register for the Heavy Medals 2020 program to earn all that extra BLING!

See you on the course!!!

Hall of Fame 2018

Hall of Fame 2017

Hall of Fame 2016

Oh, the places you will go---With a Rock 'n' Roll TourPass!

For those of you who follow my blog, you know I've run races all over North America and Europe, especially Rock 'n' Roll Marathon Series races.

Black Sheep Run RnR Virginia Beach

Most of the Rock 'n' Roll races are in The United States, and I've run just about every city they offer.  Many of these cities I would never have been to if it weren't for a race there, such as Virginia Beach and Savannah.  Many of them I frequent for work such as Las Vegas and Denver and enjoy actually seeing more than an airport and convention center.

    

Lots of bling at RnR Montreal!

Then there are the international races.  It's no secret I love these just as much as the domestic races.  OK, maybe a little more... I definitely would never have visited these places if there was not a RnR race there.

I've been to:

• Dublin
• Liverpool
• Vancouver
• Montreal
• Mexico City
• Oaxaca
• Lisbon

And next week I leave for Chengdu, China!

Flying back from the RnR Liverpool
on one of the last United 747 flights

The costs associated with all these races can be quite high, so I look for savings wherever I can.  I've stayed in hostels, overnighted on an airport floor, red-eyed into a race, and found other creative ways to budget.  I fly United Airlines or one of their Star Alliance partners whenever possible to enjoy the perks of loyalty.  As a Mileage Plus Premier 1K member, I always get a complimentary meal or snack on the plane, depending on the length of the flight, even if I don't get upgraded.  I'm a United Club member, so I try and plan my flights to get a meal upon landing and again on the way home.  I fly 70-100 flights a year, and the cost of coffee and a bagel or soup and salad can add up!

And then there are the registration fees!!  We all know how much they can be, and the closer a race gets, the higher the registration fees go.  Many times I don't know what races I can do until a month or so before, and that can be where the biggest dent will be in my wallet.  For example, the 2019 Rock 'n' Roll Las Vegas Marathon is $175 right now.  OUCH!!

But don't worry--Rock 'n' Roll has a solution for those of us who want to do multiple races and still be able to afford it.  It's called a Rock 'n' Roll TourPass and there is one for every budget.  The TourPass is offered in three tiers:

I was running the RnR Chicago
long before I moved here

   3 Pack TourPass
   10 Pack TourPass
   Unlimited TourPass




RIGHT NOW until NOVEMBER 17th the 3 Pack TourPass is only $199!!  After the 17th, the price will go up.  It will still be a great deal, but if you can lock in a price on three races NOW, do it!  As I said,  the 2019 RnR Las Vegas is currently $175, so someone who purchased a TourPass for 2019 and didn't use the registration code until a month ago (yep, that's me) is saving a significant amount of money!

Here's an example...Maybe you want to run these three races next year, and here are the current prices:

RnR New Orleans  Half--$99  Full--$110
RnR DC  Half--$99  Full--$110
RnR Nashville  Half--$99  Full--$105

So you would spend between $297 and $325 depending on which distance.
But with the  3 Pack TourPass, you would only pay $199!!  Now that's a significant savings.  With the 10 Pack and Unlimited, the savings will be even more!

And remember, registration costs go up as the race date approaches.  So if you don't know which 3, 10 or even 15 races you want to do in 2020, buy a TourPass NOW and decide later!

One weekend, lots of bling!

Always love RnR Dublin

Also, if you like as many medals as you can earn in a weekend, I suggest getting the 10-Pack or the Unlimited and completing a Remix Challenge--running multiple races at one location--where you can earn at least 3x the amount of medals as just running one race.  One race I took home SEVEN medals.  TSA just looooved me, lol.

 Do it!!!  Run for The Bling!!



I never would have been able to see all the places I've been to if it weren't for Rock 'n' Roll.  And I certainly would never have been able to afford it.  I bought my first TourPass the day I signed up for my first Rock 'n' Roll race and have made sure I get one every year since!

Remember--get your 3 Pack TourPass before the price goes up on November 17th.  And let me know what three races you choose.  Chances are I'll be there too!

Life is Good.
Life is Better when you can do the things you love and save money at the same time!

RnR Lisbon

RnR Dallas in the morning
RnR Mexico City that night!

RnR DC after taking a redeye from San Francisco

RnR San Francisco
Still my PR!

My favorite race--RnR Liverpool