My Five Favorite Rock 'n' Roll Marathon Series Races

Happy New Year!


OK, I'm a little late, but work and bronchitis has had me sidelined these past few weeks and I haven't run in over two months.  Ooops!  Sorry!!!



I'm starting this running year with a sad announcement:  I won't be pursuing the coveted Rock 'n' Roll Hall of Fame medal this year, which is earned by completing at least 15 races of a half marathon or more in one calendar year.  I've had to take a look at my finances after the past three years of being a HoF recipient, and unless Oscar and the folks at United Airlines are going to help me with travel to China to run there, my work schedule will not permit me to travel as much as required to keep my high status in the running community.

 

That said, I wanted to reflect on all the wonderful races I've had with The Rock 'n' Roll Marathon Series.  People regularly ask me what races are my favorite over the years and it's really difficult to make a list of which races are the best and why.

My 2018 medals collection

What makes RnR so special is that each race is a weekend vacation--a runcation as we call it.  It's an opportunity to travel to a place that I might not have ever thought to go, having a few days to explore the town, culture, tourist stops and my favorite parts--the FOOD and MUSIC.  Combine good food with an opportunity to run off the calories while listening to great music?  Absolutely!  This is what makes RnR so great and why it has a global presence that is expanding.

So....which races are my favorites?  I'm glad you asked.



Below are my Five Favorites, which were difficult to rank.  I look forward to hearing if you agree with me and which ones are your favorites.

Drumroll......



Honorable Mention:  Lisbon (Lisboa)

I had read about Lisbon in a copy of United's in-flight magazine, Hemispheres, which featured a woman running in front of a castle and body of water.  I found the picture inspiring, so I read the article, found out that the castle was the Torre de Belem, and that the food there was legendary, especially the Pasteis de Nata.  These little custard tarts are quite possibly the best sweets on the planet.

After doing a bit of research, I saw that there was a Rock 'n' Roll event there, so I signed up!

Lisbon gets an HM because it is no longer part of the Rock N Roll Marathon Series.  Lisbon was the first race I ran in a country where English was not the primary language.  While this presented the expected challenges, I found myself falling in love with the people of Portugal for their exceptional hospitality and strong desire to welcome everyone to their country.

I ran the half marathon in 2016 and had hoped to come back and run the full as it follows the coastline and has some breathtaking views.  Sadly, I didn't get a chance to come back and since that it isn't part of the RnR Series anymore, it is doubtful that I will make the trip.  I did, however, recreate the picture that inspired me to travel there, and it was even featured in the magazine a few months later.


But maybe I'll run it again for the food...did I mention the food???



5.  San Francisco (Old Course)

That's a PR smile!

I debated putting this course in because of the changes to the route.  I loved the old course that started in Golden Gate Park and ran through the Presidio before crossing the Golden Gate Bridge and ending at Civic Center.  As a 20-year resident of San Francisco, when I first started running, I trained along the course there and never tired of the breathtaking views.  And I love hills.  So much that my half PR is still in San Francisco at this race and unless I really train hard, it will probably hold steady for the rest of my running career.

And then there's the Golden Gate Bridge.  Most people run this race specifically because it crosses the GG Bridge and has those amazing views.  I have always had a love/hate relationship with that bridge, and if you have followed my blog over the years, you know why.

The course has now changed, following along Fisherman's Wharf and back, but it still crosses the GG Bridge, so I might just run the new course this year and see how I feel about it.  Now that I live in Chicago, I sure miss those hills and the views at the top.  And I miss a good Dungenesss Crab and garlic noodles.


4.  Nashville

Let's talk Crowd Support!  The RnR Nashville will stand out in anyone's mind as the race where the fans show up en masse.  From the infamous Mile 5 parties to the Finish Line Festival, the residents of Nashville and Rock 'n' Roll let you know why it's called the Music City.

Half or full next year?

And the course?  Beautiful.  I've only run the half here, but as I mentioned earlier, I love hills and this course has them.  It's a gentle roller coaster of hills that gradually goes uphill six or seven miles, then you run downhill the rest of the race.  Hello, who doesn't love Negative Splits??

If you run this race, remember that you might want to get a few hours of sleep the night before.  The live music is so good here you might catch yourself out Honky Tonkin' and two stepping up until it's time to switch those cowboy boots out for your running shoes!

And don't forget to eat lots and lots and lots of BBQ!



3.  Savannah

Make that left for the full marathon!

Savannah was my first full marathon.  I didn't train for it.  I didn't tell anyone I was doing it--I just laced up my shoes and "for no particular reason" doubled the amount of miles I had ever run before.  Why?  Why not.

Savannah is a Saturday race, with the Remix Challenge on Sunday.  If you don't know, a remix is a combination of two or more races over two days in the same city, such as a 5K or 10K on one day, and a half or full the next.  Savannah reverses the usual days of these races, having the half/full on Saturday and both a 5K and 1 mile on Sunday.  To make the "recovery" race on Sunday even...sweeter...you get a mini peach PIE when you cross the finish line!  Seriously--a PEACH PIE!!!

My collection of remix medals

The trick to running the full marathon in Savannah is the weather.  Even though it's held in November, heat has caused the full marathon to be cancelled a few times so if you're set on a full marathon, keep this in mind.  Now that I live in Chicago and it's usually below freezing and snowing at this time of year, I welcome the opportunity to be warm and run for a weekend in shorts and a tank top.



What I love about this course, especially the full, is the diversity of the neighborhoods you run through.  Every part of society is represented here, and they are all out on the edges of the streets, cheering and celebrating everyone's accomplishments.

The only thing better than having a celebratory dozen or so oysters in Savannah after a big race is.......well.....having a dozen or so oysters in New Orleans.

Thus...



2.  New Orleans

Laissez les bons temps rouler!!

Let the good times roll!!  

My 2nd Full Marathon

New Orleans is one of my favorite cities to visit in The United States.  The food.  The music.  The people.  The...things you don't post on Instagram...  This city has it all, any time, day or night.  You want it?  It's here.  So naturally, it has a Rock N Roll Marathon.

I've run the half and the full here and love them both.  The half stays more in the tourist areas, running through the French Quarter and along St. Charles Ave in the gorgeous Garden District before ending in City Park.  The full splits off at the end of the half and continues up along the shore of Lake Pontchartrain and then back.  If the race is early in the year--it changes because of Mardi Gras festivities--and it's not too hot I would definitely recommend running the full.  It's a part of New Orleans not many visitors see, and it's humbling to remember the devastation that happened here in 2005 by Hurricane Katrina.

Getting the VIP Treatment

I also recommend treating yourself to the VIP Experience at this race.  Again, food and music rule this event, and what better way to enjoy yourself after a half or a full marathon than a private party with a hundred or so of your newest and closest friends?  The sun will be out, the food will be great and the music will be incredible.  Last year after the headliner played, a Zydeco band took the stage and not one person could hold still or even stay seated while they played well into the afternoon.  Yup, even after running 13.1 or 26.2 miles, you will be up dancing, guaranteed.

And then make sure you stop at Felix's and get a dozen chargrilled oysters.  Best in the world.


1.  Liverpool

You'll Never Walk Alone.

This is the motto for the Liverpool Football Club, one that was adopted and modified by RnR for their shirts that read, "You'll never RUN alone."  When you are on the course and aching, someone always checks on you.  Someone is always there to see if you need a gel, some water, or even just some company.  When you are at Mile 19 and your muscles are screaming and you want to quit, someone will always stay with you and help you finish.  That is what is so special about the RnR running community...

You'll never run alone.





Liverpool was my third half marathon ever, and the first trip that I took outside North America by myself.  It was also my third full marathon.  Yes, I planned that.

Why is it my favorite?  The people.  For this race, you are going on vacation and just happen to be running a half or a full that starts after 9 AM on Sunday so that you have enough time to party at the Cavern Club (the place that made The Beatles famous) and get a good 6 hours or so of sleep before you go out and run.  No 6 AM start times here.

What other race can you run
THROUGH a stadium?

Another reason this race makes it top of my list?  The scenery.  If you run the full, you get to run THROUGH Anfield Stadium.  If anyone knows about football (OK, soccer for the Americans) you know what a big deal this is, and in 2018, we could detour and get a picture in the Kop with the pitch in the background.  You also run past the other football club in Liverpool, Everton, and it's fun to learn about the rivalry between the two clubs.




And then you get to run past some beautiful monuments, including the Liverpool Cathedral, the fifth largest cathedral in the world.  Penny Lane?  Yes, you get to run that, too, with the song playing on repeat for the full seven hours of the half/full.  The race ends with the last few miles along the Mersey River, which might have you humming the song in your head whilst you run.

After the race and the Finish Line Festival, it's off to the Cavern Quarter for a few pints and more live music.  I always like to visit The Philharmonic Dining Rooms for some Bangers and Mash.

My first official football game
Liverpool vs. Manchester United

Beatles.  Football.  History.  Oh, and I get to run, too!  How could this not be my favorite race?  I've become a Liverpool Football Club supporter and this past December traveled to Liverpool to see them play their rivals, Manchester United, in a very exciting match!  Bucket List--check!

I can't wait to go back and run this race for the 5th year.  No way I'll miss this runcation.  Will I see you there, too?  Let me know!

I never would have had these experiences if it weren't for the Rock 'n' Roll Marathon series having races all over the world.  Runcations have changed me into a Global Citizen, and I am thankful for the opportunity I have had to experience new places and cultures.  If I can survive 26.2 miles, I can survive whatever the world has to throw at me.  My love of running, food, and music will ensure that if I open my mind, I will always enjoy what is presented on the road in front of me.

I hope you have enjoyed my Favorite Five Rock 'n' Roll Marathon Series list.  I'd love to hear what your favorites are!

Life is Good.
Life is Better when you get to make memories all over the world.
See you on the course!

WINTER SALE!!! Rock N Roll Marathon Series Races. One day only!!

Have you been naughty or nice?

It doesn't matter if you are buying races for yourself!

The Rock N Roll Marathon Series is having their winter sale and you can scoop up as many races as you like for the BEST prices of the year.

The sale starts on December 13th at midnight PST.  Set your alarms as the more time goes by, the more the races will cost.

Come join me at one, two or fifteen races!

My 3rd year as a RnR Hall of Fame member

See you on the course next year!

CLICK HERE FOR THE SALE

Which ones are you running??

That's me representing Dublin!!

SALE!!!! Global Running Day DISCOUNTS!

As a Rock 'N' Blogger, I am lucky to run 10 races for FREE
but you know I'm doing more than that!!

So many of you have been asking me for discounts and deals.


Starting at 12 AM PST on 6 June 2018, nearly all the Rock 'N' Roll Marathon Series races will be at some of the lowest prices of the year.


And, just like airline tickets, these prices will go up as the supply goes down.



SET YOUR ALARMS if you want the best pricing!!!

Here is the link:

Global Running Day Discount Page

Don't tell me you missed it...I've been blasting it for days!!

See you on the course!

Black Sheep Run Seattle

San Diego Bling

San Diego Heavy Medals!!

Hall of Fame San Antonio 2016

Lisboa

Dublin

San Francisco

Montreal

Remix city!!!

4th year in Liverpool

Hall of Fame 2017!!

Nashville to Oaxaca: Two races, Two Days, Two Countries and a Whole Lot of Hills

Why run one race a weekend when you can run two?

And why limit yourself to running those two races in just one country?

Eight women and one man decided to run BOTH the Rock 'N' Roll Nashville AND the Rock 'N' Roll Oaxaca races this weekend.

Why?

Because we could.


Saturday, 28 April, Nashville

Nashville RnR Crew

I had always wanted to run this course and finally got the opportunity.  Everyone warned me about the hills, but everyone always talks about hills forgetting that I started running in San Francisco and both my half and full PRs are there.

Hills, schmills, bring it on.  I moved to Chicago seven months ago and miss my natural intervals of up and down the slopes of San Francisco's beautiful coastline.

I met my running team in our usual spot for the group picture and pre-race shenanigans and got ready to run.

The start was a gentle slope downhill, perfect to warm up my shins.  I hadn't run for almost a month due to work and my asthma/allergies sidelining me, so I appreciated the ability to warm up my muscles without pumping my heart and lungs too much.

Love that the sport of running is open to
 everyone no matter the challenge.

I also knew that I wasn't going to push myself on this race as I had another one the next day.  Unlike last year's RnR Dallas to Mexico City, we had to take three flights to get from Nashville to Oaxaca, not one, and the body doesn't respond well to flying that much in one day without rest.

First half mile done, then here come the hills.

For 2.5 miles there was a steady climb of just over 200 feet.  Sweet.  I got this.  Take your time, focus on your breathing and climb.  Honestly, it felt good to work my legs in a way they hadn't been worked in eight months.

Mile Five came up and I got to see what everyone was talking about when they said that Nashville had the biggest crowd support of all the RnR races.  They did not lie!  For the whole mile through a very residential section of Nashville, people lined the streets playing music, dancing, singing, drinking, handing out snacks and beverages and cheering on the runners.  What a party!  I stopped to take a few pictures and might have had a doughnut or two.

Not a single telephone pole was left
without some sort of signage. 

Some of the Mile 5 Party Crew

Top of the hill.  Downhill slope for a mile.  Wheeeee!!!!  Oh, how I have missed pumping my legs down those hills, feeling the wind in my hair, running just fast enough to start getting worried that I will trip, passing everyone who gave me the side-eye for walking up the hill.  It felt fantastic!  And the nonstop roar of the crowd was pushing all of us on during the speed zone.

But now I was getting hot.  Reeeeeealy hot.  I've been training in Chicago outside when I can and sub-freezing temperatures feel a whole lot different on the body than this heat.  I could feel sweat rolling down my back and my thighs.  Ick.  It's hot at the gym on the treadmill, but not like this.  Salt started crusting on my temples and behind my ears.

And then up again.  OK, body, you remember this.  You love this.  You got this.  And with a little help from the volunteers handing out support on the course, over the hill I went.

Another downhill...that kept going.  So this is what I have been working so hard for?  YES!!!  All the love and longing I had for my San Francisco hills came back to me and I got cooler as the breeze blew across my body.

Next thing I knew, I was rounding the corner and being handed oranges and bananas by more volunteers.  Perfect.  I was on my last gel and the sugar in the fruit went immediately to my legs, cooled me down and sped me up that last hill.

Me, Leny, Nichole and Russ.  Round 1 Done.

Black Sheep Celebrate.

By this time, four of us who were doing the Nashville to Oaxaca journey had found each other on the course and we crossed the finish line together.  Most of them left right away to get to Mexico City for their overnight, but three of us stayed behind, relaxing and having adult beverages and food in the sunshine on a rooftop bar before going back to our hotel, washing our race clothes, and getting ready to get up at 3:30 AM to do it all again.


Sunday, 28 April

It might be OJ, it might be mimosas

Getting up waaaaay too early, Sherry and I packed our bags, grabbed a snack and headed to the airport for a 6 AM flight.  Nashville to Houston on United.  We're both 1K, so we were upgraded to First Class and had a snack (and maybe a mimosa) on the plane.  Short flight, and enough time to hit up the United Club in Houston for more food, print out our Oaxaca registration forms and go to the next flight.

The only real food we were going to eat the entire day.

We were also upgraded to First Class on our flights into Mexico City, so after eggs and sausage, we both took a nap for an hour or so before landing.

Now, Sherry and I don't speak Spanish, so while getting through customs was pretty easy since we didn't have any checked luggage, arriving in an airport for one of the biggest cities in the world when you have no idea where you are going is going to make things difficult.  Plus, we were changing airlines, so we had to find where Aeromexico was, and the two-hour window to check in was closing fast.

Needless to say, we didn't check in before the two hour window closed, and our seats were given away.  We're now on standby on an oversold flight.  Three other Nashville to Oaxaca teammates, Julie, Nichole, and Regina had the same experience and were also on standby for our flight.  It didn't look good.

For an hour I sat at the gate looking for options to get to Oaxaca on the next flight (that landed an hour before the race started) or to give up, call United, and go home with my tail between my legs.

Boarding time.  Russ and Tamara had checked in early, were confirmed and got on.  Five of us waited.  Group Three, Group Four, Group Five, final boarding call.  Confirmed passengers without seat assignments were called.  Then nothing.  A lump began to swell in my throat.

Then Sherry's name was called.  Confirmed seat.  Sherry hasn't missed a RnR race in over three years, so it was a sigh of relief for all of us that she got on.  Two seats left.  Four people waiting from our team, several other people not racing but also on standby.  Who is going to be next?

Miss Canale?  Please pick up your boarding pass....

YES!!!!

And one non-racer was called, too, but he declined as he didn't want to leave his friend, so Julie got on.

Nichole and Regina were left behind, but had purchased another ticket to Oaxaca on the later flight, so they had seats.  But the window to land and make the race was very, very small.

Off to Oaxaca we went.

After checking into our hotel, finding some food that didn't come in snack packages, and getting redressed, we walked over to the Start/Finish line to find out how to pick up our bibs and meet up with the rest of the team that was already here.

Amber.  The woman who saved the day
in countless ways.

It's always maddening going to a different country when you don't speak the language and trying to figure everything out, and since the nine of us didn't get to the expo to get our bibs, we were prepared for the long process of navigating through all the red tape to find where to go and what to do.

Not this time!  With three Spanish speakers in the group, we found where to go and easily picked up everything we needed.  We explained that we still had two people coming and that their flight was now delayed, landing 30 minutes before the start time.

Dear Rock 'N' Roll:  Amber from your staff is WONDERFUL!!!  I couldn't tell if her native language is English or Spanish because she spoke both of them so clearly.  Her compassion for our situation was remarkable.  She had us send specific instructions to Nichole and Regina of where, exactly, to go and what, exactly, to do so that they could race as soon as they arrived.  Please send her our gratitude for being AMAZING!

7 of 9....not Star Trek but Rock 'N' Roll Oaxaca

Start time.  We're exhausted already.  Note to self:  Do not take three flights in one day and then run a race.  Not wise.  One, maybe, two is pushing it, but three?  Never again.

And it's still hot.  Really hot.  And I haven't even looked at the course map to see what the elevation changes will be...all I know is that we're 5200 feet above sea level and I'm nowhere near as hydrated as I should be.  Whee!!!



Seven of us from Nashville and three of our team who are just running Oaxaca take our places in the corrals.  It's even hotter.  The sun is down and there's no chill in the air like there was in Mexico City last year.  It's going to be interesting.

Team Nashaca and Mole Tour Crew.

We haven't heard from Nichole and Regina since they landed.  One hour flight delay.  We've left instruction and hope that they get here before they close the race.

Time to start.  Metallica.  AC/DC.  Queen.  Oh, the producers of this race know how to fire up a crowd!!  My feet are screaming but I don't care.  I'm pumped.  Coral after coral is released.  I start my Garmin and off we go.





Again, we start with a down slope.  So very thankful for this as we're at the 36-hour marker where the muscles are at their worst after a race.  Feet are protesting.  Calves are screaming.  Sweat is pouring.  Again, I don't care.  Forward we go.  Even if I have to crawl across the finish line, I will get across it.

Did I mention it was hot?  Good grief.  Dallas was hot, but Mexico City later was cool.  Nashville was hot, and Oaxaca is still hot.  I can't remember the last time I sweat so much.  Thank goodness I have KT Tape under all the elastic parts that get super sweaty as I've gone through my Body Glide.

Two miles out, turn, and back.  The crowd is amazing!!  I'm speed walking as I'm afraid of the dreaded DNF and don't want the elevation, asthma, dehydration, or heat to take me out.

Not so ugly bags of mostly water.
(Ooops.  Another Star Trek reference)

It's no secret that drinking water in Mexico from the tap is a no-no for non-residents.  While I've never had a problem here, others might have a more sensitive stomach, and the races have an answer:  Water in baggies.  This is the coolest thing ever.  Water is sealed in little plastic bags where you bite off the corner and drink.  It's like chewing on a jellyfish.  No spilling.  The other greatest thing is that since they are sealed, you can grab two--one for now and one to tide you over for a bit until the next water stop.

Necessity is the mother of invention, they say, and I decided that since I was roasting I would figure out how to use the water bags to cool down.  The bags are ice cold so I decided to grab two--one to drink and the other to shove down my Shefit sports bra between my shoulder blades.  Perfect!!!  I kept rotating the water bags along the course, putting the coldest one down my back, grabbing the warmer one out from my bra and drinking that.  It truly saved me.

Coming into Mile 4, we entered the Zocalo.  I'm pretty sure that this crowd could give the Nashville Mile 5 Party people a run for their money on who was the largest crowd or loudest.  It was intense!  People were shouting, chanting, screaming, cheering!  It was deafening.  Whenever the crowd started to quiet down, a runner would yell, "Oaxaca!!!" and the crowd would erupt into cheers.  I've never seen anything like it.  My walk turned into a run again, even though the cobblestones were destroying my ankles and I wanted to take it easy.  Nope.  Not with this crowd's energy.

People were lined three-deep in the Zocalo.

Remember how I said I loved hills?  I still do...just not when I'm hot.  And tired.  And sore.  Oh, my.  Mile 4.5 began a climb which, save a few spots, lasted all the way up to Mile 9.  Want to know what they served along with the bags of water?  Crow Pie.  And I was eating it.  By the 10K mark every part of my body wished that I was in Chicago running on a flat, cold course.  There was only one spot for about a half mile where it was a sharp downhill, and I took complete advantage of it, running as hard as I could and passing everyone along the way.  Again, the crowd was screaming, and I ate that up, too.

The costumes were
amazing!

There was a huge party around Mile 8 where it seemed that everyone in Oaxaca was gathered around a huge stage and band.  This was part of an out-and-back, and I was inspired by all the runners coming downhill, as I knew my time would come again soon.  I'm not sure of the music, but it was some sort of Heavy Metal, and I love racing to that.  Swinging my arms even harder, I kept going up and up and up.  My walk is faster than most, so I caught up with Leny who was her usual excited self, jumping up and down, shouting at everyone in Spanish and urging us all on.  Since the stage was so large and there were so many people, I was sure this was the turn around point and kicked it into a run.

Oh, was I WRONG!  We kept going...up and up and up.  OK, I take back everything I ever said about loving hills.  I hate hills.  Where is the turn around?  Oh, another 3/4 of a mile.  I'm gonna die.

I caught up with Hyalker, Juan and Tamara right as we FINALLY turned the corner and started downhill.  Thank goodness.  I wasn't sure I was going to make it.  I was so exhausted by the time we got to this point that I couldn't take advantage of the speed zones like I usually do.  Oh well.  Who cares?  I'm finishing and I know it.  Downhill or flat from here...it HAS to be!

The highlight of the downhill was someone from my team shouting, "You made it!!!" I looked at the people who were running up the hill and there was Regina!  They made the race!!!  We were all here!  Awesome!

Another runner who
deserved the spotlight.

The last few miles were a blur.  I caught up with Sherry, who decided to walk it in and saw Nichole--the other woman who was with Regina on the delayed flight.  This was her Birthday weekend and it would have been a shame to be ruined by missing a race.  I asked her how the heck she and Regina managed to pull off getting off the plane, through the departures, into a cab, to the race and start before they closed off the corrals.  Her answer?  "Both pilots and some of the crew were also running the race.  They knew we were going too, and said that there was no way in hell that anyone was going to miss it.  We all piled in a cab and just barely made the start line.  Amber had the bibs ready to hand to us when she saw us running up, grabbed our gear bags, and through the start we went.  We were the absolute last people to cross the start line."  Now THAT'S teamwork.  Another feather in Amber's hat for a job well done.

Mission Accomplished!  Nashville to Oaxaca.  Three medal
weekend:  Both races and a World Rocker Medal.

We all crossed the finish line around the same time which was a really good feeling.  The only two people from our group that I didn't see on the course were Russ and Sabrina, but they greeted us as soon as we came through the chute and had a whole pizza for us to devour.  And we did.  We were pushing close to the closing time for the Gear Check, but still had one runner out, Regina, so we asked Amber to work her magic again, and she did.  Can we have her at all the races, please?  While Regina had a bad race this time (who doesn't have at least one?) and missed the group picture, we all eventually accomplished what we came out this weekend to do.  And we all did it together, as a team.

Team Nashaca.  Russel, Sabrina, Nichole, me, Julie, Tamara, Sherry and Lenny.  Regina was on her way.

Nashville to Oaxaca.  Two races, Two Days, Two Countries and a Whole Lot of Hills.  Mission Accomplished.  We didn't leave anyone behind.

We've all gone our separate ways...three flights to get back to our respective homes all over the US, and we learned our lessons and checked in super early this time.  I'm still here in Oaxaca enjoying the warm weather and trying to get my legs to loosen up a bit.  I couldn't join Sherry, Sabrina and Tamara on their pyramid excursion yesterday as my legs told me that I was lucky to get up and down one flight of steps and not to push it.  So, being the obstinate person that I am, I decided to get up today and retrace some of the race route on foot--the part where the hills were the steepest--and perch myself at the top of a huge hill in a restaurant where I can look down on the city and see everywhere we ran.

Ceviche and beer.  Perfect recovery.

Fantastic weekend ending with
a hike to the top of Oaxaca.

Why?  Because I love my hills.  I might be mad at them at the time I was going up them, but that feeling of wind against my face and the adrenaline rush that I get running down at full speed is something that I truly miss not living in San Francisco anymore.  I know I'll never be fast enough to get that rush on a flat course, so I'm pretty content to get it when I can.  And I'll keep on loving my hills.

See you in Liverpool in a few weeks...


Life Is Good.  Life is better when you come up with a crazy challenge with your friends and every single one of you crosses the Finish Line.  Together.

My Top Eight Reasons to Love Rock 'N' Roll Races

Disclaimer:  As part of being an official "Rock 'N' Blogger," I get a 10-pack Tour Pass, which means I get to run 10 races of my choosing for free.  The rest I pay for. 



I have been running for about four years now.  I've completed about 40 official races, most of them Rock 'N' Roll, but several other races were independently hosted or part of another series.

It's no secret that I love the Rock 'N' Roll Marathon Series the most.  Let me tell you my reasons:


1.  Destinations

Liverpool Full Marathon 

I never would have been to Liverpool, England if it weren't for Rock 'N' Roll.  It was my first trip overseas by myself, and what an amazing adventure!  It continues to be one of my favorite races of all the Tour Stops.  And hellooooo Beatles everything!!!  This year will be my 4th time completing it.  Definitely a destination runcation.

Lisbon Half Marathon

I've been to Lisbon, Dublin, Vancouver, Montreal, and Mexico City with Rock 'N' Roll, as well as many US destinations.  I can't wait for Oaxaca and Monterrey this year!  It's a great reason to travel and spend a few days exploring a new part of the world.

Check out the Events section on the Rock 'N' Roll website and plan your next runcation!








2.  Finish Line Festival

New Orleans Finish Line Festivities 

I've done some amazing races where  you cross the Finish Line, get your medal...and...that's it.  You're done.  You can go home now.  Wait--WHAT?  I want to celebrate with thousands of my new, closest friends who also ran this day.  I want to take pictures.  I want to talk about the run.  I want to post on Social Media all the fun I've had and all the bling I've earned!

Rock 'N' Roll provides an amazing Finish Line Festival.  There is always a Headliner Band, usually with pre- and post- bands, and most are from the local area.  What a great way to relax, stretch, have an adult beverage, and celebrate your success that day.  It's also an opportunity to make new friends from all over the world as well as get inside tips of where to eat, drink, and relax while you are in town.


3.  Run With Friends

With approximately 25 Tour Stops a year, the Rock 'N' Roll Series is a great way to get together with your friends from all over the world and spend a weekend catching up, eating and drinking, touring a new city, and, of course, running!

My running friends, Black Sheep Run (Pic by Adrian Mauricio)

I've made some wonderful friends on the course.  While we only see each other a few times a year, the friendships I have made while setting a PR in Seattle, hitting a wall at Mile 23 in Savannah, or hanging with the Back of the Pack in Philly are friendships that will last a lifetime.


4.  BLING!!!

Have you seen the BLING?  I'm sure anyone who runs loves the Finisher Medals.  The Rock 'N' Roll series does not disappoint when it comes to medals.  Check out the Heavy Medals for those who run multiple destinations in the Tour Stops.  There are special medals for everyone who completes at least two or more races in one calendar year.  And, if you race in two different countries, you get a special medal for that, too!

Hauling in the BLING
in San Diego

San Antonio Hall of Fame Class of 2016

Hall of Fame 2017!!

And then there's the Hall of Fame Medal.  I've been a member of the Hall of Fame for two years now--working on my 3rd--where I have completed 15 or more races of at least a half marathon.  That is quite an accomplishment and the Rock 'N' Roll Series has a special medal for completing this challenge.






5.  Music

There's no need to bring your earbuds, Rock 'N' Roll has music all along the course to keep you moving.  From official bands along the course to musical mile markers, you will always have something to listen to.  It's not unusual for spectators along the course to come out and either play their own instruments or set up speakers and blast music to keep you pumped.

The Finish Line Festival also has music after you finish, for hours!  From cover bands to popular headliners to local style bands, there is always something to listen to at the finish.  Perfect to keep you moving so you can stretch those legs after your race.  Make sure and stick around in New Orleans for the last band to hear some fantastic zydeco.

6.  Crowd Support

I asked the San Diego crowd their
opinion.  They said FULL!

I've run a lot of races in a lot of places, and there's nothing like a Rock 'N' Roll crowd!  It's hard to pick a location to highlight as a favorite for crowd support...Chicago?  San Diego?  Liverpool?  New Orleans?

Make sure you write your name on your bib or shirt so that they can cheer for you.  And when the half/full split comes, they will give you the encouragement to tackle the full!

Crowd Cheers for my
First Full Marathon

I must say that my favorite has to be Savannah.  It was my first full marathon, and the crowds were fantastic.  All along the course, people are cheering, waving, playing music and dancing.  And if you are doing the full marathon, the course loops around a high school where it is almost deafening from the cheering and music of the students.  This race is always at the same time as the NYC Marathon, but I dunno...I think I'll stick to this one.


7.  Remix

Love bling?  Love 5Ks?  Well, then do a remix!  You can run two races in one weekend and triple your medals!

Run a 5K, plus the half or full marathon and you will get THREE medals!  The remix is a great opportunity to introduce friends or family members to running by having them run with you one day and then supporting you along the course the next.  Remixes take place in most of the Tour Stops, so check out the locations and sign up the whole family.

Just a few of my Remix medals

First stop after the Finish Line
Heavy Medals to get my bling!

8.  Partner Discounts

United Airlines and
Team GEICO

Who doesn't like perks?  I'm a United Airlines Premier 1K Member, and I'm thrilled that United has partnered with Rock 'N' Roll for many of their races.  They frequently offer discounts to race destinations, so make sure you sign up for those email notifications.

There are also other partner discounts from sponsors such as Brooks, Westin, and Gatorade Endurance, to name some of my favorites.  I never run without wearing my CEP compression knee brace.  Since I discovered the support that compression socks, sleeves, and everything else gives, I have gone from a walker to a runner!  And I even admit that I wear the recovery socks at work and on the plane.

After the DC half marathon
First Class with United Airlines

Enjoying a post race massage
courtesy of Team GEICO

Recovery sleeves and knee brace
thanks to CEP

These are my top reasons why I love the  Rock 'N' Roll Series, and why I think you should consider running one or two...or fifteen plus!!

And...just because I want to see you at the next race, if you use the discount, RNRRNB2018 you will get $15 off a half or full marathon in the US.  Make sure you let me know which race you are running so I can cheer for you!


Life is Good.  Life is better when you get to do something you love...over and over again!


Miles Run:  201
Miles Flown:  19,389