Everything I have heard about this race is true. The medals are huge, the people are nice, and the course is superb. The event pretty much runs itself. As someone who has only participated in mass races (such as Chicago), being at this smaller race was a welcome change. To be honest, the most impressive thing was the amount of organization. The packet pick-up was a breeze, and we were able to walk around the expo for a bit (it was small, but very nice). I liked how I didn't have to shell out the big bucks to get an additional souvenier from the race. $15 got me a really cute hooded t-shirt.
We drove 10.5 hours to get to this race, 12 hours with pit stops, leaving at 2:30am from Arlington Heights. We got into Little Rock around 2:30pm, just before hotel check-in. Luckily I had the foresight to book a hotel within 0.5 mi of the Start/Finish line, right in the middle of downtown. We were able to walk to the race, the expo, and all of the restaurants downtown. Location, location, location.
Checked into the hotel. Excellent views of both the Arkansas River and North Little Rock. The final stretch of the race will be 10 stories below our room. Should make for some great people-watching!
I started to get nervous, sitting in the hotel, watching the river, looking through my race packet. This is intense. This is my first race out-of-state, and it's a little overwhelming. I paw through my duffel bag- did I remember my shoes? Chafe gel? Socks? Headband?
We decided to go to dinner at the Flying Saucer, a beer emporium and legend here in Little Rock. I had 2 beers to calm my nerves and a fantastic bratwurst dinner. (Note: I still have not yet mastered the perfect pre-race meal. If anyone has suggestions, I'm willing to experiment.)
After a quick walk to the Clinton Presidential Library, past the start line construction and through the remnants of the "Smoke on the Water" BBQ competition, I was ready to head back to the hotel and prepare for the race.
(Another note: I love DoubleTree hotels. Not only are the rooms nice and clean, but they give you warm cookies when you check in, and the TVs have HBO. Seriously, nothing could be better).
Jay and I watched Will Ferrell's one-man show "You're Welcome America: A Final Night with George W. Bush" before retiring for the evening. Hilarious. Definitely made me laugh and kept my mind off the race. The last thing I wanted was for the "Omg I am INSANE" demon to take up residence in my brain.
Am I ready?
Physically: I'm in the best shape I've been in about 7 years.
Mentally: I'm a fine-tuned machine.
Am I ready? Of course.
BRING IT ON!
Monday, March 23, 2009
Ambition or Insanity?
So I had this brilliant idea to see how many races I could complete in calendar year 2009. Running until my legs fall off. Testing the limits of exhaustion. Sort of.
I haven't been able to finish a full marathon since 2004. Have dropped out of Chicago twice. Getting the monkey off my back in different ways is ALWAYS a goal. It has consumed my running life thus far.
In December 2008, in the midst of another brutal Chicago winter and confined to a treadmill in the neighborhood community center gym, I decided to begin my quest in Little Rock, AR on 3/15/2009. I signed up for the half-marathon. With the promise of a large finisher's medal and a post-race BBQ dinner, I was sold. More on Little Rock to come... (sneak preview- I DID get that large medal)
As of right now, I am registered for the following races:
4.25.2009 - Race to Wrigley 5K
5.2.2009 - Wisconsin (Half) Marathon
5.23.2009 - Soldier Field 10 Mile
6.14.2009 - North Shore Half Marathon
When I get back from Vegas (around the middle of April), I'll probably start registering for July and August races. Right now the big one I'm targeting is the Inaugural Rock n Roll Chicago Half. I'm basically just waiting on a course map, to see if it's worth the travel from the 'burbs. *Hopefully* it'll be in Grant Park, and not down by UIC like it used to be under its previous name. But we'll see.
For right now, I'm working on recovering from Little Rock (check) and training for Wisconsin.
I haven't been able to finish a full marathon since 2004. Have dropped out of Chicago twice. Getting the monkey off my back in different ways is ALWAYS a goal. It has consumed my running life thus far.
In December 2008, in the midst of another brutal Chicago winter and confined to a treadmill in the neighborhood community center gym, I decided to begin my quest in Little Rock, AR on 3/15/2009. I signed up for the half-marathon. With the promise of a large finisher's medal and a post-race BBQ dinner, I was sold. More on Little Rock to come... (sneak preview- I DID get that large medal)
As of right now, I am registered for the following races:
4.25.2009 - Race to Wrigley 5K
5.2.2009 - Wisconsin (Half) Marathon
5.23.2009 - Soldier Field 10 Mile
6.14.2009 - North Shore Half Marathon
When I get back from Vegas (around the middle of April), I'll probably start registering for July and August races. Right now the big one I'm targeting is the Inaugural Rock n Roll Chicago Half. I'm basically just waiting on a course map, to see if it's worth the travel from the 'burbs. *Hopefully* it'll be in Grant Park, and not down by UIC like it used to be under its previous name. But we'll see.
For right now, I'm working on recovering from Little Rock (check) and training for Wisconsin.
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