December 4, 2011 Las Vegas Half Marathon Race Report and Recap
Posted onAlice and I hand in hand finishing the 13.1 Miler in Las Vegas this past Sunday
We bought the obligatory race gear, ate a few free samples and then got the hell out of there before the real crowds arrived late in the afternoon. Here is a photo both Alice and Tara thought was funny. I was not so sure:
Tara was so kind to invite us to stay with her at her mother’s time share at the Cancun Resort on the Las Vegas Strip about 5 miles south of the Half Marathon start line outside the Mandalay Bay Hotel and Casino.
Saturday was a rest day and rest it was. Also, it was time for carbo loading and we obliged with some yummy donuts among some other carbohydrate rich foods e.g. candy and bagels.
Since the race began at 5:30 PM, we had more than half the day to rest and/or fret about the race.
But, the time arrived and we drove off towards the Mandalay Bay. Here we were jacked around for about an hour trying to discover a place to park. We were turned away from three parking lots by armed security guards telling us that parking was for their guests only.
Great job, Rock’n’Roll Marathon organizers – NOT.
We finally made it to the corrals and just in time. Here are a couple of quick, albeit dark photos:
Alice and Tara
Some good looking runner looking for the sun (why the visor?) and Alice
BUT….. there were many people there.
The race started.
The first five miles we dodged all of the slower walkers and finally were able to separate ourselves from the pack. Here is a photo of the strip – notice the motion:
Nice Christmas tree outside The Venetian
Around mile 9 Tara’s back and hip problems were hurting her too much to sustain our pace, so she set Alice and me free. I was feeling pretty good and with the weather ideal for running (yeah, it was cool, cold) I eyed a PR.
I took off and made that PR time:
Here is the result:
Yeah, I am not a fast runner but from where I have come, I will take the time.
Alice and I finished together and here is another photo:
She finished a little while later and received a Marathon Medal since they ran out of Half Marathon ones. Our medal is blue and Tara’s is pink. Both glow in the dark.
Then…… we walked another hour back to our car (about a 5K) and collapsed back at the Cancun. Alice made pizza and after eating and a shower, this old guy went to bed a little after midnight.
Next race will be the Los Angeles Marathon in March 2012.
And…. we will return to Las Vegas next year. We all enjoyed our time and have vowed to spend a few more days prior and a few days more after the race in 2012.