Finishing up with my Rock n Roll New Orleans recaps is one from the race itself.
I ran this race with my friend Melissa and we had an absolute ball! The miles seriously flew by so quickly!
Our hotel was just a short walk to the start line and after hiding out with a few fellow runners behind a building (to avoid the wind and cold of course), we made our way to our corral.
We weren't in our corral long before we heard the start of the race and before we knew it, it was our turn to run!
One thing I LOVE about running the streets of New Orleans (especially during Mardi Gras) is seeing all of the decorated homes and beads in random places! If you look closely at the first tree in this picture, you'll see beads hanging from it!
Also, this second line band along the course - they are awesome! We actually passed them twice (once going out and once coming back in) and they were rocking it!
As per usual with Rock n Roll races, there are bands at just about every mile and the ones in New Orleans are always great!
Seriously, we were at the halfway mark in the blink of an eye. I couldn't believe how great I felt and how great this race was going for us!
I just loved the holiday decor and architecture of this home!
Y'all know me and "characters"...I couldn't pass up the opportunity to snag one with "Who Dat" Vader!
He was seriously great!!
Another absolute favorite of mine from this year's race was the Mardi Gras float. It brought back so many memories to the early years of the Rock n Roll (then Mardi Gras) New Orleans races and I'm so glad they had it here for the 10th anniversary!
The "see ya later" gator......get it?......gave me a giggle, too!
Towards the end of the race, we approached St. Louis Cathedral and Cafe du Monde. I absolutely love that these "landmarks" are close to the end of the race because once you pass them, you know you don't have much further to go!
I was worried about the Brooks guy after I saw him deflated on the San Antonio course, but it appeared that he made a full recovery and comeback!
Just like that, we were at mile 12 and almost finished with another Rock n Roll New Orleans!
Jason and Randy were waiting for us at the finish line, but they were closer up than than I thought so I almost missed them.
We crossed the finish line with giant smiles on our faces! My 9th Rock n Roll New Orleans race was complete!
This was seriously such a fun race!
After the race, runners were given a variety of recovery items such as chocolate milk (hello, runDisney...I'm looking at you) as well as Zapp's chips which made me incredibly happy. Zapp's are native to New Orleans, so I thought that touch was extra special!
We walked around for a few minutes after the race, then made our way over to the buses to take us back downtown towards our hotel.
After showering and packing up, we had brunch at the Ruby Slipper Cafe which was delicious as always!
I had the bananas foster french toast and it was simply heavenly!
After saying goodbye to our friends, we began our trip back home.
We had a fabulous weekend in New Orleans and loved exploring all this race weekend and the city had to offer! Next year, we have big plans for touring on Saturday and I cannot wait!
I hope you have a fabulous weekend! Happy running!
So I have actually never been to New Orleans! This race is definitely on my list. Looks like you all had a blast
ReplyDeleteWe had so much fun!! You would love New Orleans - it's such a fun city!
DeleteThat looks like such a fun race! I've never been to NO - perhaps one day...and maybe during race weekend, who knows?
ReplyDeleteYES! You definitely need to combine both! :)
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