Race Recap: Rock 'n Roll, Gospel Music and Polka???

I already had this typed out once...but in the process of helping my son with his homework, somehow the page got closed without me saving it....yes I know I should know better....I should always wait till my kiddos are in bed before I start ANY project of my own....but here I am now, fresh from the Inaugural Rock 'n Roll Half Marathon in Cleveland, Ohio and I must say what a race!! But let's not get too ahead of myself...first...the Expo.

We got to the Expo at the Cleveland Convention Center and I must say I was quite impressed. The Expo they had for the Cap City was nice, but this one was much bigger, better laid out...not quite as congested as Cap City's.  Getting the race packet was quick and easy too. They had quite a few vendors. Our favorites were Power Bar....lots of yummy goodies there...their vanilla protein bars were a family favorite, SofSole where my hubby and Brennan were able to get insoles for their shoes that seemed to work for both of them...that always makes me happy when my boys are happy. Then CEP Compressionwear where I was able to snag a pretty decent deal on some compression calf sleeves I had been wanting. So momma was happy too :)....here are a few fun pics from the Expo:

 

 So Saturday when we went to the Expo it rained pretty much most of the day. Now I have to admit I kind of went into this race a bit on the discouraged side. I was watching the Weather Channel like a hawk pretty much all week and was sad to hear that they were calling for rain for Sunday's race....watching the weather all week may NOT have been the best idea...needless to say when we got to Cleveland on Saturday and it was raining, that didn't help. But God is good and prayers were answered because even though it rained when we left the hotel at 6:30 a.m. by the time we got into Cleveland there was no rain to be found...PTL!!! So we get into Cleveland and needless to say we had some fun trying to find a parking garage that was open...but after about 10 minutes of trying to get around we finally found one. We had to walk a few blocks to get to the Rock 'n Roll Museum where the race was starting at, but as soon as I got there I did what most normal runners do before a race....head for the porta potties...lol! The lines were long, but moved pretty steady so not too bad there. By the time I got through they had just started playing the National Anthem...not sure who the guy was but he was playing the National Anthem on the guitar Jimi Hendrix style, which I thought was quite appropriate for Cleveland and being at the Rock Hall...I got to stand and salute the flag right in front of the Rock Museum which was nice. After the anthem I got into my corral...corral 7...there were 8 corrals total. They did a wave start and it really didn't take too long for our corral to start...I think we took off between 8:10-8:15, so not bad. 

Now this course was not an easy course....definitely not one you'd want to do as your first half marathon....unless you like hills. The first 3 miles weren't too bad and took you through a nice tour of downtown Cleveland...after mile 3 there was a hill and around mile 4 a downhill...my biggest problem...wardrobe. I had dressed thinking it would rain so I went with a long sleeved dri-fit shirt and racing capris....so glad I at least went with the capris and not the pants I had initially thought. But by mile 4 I had had enough of the long sleeved shirt....so I pulled over to the side, took my shirt off, tied it around my waist so they could still see my bib number, and went in my sports bra...and I'm sorry for anyone who had to see me in that, but there was just no way I was going another 9 miles in a long sleeved shirt....note to self...no matter what...go with short sleeves. So after mile 5 the course started to level out a bit, though I'll have to admit, Cleveland's roads are not the best...lots of potholes and ruts...had to make sure you were paying attention. Then i got to mile 9....I was told around mile 9 there would be a hill....oh yea....there was a hill alright. Most of the people, and yes including myself, walked up that hill. To put it in perspective...for those who live where I live, if you were to take the Cemetery Drive hill and add Bank Street's hill to it...you would pretty much have it. Long steady continuous incline....not fun at all...at that point I was starting to get tired. Oh and I forgot to mention....it was extremely humid that day...I was sweating in the porta potty line if that tells you anything. Not good...especially by mile nine the sun was up and beating on us and the humidity mixed in...it was bleh...but at least no rain. So I walked up the hill at mile 9 and then walked a little across the bridge before mile 12...I was just so done at that point. The spectators at that point were saying, "not far now, right around the corner" and I went around the corner and still no finish line...I was not happy. Though honestly it wasn't too far after that....but when you've crossed mile 12 and you're hot and sticky and tired...you just want it to be over. But I finally did find the finish line and crossed it in 2:25:48. Not my best half marathon time, but considering the hills and humidity I'll take it...I was only 4 minutes off my Cap City time so I think that was pretty darn good. :)

The entertainment on the course was good...my favorites....the all African American Women's Gospel Choir....they were awesome...they were at about mile 3 so one of the first acts and they were really getting into it....loved them!! Then there were the countless cheerleading squads...those were very nice. There was the DJ that played one of my favorite oldies songs, "Brown Eyed Girl" by Van Morrison...loved that. But the one thing that stuck out the most and made me laugh out loud was the DJ on the bridge I think it was on Abbey Ave...he played Polka music...absolutely loved it!! And because of where he was we got to hear the polka music twice...double love...and so appropriate for a race in Cleveland. I grew up in the suburbs of Cleveland as a little girl and I remember when they used to play polka music on Sundays on TV and anyone who has been to a wedding in Cleveland (at least all the one's I've ever been to) they always play polka music. Brought back a lot of memories and again...so very appropriate :)

So overall what did I think of the race?? I think it was well organized...especially for being their first Rock 'n Roll series half marathon. Things I liked about this race....the bands were good...the after concert was great...got to see Gavin Degraw....woot woot!! The medal was impressive. Loved the stuff you got at the end of the race...they had plenty of water, Gatorade, even chocolate milk, they had Power Bars and bagels, pretzels...and the best part....ice cold white hand towels to cool off with...very nice touch...I would love to see that done at the Cap City Half. The after the finish line area was so much better than Cap City too...Cap City was cramped and so congested...this was much more spacious and you didn't feel like herded cattle. The things I didn't like about this race...the roads were not the best...and the course was hilly and tough. There also wasn't as many spectators at this race...there were several, especially at the beginning and the end, but in the middle, not so much....I love seeing the spectators and reading their awesome signs...helps to take the mind off the race and running...during that middle part I really needed that. Though I have to say thanks to the older gentleman after mile 9 who kept telling us "It's all a mental game, overcome your mind...you got this!!" He obviously must have been a runner. So would I do this race again?? Not sure I would. If so I would have to make sure I did plenty of hill workouts in my training...and though I did do some on my longer runs...I would really have to do more. Like I said, this course was not an easy one...if you are looking for an easier first time course, definitely try the Cap City Half...I really enjoyed that one a lot.

So there you have it...my 2nd half marathon is in the books. Here are a few highlights from the race....enjoy and remember....dreams don't come for free...it comes to those who work hard for them. Have a great week everyone!!!