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September 7, 2011

Vegas Rock ‘n Roll Half Marathon or Bust!

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Hello friends — I have some exciting news! I’ve officially signed up for my 3rd half marathon! And guess what? It’s in VEGAS 🙂

rock_n_roll_2

I’m really excited for a few reasons:

1) Duh — it’s in Vegas. I’ve never been to Vegas! I’m not sure if I’ll love or hate it. We’ll find out 😉

2) It’s a Rock ‘n Roll marathon series, which means there are fun bands all along the course to entertain you. I’ve always wanted to run an RnR event!

rock_n_roll

3) It’s a night race! The half marathon doesn’t start until 5:30 p.m. and takes us all along the famous Vegas strip — how cool is that? Although this could be kind of a disaster, given that I’m usually not the best evening runner due to stomach issues from eating all day. We’ll see 🙂

4) I’ll also be attending the Urban Running Summit — a running blogger conference — the day before the race! They built the conference around the fact that the big race was that weekend so all of us could come to the conference AND do the race together. Fun!

urban_running_summit

5) I’ll be attending the conference and running the race sponsored by Attune Foods — and so will my blogger buddy (and fellow Attune brand ambassador) Meghann! We’re both excited to have a partner in crime 🙂 Attune is making fun technical t-shirts with their logo on them for us to race in — cool! We’ll also be rooming together. I heart slumber parties.

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Me and Meghann in Orlando in 2010

The only downside is that we arrive on Friday and the race isn’t until Sunday night, which kind of limits our options for painting Vegas red if we want to not feel like crap come Sunday night. Meghann and I have almost identical half marathon PR’s (personal records — hers is 1:51:52 and mine is 1:51:47), so it will be perfect to run together, but we’re not aiming to PR, given the fact that it’s a night race, we’re in Vegas, etc. I’m just looking at this race as fun and will hopefully do another one in the spring more seriously for time. 🙂 Maybe the DC National Half again… we’ll see!

068

That said, we would still like to come in under 2 hours!

Here’s my tentative training plan:

  • Mondays: swim (~45 mins)
  • Tuesdays: speed work at the track
  • Wednesdays: power yoga (1 hour)
  • Thursdays: 3 to 6 mile run, plus hills
  • Fridays: rest
  • Saturdays: kickboxing
  • Sundays: long run

As you can see, I’m running only 3 days per week (and cross training 3); that’s what has worked for me in the past so I’m sticking with it. If I’m feeling exhausted, I’ll take extra days off. I’ll also be icing and foam rolling after EVERY run. I’m still debating if I want to do my long runs on Saturday or Sunday. Right now I said Sunday because I like going to kickboxing on Saturdays, but we’ll see. I may change my mind because I like biking/hiking on Sundays with Matt 🙂

003

My training will start in 2 weeks — here’s my long run schedule.

  • Sept 18th — 6 miles
  • Sept 24th — doing a 10k mud run, so that will count 🙂
  • Oct 2nd — 7 miles
  • Oct 9th — 8 miles
  • Oct 16th — 7 miles
  • Oct 22nd — 9 miles
  • Oct 30th — 10 miles
  • Nov 6th — 11 miles
  • Nov 13th — 9 miles
  • Nov 20th — 12 miles
  • Nov 27th — 7 miles
  • Dec 4th — Rock ‘n Roll Half Marathon!

023

I’m excited for this new challenge! It will be harder than training this spring was because I won’t have all my grad school girlfriends to train with (a bunch of them are injured, and they aren’t training for any races right now), but I know I can do this. Vegas or bust!

Want more details on my previous half marathons? Check out the recaps and related posts below!

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Race Recaps:

  • My 2nd half marathon: National Half Marathon (Washington, DC) — March 2011 (*PR: 1:51:47)
  • My 1st half marathon: Zooma Half Marathon  (Annapolis, MD) — June 2010 (torturous — I was so proud to finish!)

Training Plans:

  • My 2nd half marathon training plan
  • My 1st half marathon training plan

Running Tips:

  • How I overcame a knee injury (1st half marathon training reflections)
  • Deciphering speed workout lingo
  • How to use a foam roller (with video!)

finishingrace5

—

Have you ever been to Vegas? Love it or hate it?

Have you ever run in a night race? Any tips?

- anne
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60 comments
  • Molly @ RDexposed
    September 7, 2011 · 8:08AM:
    I have nooooo desire to go to Las Vegas-I'd rather go somewhere like Boston or Seattle. I may be 24, but I have an inner 74 year old women living in me.
    Reply
    • Anne P
      September 7, 2011 · 11:30AM:
      Yeah in general I would totally rather go somewhere else with more natural forms of entertainment (e.g. hiking, swimming, whatever), but I think for a race Vegas will be awesome :)
      Reply
  • Shannon @ A Pinch of Ginger
    September 7, 2011 · 8:19AM:
    Anne you'll love the night race!! I met a woman at the Disney half that said the Vegas half was really cool!! I'm an evening runner and prefer night races. If possible train at dusk or on well lit streets at night (and with a buddy). Running in the dark throws off your depth perception. And for night races I eat light all day, bfast is my biggest meal, then usually it's banannas, trail mix and power bars to get me through. But everyone is different. Good luck training!!:)
    Reply
    • Anne P
      September 7, 2011 · 11:30AM:
      Thanks for the tips! :)
      Reply
  • Lauren @ What Lauren Likes
    September 7, 2011 · 8:24AM:
    Wow! Sounds like a blast!! I am soo excited for you. Have fun :)
    Reply
  • Fit Chick in the City
    September 7, 2011 · 8:25AM:
    Both the race and the conference sound like so much fun!
    Reply
  • Clare @ Fitting It All In
    September 7, 2011 · 9:07AM:
    SO FUN! I wish I could do that race and the running summit, but my work schedule doesn't really allow it. Paint the town red for me:)
    Reply
    • Anne P
      September 7, 2011 · 11:30AM:
      Bummer! The race/conference is a week before final exams for me, but hopefully I can get in some serious airplane studying time...
      Reply
  • Jill K September 7, 2011 · 9:26AM:
    Yay! Another Marathon!? I'm so excited for you :-) Keep up the great training...I'm looking forward to following your progress! Way to go Anne! You ROCK!!!
    Reply
  • Megan September 7, 2011 · 9:27AM:
    The national half/marathon got picked up by RnR this year. Registration opened in August.
    Reply
    • Anne P
      September 7, 2011 · 11:26AM:
      I saw that, actually! I hope it's not sold out already... registration shouldn't open til closer to the event! I can't plan that far ahead :)
      Reply
  • Matt @ The Athlete's Plate
    September 7, 2011 · 9:36AM:
    I'm so jealous! I've always wanted to go to Vegas!
    Reply
  • Stephanie @ Food and Fitness 4 Real
    September 7, 2011 · 9:38AM:
    I will also be in Vegas for the UR Summit and the RNR Las Vegas half. This will be the third half marathon that I am running his fall but this one will be strictly for fun, no goals to PR. It should be a great weekend with so many runners and bloggers in town. I have only been to Vegas once and it was so much fun that I am looking forward to going back. This will also be my second night race, although the first one a ran was a 5K the night before Thanksgiving
    Reply
    • Anne P
      September 7, 2011 · 11:29AM:
      Awesome - I will see you there! :)
      Reply
  • Gina @ Running to the Kitchen
    September 7, 2011 · 9:52AM:
    Oh this is so much more fun than the Philly one I guessed! Personally, I think I would LOVE a night race because I can't stand waking up so damn early for morning races! There's so much to see and do in Vegas without needing to "paint the town red" so don't worry, you guys will still have fun :)
    Reply
    • Anne P
      September 7, 2011 · 11:28AM:
      Yeah, that will be one very nice thing - no need to get up obscenely early and stress about getting there in time!
      Reply
  • Amanda @ The Hungry Wanderers
    September 7, 2011 · 10:05AM:
    You two are going to love the Vegas Rock N Roll Half! The Strip is so very beautiful at night! I live here in Vegas (technically in Henderson which is the town just southeast of the Strip) and it's a very cool place. I'm not a big gambler myself, but I think Vegas is lots of fun for anyone. If you have a chance, try to see a show or two while you're here - you'll both also love the great food! Something to keep in mind for the race is the temperature. A lot of folks think that since it's the desert, it's warm year round but it can get chilly in December (not like DC though, but the dryness makes it feel colder). December also starts to be the windy season which makes it a bit cooler as well.
    Reply
    • Anne P
      September 7, 2011 · 11:28AM:
      Thanks for the tips re: the weather! Cooler is always better for racing so that's good. I would love to see a show there!
      Reply
  • Jessica @ Healthy Dairyland
    September 7, 2011 · 10:32AM:
    I'm running the Vegas Rock n Roll half too! I'm running it with Team Challenge. I saw that blogger conference and I'm thinking of attending it. Maybe I will see you there!
    Reply
    • Anne P
      September 7, 2011 · 11:27AM:
      You should! :)
      Reply
  • Lee
    September 7, 2011 · 10:44AM:
    I'm actually vacationing in Vegas right now. It was my first time here and I had a lot of fun. It doesn't seem as seedy to me in real life as I thought before I'd been.
    Reply
    • Anne P
      September 7, 2011 · 11:27AM:
      Yeah I feel like it's super seedy, but I've never been there, so we'll see :)
      Reply
  • Michelle September 7, 2011 · 11:06AM:
    Sounds like my kind of race. Have fun.
    Reply
  • Wendi @ A Southern Yogi
    September 7, 2011 · 11:19AM:
    I'm doing the Vegas half too!!!!! I don't know if I'll get to go to the conference because I am going to be in Boulder for the first part!
    Reply
    • Anne P
      September 7, 2011 · 11:27AM:
      Ooo I love Boulder!
      Reply
  • Jen Robinson September 7, 2011 · 11:26AM:
    There is tons to see and do without doing it up so hard that you don't feel good to run on Sunday. Just walking along the strip and ducking into each of the hotels to see them is fun! And the window shopping... whoo wheee... the damage i could do if i had money :)
    Reply
  • Tina @ Faith Fitness Fun
    September 7, 2011 · 11:31AM:
    I. Am. SO. Jealous! I want to run that race and attend that conference in a BAD way.
    Reply
    • Anne P
      September 7, 2011 · 11:32AM:
      I want you to, too!!!! Come play!
      Reply
  • Renie September 7, 2011 · 11:40AM:
    How exciting. No, I have never been to Vegas. I don't gamble so I never saw the need to go, but I am very excited for you.
    Reply
    • Anne P
      September 7, 2011 · 11:42AM:
      I'm not a big gambler, either, but I still think it will be cool to see Vegas :)
      Reply
      • Renie September 7, 2011 · 2:26PM:
        I agree with you 100%. I'm an old fogie
        Reply
  • Cat @Breakfast to Bed
    September 7, 2011 · 11:45AM:
    I love what you wrote on your bib. hilars.
    Reply
  • Pat Elsberry September 7, 2011 · 12:07PM:
    Been to Vegas several times over the years. It's a place everyone should visit at least once as there's no place like it!! The Strip is lit up like Times Square at night, and the casinos are a sight to behold, although the smoke is really tough to handle if you stay inside too long!! I'd suggest taking in a show or two - they really have some great ones!! They also have some great shopping, too and simply walking around the inside of many of the hotels is fun. The Bellagio and Caesers Palace is gorgeous! One tip: Do NOT get a gelato while you're there - 2 small gelatos were $42!!! This has become a joke between my husband and I but this is the honest truth! Most expensive ice cream we've had in our lives - hee-hee!!
    Reply
    • Anne P
      September 7, 2011 · 12:11PM:
      Why on earth was gelato so expensive?! Gross about the smoke in the casinos - I can't STAND smoke, so I doubt I'll spend much time in there. Especially since I'll need happy lungs before running Sunday!
      Reply
      • Pat Elsberry September 7, 2011 · 1:11PM:
        Good question re: the cost!!! It's crazy!! Thought you'd like to know about the smoke ... my husband was sick for a week with breathing/sinus problems after we left.
        Reply
  • Ashley
    September 7, 2011 · 12:54PM:
    We went to Vegas for my bachelorette party and had a blast. Might I suggest some Chippendale's? Haha!! :)
    Reply
    • Anne P
      September 7, 2011 · 1:06PM:
      Lol! Maybe they'll run the race with us ;)
      Reply
  • Lindsay September 7, 2011 · 1:29PM:
    Oh, Vegas sounds fun! They announced in the spring that a Rock N Roll Half is coming to Tampa/St. Pete this February (before the Gasparilla race)! I think it might be a similar course to the Women's Running Magazine Half Marathon in November, which is pretty (and flat!). I'm trying to convince my little to come for one or both :)
    Reply
    • Anne P
      September 7, 2011 · 1:32PM:
      Ooo that sounds fun! I miss Tampa :)
      Reply
  • kristen
    September 7, 2011 · 2:02PM:
    awesome!!! that sounds like a blast! I ran my first race EVER a few years ago and it was a night and I loved it. But I had to be careful about what I ate before. And to hit up a conference too- man what a great trip!
    Reply
  • Breck
    September 7, 2011 · 2:41PM:
    Ahhh Vegas is super fun! It's come a long way from the smoky casinos and drunken gamblers, though there's still some of that--wouldn't be Vegas without a little sin! There are AMAZING restaurants and shows at pretty much every hotel. If you have a chance, I HIGHLY recommend seeing a Cirque du Soleil performance, like "O." Kind of pricey, but it will seriously blow your mind.
    Reply
  • Sokphal
    September 7, 2011 · 4:56PM:
    I've always wanted to do a R&R races! Vegas + running=guaranteed good time!
    Reply
  • DHP September 7, 2011 · 8:32PM:
    Sounds awesome! Well done. And sponsored, too. Neat. Of course, you can party like there's no tomorrow the night after the race is run. Vegas will just be starting to crank up at that time, if it has even begun! Remember, Vegas never sleeps!
    Reply
  • Ash Bear
    September 7, 2011 · 8:46PM:
    If I can find a sponsor I'll attend in a heartbeat! Let me know if you hear anything as I'd love to do a race in every state so this would check Vegas off the map!
    Reply
  • Heather C
    September 8, 2011 · 10:01AM:
    Whoop whoop! I love that the Vegas race is at night this year. so fun! I can only imagine what kind of finish line photo you'll get at this one ;) those National Half pics are making me cold....brrr.
    Reply
  • Casey @ Pocket Full of Sunshine
    September 8, 2011 · 11:02AM:
    I love everything about Vegas. Especially Old Vegas!
    Reply
  • Heather September 8, 2011 · 1:12PM:
    Love Vegas! You're a foodie and there's hundreds of restaurants to go to and try. The shows are amazing if you have time to see one, I definitely would! Ran the Phoenix RnR 1/2 marathon...it's a great race with lots of support and cheering through all of the race. PS- Vegas in December can be really cold and windy! Be prepared!
    Reply
    • Anne P
      September 8, 2011 · 1:16PM:
      Better cold than hot!
      Reply
  • Tanya @ Vegan Faith
    September 8, 2011 · 2:31PM:
    I loved Vegas, and I never once gambled! I have such a soft spot for the place and think about it often. The food was excellent and the entertainment! Not to mention walking 12+ miles a day to see all the sites and replenishing all those calories at the wonderful Wynn Buffet! That would be my suggestion for an after race meal! I do have one tip...hydrate, hydrate hydrate! I ran my marathon in Arizona and even when I was in Vegas, I just remember feeling so dry the whole time and needed lots and lots of water. Hydrate from the minute you get in town until the half and you should be good to go! Good luck! Sounds like such a fun race!
    Reply
  • Jennie
    September 8, 2011 · 3:58PM:
    So fun! I'm running this race, too, and it's my first half and it's in celebration of my 30th birthday. I'm both really excited and really terrified. Hope to see you on the course! My husband will be the one at the finish line holding a bottle of champagne for me :) (Oh, I also LOVE Vegas and have tons of suggestions but the highlights: dinner at Nine Fine Irishmen was the best meal of my life, my favorite hotel to walk through is the Wynn or Mandalay Bay, go off the strip to the old downtown section, if you can, and if you have time to stuff your face at the Bellagio brunch buffet, you should!)
    Reply
    • Anne P
      September 8, 2011 · 4:08PM:
      Yay, you will love the half marathon experience! It's fun :) Love the hubby coming with the champagne - that's awesome. Great tips about Vegas, too - thanks!!
      Reply
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anne mauney fannetastic food
Hi, I’m Anne! I'm a Washington D.C. based Registered Dietitian, mother, runner, and lover of travel, adventure, and the great outdoors. I've been blogging since 2009, sharing a mix of lifestyle content, recipes, and fitness tips. Come for the recipes – stay for the fun!
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anne mauney

I’m Anne, a Registered Dietitian and mother. I've been blogging since 2009 and love showing others that eating nutritious foods and staying active can actually be fun rather than overwhelming!

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