Rock 'n' Roll LA Part 2

I love racecations.  I love exploring new cities...meeting new people and if it means an adult getaway with S, even better!  When the idea of running Rock 'n' Roll LA came up, I knew it would be a great chance for S and I to getaway, see some family and just enjoy a weekend together.  So we took it!  Part one of the recap has all our family fun, Friday and Saturday but once Sunday came, it was time to get into race mode.

See Part 1 of Race Recap

One of the coolest things that the Rock 'n' Roll Race Series offers is the chance to be a VIP.  For a small fee, you can get treated like a Rock Star and it is TOTALLY worth it.  From the time you pick up your gear to the time you leave the race, they have you covered.  Everything you could want is at your disposal.

So prior to the race, I headed over to the VIP lounge, which was actually a restaurant for this race and gear checked, yes, they have a special gear check just for VIPs.  (See Stuft Mama's post for pics).

Then went to grab something small to eat and meet back up with Kristin and Pavey.

I was so excited to meet Kristin.  We've been bloggy friends for a while now and she is just as awesome in person as she appears to be in cyberspace.  I could meet up with this crew anytime.

We all took off for the starting line.  Pavey went to the front since he was doing the 5K then half, and Kristin lined up with the fast people.  I assumed my position snuggly in the middle of the pack and when I did I found myself surrounded  by awesome people also sporting their costumes.

Rock 'n' Roll LA Race Costumes

I will tell you what makes this race so awesome is not necessarily the course...it's a lot of downtown LA, it's the people and the atmosphere but I was a little more focused on racing this time around.

Last weekend I had run Rock 'n' Roll St. Louis so I wasn't sure how my legs would feel since I had never done back to back races but by Friday I was feeling fresh and ready.  I ran a really strong race, a race I was proud of, I even took two minutes off my time from St. Louis.  The great thing about this course is that it is relatively flat, one major hill to reach the bridge but otherwise, flat city.

After the race, it was time to go enjoy some more of that VIP Race experience which included, private massage areas (free 10 minutes), mimosas and more food!  Seriously, this is the only way to experience a race.  You just get so spoiled.  I enjoyed some more food and as much water and other drinks as I could handle, I got a massage which was amazing and then got to relive the race with some of my favorite people.  Do you see that person that's totally photo bombing our picture? Yea, that's Andrea but you might recognize her as Kimmy Gibbler.  She's a runner and another just awesome person that I was happy to get to meet.  I hope we get to run into each other again somewhere.

 

Fireman Rob | Me in his post-race sweaty hat

StuftMama | Andrea | Me | Pavement Runner

After we said our good byes, S and I took off to Malibu with my Sis-in-law and Bro-in-law.  I had never been and was amazed at how beautiful it was.  We ate at a restaurant so far down the beach that we actually ate ON the beach, like toes in the sand and all. I always love going out to eat on race days because you don't feel bad about eating whatever you want and I didn't hold back here.  This place had it all and it didn't feel touristy at all, very laid back.  After we ate, we walked the beach a little and had the chance to get a good picture.

These kinds of weekends make me realize just how grateful I am for our running community, the friendships we've formed and the opportunities to run all the races.

Next up for me might be a Turkey Trot, might be a Hot Chocolate Run but for sure, Rock 'n' Roll Phoenix in January.  I really want to take a couple weeks off to just strength train and try to balance out my workouts a little.  I'm feeling pretty one sided in the running column.

I would LOVE for you to come run with me.  Where else you would you like to be but Phoenix in January.  Use code: MomsLRBAZ for $15 off.

Did you race this weekend?  Are you done for the year?  What's next?  What bloggers do you want to meet?