New Orleans race day - Day 3

After two days of clouds and sporadic rain, it was clear and sunny yesterday making it a great day for a half marathon.

The course was good as it was flat the entire way and took you around the city and through the French Quarter.  As with most of my races, the nerves set in just before the start.  However, this time the nerves were the result of a little over two months since my last race in Annapolis.  All last year no more than a month went by between races.  So naturally I was a little curious to see how I'd do in my first race back.  I was able to find a good stride early on and kept it for a 7:41 pace.  I ended placing 427 out of 9,257.  My 5K time was 24:22, 10K: 47:36, and 10 mile at 1:16:38.

There was a little bit of concern after I crossed the finish.  My good friend Mike was monitoring Bill and myself online and never saw Bill pass the 5K mark.  The theories of what may have happened to began swirling and I even went to the medical tent to see if anyone was picked up before the 5K mark.  But, in the end he was just fine and I lost all opportunity for some great jabs.  It ended up being a technical malfunction with his chip.

So on that note, the answer to the question that's been pondering Bill and I for months:

My finish time:      01:40:38

Bill's finish time:   01:53:32

A great race, buddy.

Heading to the start

Rock n Roll Series knows how to treat its runners

This is just awesome

 

Bloody Mary time at Cafe Ole

The first of three Hurricanes (you read that right .. three)

A New Orleans creole dinner

New Orleans Day 2

A good second day seeing more of New Orleans.  We took advantage of the trolley to get around the city, stopping at Audubon Park and then Mahony's for lunch.  Walking back to the apartment we passed by the famous Bourbon Street to see Saturday night get started.  It was entertaining.

We're relaxing now as we have to be up at 5:30 to get ready and head over to the start line.  Race starts at 7 am.  Race day pics will be up tomorrow.  So will the answer to the question that's been on my mind for months ... who will cross that finish line first?  Bill or me?

We'll all know tomorrow.

Trolley time

Bill and Destiny

Maria and Rich

Lots and lots of beads

Mahony's for lunch

"Dirty" fries

Roast turkey with provolone and gravy

Mighty Mississippi

Bourbon Street

New Orleans arrival

Pilot having a chat with a passenger entering the plane:  It's going to be a bumpy ride over New Orleans due to weather but it'll be nothing like that movie Flight (a little laughter)

Passenger:  I sure hope not.

Twenty minutes later the copilot makes an announcement that a passenger has questioned the sobriety of the Captain.  Yes.  I'm not kidding.  This means an investigation must be done which may take upwards to an hour.  If they find reason to uphold the passenger's complaint, three hours until we get a new flight crew.  Not the best way to start New Orleans.

Fortunately, all turned out well and we got underway.  I arrived in New Orleans and met up with Bill before heading to the apartment where Maria and Rich were already waiting for us.  We headed over the Convention Center to pick up our packets and then headed to lunch.

It was a good first day.  We'll see a bit more of the city tomorrow and then it's race day on Sunday.

 Bill and Destiny as we walk to the apartment

Our home for the next five days

Maria and Bill in the living room

Dining room

Brand new kitchen

Heading to the famous Cafe Du Monde

Deliciousness

Flanagan's Pub for dinner

I just thought this was pretty cool

A classic New Orleans dish of shrimp creole

Five days to New Orleans

I finished my last long run today before heading to New Orleans on Friday.  10 miles in 1:13.  I think most of my speed on this run came from the fact that it is bitter cold in DC today, topping at 25 when I headed out.  I wanted to get this one over as quick as possible.  I'm feeling good.  However, I'll admit I have not been training well, skipping some training runs and not keeping to schedule.  My posture right now certainly isn't one to get me to the elusive 1:30 Half.  I've indulged in some time off since Annapolis but am working to get back to my 1:30s Half time.

I've also been keeping tabs on Bill and his progress as he trains for this Half.  Remember, it's his first in years.  I gotta say, I think this is going to be close.  He finished 11 miles today in 1:32.  Not bad considering it was 19 degrees in Cleveland today.  I'm certainly looking forward to running this one with Bill as I'm feeling a little "friendly" competition.  That's always nice. 

It's on, Bill.

Other than that all is set for a Friday departure.  I'll be meeting Maria at the apartment we're renting and then wait for Bill to arrive before heading to the Expo to pick up our packets.  Going to get that out of the way early before checking out the city. 

I'm seeing low 70s for this upcoming weekend.  Great for visiting.  A bit high for running.  Regardless, it's going to be nice to get a quick break from this winter. 

I'll be updating every night with pics from each day and of course come race day.  This is the longest trip I've ever taken for a Half (Friday - Tuesday) so good for extra posts as I get back into some blogging.