2015 Rock 'n' Roll San Antonio Half Marathon Weekend

December 5-6

Last race of the Rock 'n' Roll Marathon Series for 2015. Although I had already reached my goal this year of completing 10 RnR races, and getting my Gold Record heavy medal, I had so much fun as Elvis that I wanted to do it one more time. First race in Texas, not that I'm trying to do all 50 states. The remix challenge was a 10K on Saturday, so more challenging than the normal 5K. Three medals take home, but no heavy medal this time.

Friday Fly

I had originally booked an evening flight, but that would get me to San Antonio around 11 PM, too late for the Expo. Although I could have picked up the 10K bib on race morning, getting it early makes for less stress on race morning. Since I didn't have to work on Friday, I changed to an earlier flight that would allow me to arrive around 4PM. A good breakfast would hold me out until I arrived. For this trip, I tried something new, rented a car, and stayed at a cheap hotel. All past flying RnR races I have relied on public transportation, and a nice hotel close to the race area. The car rental company with one of the lowest rates was Alamo (how appropriate in San Antonio). I registered at the Airport, and took the shuttle to the rental car lot. It's been a while since I rented a car, and didn't realize I could just choose any car I wanted. I ended up with a Hyundai Elantra.

The Expo closed at 7PM, so I headed down to Convention Center, but it was rush hour traffic, so I wasn't moving fast. My main worry was to find parking, hopefully cheap, like free. Since I would only be at the Expo for a short while, I was willing to pay for an hour or two. Downtown traffic on a Friday afternoon was pretty much crawling. I drove east past the Convention Center, and saw the Toyota Ride 'n' Drive area, so I knew where I had to go. Parking lots were out of the question, since they are expensive. There was metered street parking, but one would need to be lucky to get a spot. Most hotel lots were reserved for hotel guests. Several runners attending the Expo were begin dropped off or picked up. I looped around the south side on Cesar Chavez Blvd, but was still very east of my destination. No parking spaces available anywhere, so I kept going west until Alamo St (street on west end of the Convention Center), I made a left turn even further away, then another quick left on Kansas St, then I saw an open spot on Lavaca in a residential area which was free. Turned out I wasn't that far away, just over a half mile.

Walked into the Expo (no time to change to Elvis) around 5:30PM, got my bib, and looked around only for a little bit. I had not eaten lunch yet, and got some PowerBar samples to satisfy my hunger. Although the race on Saturday started late at 9AM, I would still need to wake up early to get a parking space. I still had not checked into my hotel, and the Expo was not open much longer. I left before the 7PM close time, and walked back to my car. I wanted to get some food somewhere, and stopped at a McDonalds close to the Hotel. I could tell from the people at the restaurant that I wasn't is the best part of town. The Days Inn is near the Splashdown Waterpark, which was closed for the season. A row of cheap hotels, Americas Best Value, Super 8, are located in an industrial area.

Check in went smooth since I prepaid on Hotels.com (only $50/night). I got a room on the bottom floor, and parking was close, though I really didn't have much luggage. Room was pretty basic, but clean. One of the lamps was missing a light bulb, and the sink was missing the stopper (I wear contact lens, and rinse my lens in the sink), but nothing I couldn't work around. Door wasn't very secure (latch and door jam was flimsy, like it had been kicked in and repaired), and the traffic noise from the freeway was noticeable. During the night, I could hear the trains and their horn (there seems to be a lot of train traffic in Texas) since the track was just on the other side of the freeway. The 2 hour time difference threw me off so it took me a while to get to sleep, the noise throughout the night didn't help.

Saturday 10k

Normally I wake up on my own before my alarm goes off, but I was awaken at 6AM with the alarm. My plan was to get the car parked at before all the good spots were taken. The race organizer suggested several paid parking lots (for obvious reasons), but locals know the best (and free) places. The drive from the hotel to the start at the Alamodome is only 10 minutes away. I found a nice spot on the street only about a half mile from the 10K start, much closer than any of the suggested paid lots. A few other runners(the 13.1 sticker is a dead give away) had already parked there. Sun had already risen, but it was still cold in the morning around 39°F. The staging area would also be used for race on Sunday, so this was good preparation to know my way around. The finish of the 10K was by the Alamo about a mile from the start line. Gear check transported bags to the finish area. The parking spot was between start and finish.

I hung around the bib pickup area because I knew several of my RnR Running Family would need to pick up that morning. The sun kept us warm, and we kept together in a little group as more arrived. I wore my blue Elvis outfit, as usual for the shorter of the Remix weekend. The 10K only had about 2500 runners, so the start went smooth. I went up in the start area for some pictures, and wasn't able to get back with my RnR running family. The route goes over part of the Marathon course, so it was a good preview of the race tomorrow. As usual, I carried my Xero sandals in case things got too rough. I took it extremely easy as to not wear myself out, and just enjoyed the sights. Splits 13:14, 13:14, 14:22, 13:50, 12:40, 14:02. I think lap 5 was faster because I was talking with another runner who had a pace slightly faster than mine. Not lots to see on the course until the finish at the Alamo. Of course everyone was taking a picture there after the race. Official finish in 1:24:44, for a 13:39 min/mile pace.

Since it was late in the morning and getting warm, I changed to regular clothes since I really didn't want to walk around town as Elvis (I could get away with that in Las Vegas). I still had to walk back to the car which was a mile away. On my way back, I went on the Riverwalk, which is basically a sidewalk lined canal one level below the downtown city streets. Still wanted to limit my walking, since I had a race the next day. Because of all the runners, restaurants were crowded, and I had a tight schedule so not too much time for sightseeing. Slightly hungry, but decided to shower first, then eat brunch before going to back to the Expo as Elvis. There was a large group for dinner later in the evening, so I didn't need to eat too much.

Saturday Expo

I parked close to the same spot as yesterday. There was a presentation for the runner who ran the most Rock 'n' Roll races this year at 3:30PM, and I arrived at 2:00, so not much time to explore. The Toyota Ride 'n' Drive event was still going on, so I snagged another $10 voucher before I headed to the expo. I ended up purchasing a palm bottle for only $6. The restrooms were outside the venue, so I had to exit the expo before changing into Elvis. It was nice to get the group of Hall of Fame and Heavy Medal runners all in the same place at the same time. Most of these runners would also be meeting tonight at 6PM for dinner at the Spaghetti Warehouse. A special award is given to the runner who completed the most Half or Full Marathon in the series for the year. Leah Reid got the honors with 23 races. I left around 5PM, since I still had to walk back to the car, and traffic was heavy due to the Sonics game about to begin. I arrived early at the restaurant which was right next to the railroad tracks. Some rather long trains (100+ cars) went by, and very frequently. Speaking of the Sonics, that was my colors scheme for the Half, black scarf, silver guitar. PowerBar had a photo booth, so I got a picture and a complementary PowerBar.

There were about 35 of us for dinner, and the restaurant was a popular spot for runners as there were several other large groups doing the race tomorrow (the matching race day shirts is an obvious indicator). It was nice to talk with others in our group, since we normally do not get much time while during the race. Three of us ordered the sampler plate for 2, but split it since it was so large. Finished up around 9PM, since we didn't get our dinner until quite late. Fresh baked bread and salad was served pre-meal, so we didn't starve. Food quality one of the best spaghetti places I've been to, highly recommended, www.meatballs.com. The hotel lot was pretty full when I got back, so likely some other runners were staying there, too. One of the reason I choose this hotel was it had free parking. There was actually a Days Inn near the Riverwalk downtown, but it was $20 more per night, and they charged for parking.

Sunday Half

I've become quite familiar with the area due to all the driving the past few days. The Convention Center where the Expo is located is not far from the race start at the Alamodome. All my parking had been one of 2 areas that are less than a half mile from each other. Of course with the early 7:30AM race start, I would have to wake up much earlier at 4AM. I was awake at 3AM, and could not go back to sleep, so I just got ready earlier. I packed up all my stuff and placed them in the rental car. The check out time at the hotel was 11AM, but when I checked in, I asked how lenient that were on the time, and they said that 12 would be OK. I was not sure if I could get back by then, but it would be nice to take a shower after the race. Parked at 5AM at the same spot as yesterday, and there were already a few runners there. Took a little nap before leaving for the race area at 5:30 AM. A bit windy, dark and cold. I should have brought more layers to keep warm. My gear check bag had a change of clothes, but changing layers under the Elvis outfit is difficult. Most of the runners huddled around the warm exhaust of the generators used for the lights. This reminded me of RnR San Francisco, where we did the same thing. The Alamodome is also next to the railroad track (seems like everything in San Antonio is next to the railroad tracks), and several trains rumbled by while waiting.

As it got closer to race time, I could hear the announcers, then went over to say Hi to Ann Wessling. Still dark, so not a good photo op at the start line. Sunrise (7:15) just before start time at 7:30AM, but I delayed checking in my gear and my flip flops since they kept my feet from contact with the cold ground. The parking lot was slightly rough, so I walked gently to the start area to meet up with my RnR Family. Several group selfie shots, and one of the best photos in a while.

2502 for the Marathon, 12020 for the Half, 2003 for the 5k. Nearly 17,000 runners all starting at the same place. We were located in corral 4, so we started soon after the first wave. Meb Keflezighi was not running the race (he ran the 10K yesterday) but gave high fives to the runners on the right side (where I was) of the corral. I'm pretty sure he recognized me, since we've met at races/expos in San Diego (fist bump), and San Jose (selfie pic). With all the greetings with the RnR Family, I totally forgot to turn on my GPS watch. I figured I should be able to get a lock, since everything worked fine yesterday, and I was in nearly the same spot. Our corral started, and I still did not have a locked signal. This situation had occurred before in downtown San Francisco during the Bay to Breakers race, and I never got a lock even though I tried during the entire run.

The course worked it's way pass the Alamo pretty early, as we passed it just after mile 1. I had thoughts of doing a selfie at the Alamo, but no one else was, so I just ran by. I needed to use the potty, and found a row at mile 1.5. Luckily there wasn't much of a line, so only a few seconds wait. As I was stationary for a minute or two, my watch beeped as it got a signal lock. Lesson learned, you cannot get a lock while moving. The downtown area were full of older brick buildings. Lots to see, but nothing really noteworthy to take a photo. Even though I took it easy yesterday, my legs were still slightly fatigued so I could not go as fast as I wanted. Road surfaces were pretty good, with only a few rough spots, but not so bad that would slow me to a crawl.

As usual, Elvis shout outs, and runner selfies. Once the 5K finished, the course was less crowded. As one runner passed, we recognized each other from previous races. What makes him special is that he is a minimalist runner, and would take off his shoes to run with me for a little while. He did this in San Diego a few years ago, and in Seattle earlier this year, and now in San Antonio. Around mile 5, a slight incline, less than 100 feet, and a slight roll, but by mile 6.5 flat again. Muscles holding up pretty well, but not moving very fast. As the sun shined brightly, I felt myself overheating. The occasion shade from a taller building was welcome. The north part of the course was through residential areas, and it was nice to see spectators offering treats such as oranges and pretzels. We also went by the Zoo, but being from San Diego, any Zoo fails to compare. Next to the Zoo was a miniature train track looping around the park. Still nothing that would wow me enough to take a picture.

At mile 11.5, the Marathon runners split off to the right, but then merge back as the Half course turns left. There were traffic cones that separated the route to the finish, but since the gun time at this point was around 2:45, not many runners on the right side. Many of the Half runners were using the right side, but that would block the faster Marathon runners. There wasn't too many race marshals directing the Half runners to stay to the left, so I took it on my own to shout out. Most runners complied, but the ones that didn't, I sprinted up next to them to tell them personally. The road at this point was newly paved, and very smooth, and would stay that way until the finish. I'm not sure if it was the road surface, me getting riled up shouting, or nearing the finish, but all of a sudden I had some legs speed.

The last mile to the finish felt good. Because the road was split, the path was narrow. There seemed to be a blockage as many were moving much slower (even walking) and side-by-side. I ended up using my guitar as a wedge to let people know I was coming through. My previous 14 minute pace had increased to the 10-11 range. The final turn to the finish was a clean, straight shot, just over a half mile left. I found the energy to bump up to a 9 minute pace to finish strong. High five to Ann Wessling who called out my name as I approached. I looked up at the finish clock which displayed just a few minutes over 3 hours. Knowing that I started in a later wave provided me hope that I finished under 3 hours. Since I started my watch late, my time recorded was not accurate. Official finish time 2:59:03, a 13:40 min/mile pace. What's really interesting is the pace is nearly the same as the 10K (13:39 min/mile).

The usual exit chute has become all too common. Medal, water, Gatorade, chocolate milk, PowerBar, Dole fruit bowl. I always carry a plastic bag with me to carry all my goodies. As we exited into the parking lot, the asphalt got rough. I went to the Heavy Medal booth to collect my Remix medal, but no heavy medal this time. A photo backdrop was setup next to the booth, which I had not seen at previous races. The start area and finish area are close to each other, but I still needed to pick up my gear, and realized that it's on the other side of the parking lot (away from where I parked), so I used my sandals to ease the trek over there. If I didn't bring a change of clothes, I probably would not have used the gear check, since that just adds distance (and time) to get to the exit.

Time upon exit was 11AM, enough time to get me to the hotel before noon, but only if I could get to the freeway without much delay. As expected, there was lots of traffic, and I missed the lane to get on the freeway. The loop back took some time, and many roads were still closed. I didn't bother to change out of Elvis, and got to the hotel around 11:45 to see that the room doors were all open and the units being serviced. I went to the lobby first, to see what my options were. I contacted the cleaning lady and asked if she had cleaned the shower in my room, and she replied no. I asked if I could have 5 minutes to take a quick shower, and she obliged. I left a $5 tip, and stashed all my stuff into the car.

I would need to turn in the rental car by 4PM to avoid an extra day charge, so I had less than 4 hours to eat and sightsee. First trip was to swing my the car rental return, so that I knew where it was, then I had to re-pack all my stuff. I found a nice shady spot in business park as I rearranged my clothes. I searched on-line for a burger place, and the first choice led me to an empty building. Next choice was closer to downtown, and I found a parking spot right in front of the restaurant. OK, why is the door locked? Business hours indicate they should be open. At this point, I was a bit frustrated, and just drove around until I found a fast-food place that seems tolerable. McDonalds isn't the best, but they are everywhere, and have free Wi-Fi. I ended up on the west side of downtown, which is a different ethnic group than the east side. A McRib, quarter pounder, and large fries. Needed to fill up the tank in the car, and amazed as to how low the price of gasoline, just $1.82 ($2.77 in San Diego) per gallon. Not much to see while driving, so I turned in the car around 3PM. At least in the airport, there's more people to interact with.

Rock 'n' Roll runners everywhere in the airport. One lady pulled out her Hall of Fame medal during the TSA check, but I didn't recognize her. She didn't recognize me either until I told her I was Elvis. I arrived at the departing gate a few hours early, and bumped into one of my RnR Family members. We were actually taking the same flight back to San Diego. So many runners to talk to, so the time went by quickly. One of the Competitor employees was on the flight, too, and he turned out to be the course organizer. I gave him some feedback on the Half/Full split that I experienced. Flight ended in Phoenix with an hour layover, and I had a PowerBar for a snack. Back home around 9PM, and a late snack.

Summary

More experiences to add to my race year. I have one more local Half Marathon after Christmas, but pretty much done for the year. I did get the TourPass again for 2016, so Arizona is my next stop in January. Doubt that I will complete 10 races next year, since the heavy medals are the same, but we'll see. Cheap hotels are not so bad, and I will definitely shop more to cut costs next year.