2015 Rock 'n' Roll Seattle Half Marathon

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Friday Fly

First flight out at 6:30 am arrived at Sea-Tac airport around 9:30 am. Packed an additional bag with my backpack, since I would be staying two nights. Hopped on the light rail to the Hotel, and noticed a few fellow Rock 'n' Rollers in the back. By the time the train left, there were about 8 of us. We chatted about where we were staying, what race (half or full) we were going to do, and general runner talk. As the train neared the Stadium where the Expo was being held, someone pointed out the road below was part of the race course. I cringed as I could see the road was pretty rough. Some of the runners got off at the Expo, but I stayed to get to my hotel first to drop off my stuff. My hotel is about a half mile from the Expo, so a short walk. The course actually runs right in front of the hotel, about 2.5 mile from the finish. I carried a light back bag with my Elvis costume with my Seahawks green scarf. As I walked down to the expo, and noticed that all the roads seemed to be rough. Met a few runners I knew from past RnR races, and even bumped into some in the group I just met on the way from the airport. I was quite surprised by how few people asked for a picture with Elvis. Maybe only 5 total. At San Diego Expo it was like 20.

A late lunch (using the coupon I got at the Expo) allowed me to snack for dinner. Walked a little around Pioneer Square where I stayed, but not much since the race was the next day. I noticed there are some hills in the area the rival San Francisco. Also, there are Starbucks, everywhere. I reviewed the course some more, and the elevation shows a few hills, which would be the least of my worries, knowing that the streets were not looking smooth. Sunset around 9 pm, but I slept around 7 so that I would be rested when I woke up at 3:30 am.

Saturday Half Marathon

RNRSEAstart The start line was about 1.5 miles away. There is a monorail that connects the latter part to the start. Although I could have taken the light rail to the monorail loading point, I choose to walk about ¾ mile to allow me an opportunity to see the city. The monorail isn't long, just under a mile, but it's a touristy thing which I had to do. I purchased tickets at the Expo for the first slot, 5 am. I showed up a few minutes early, and was the only one there. About 5 minutes later 3 other runners arrived, then we left way short of the 200 passenger capacity. The ride didn't last long, but being 30 feet up allowed me to see some of the surrounding area. After unboarding, there few runners at the race start area. Volunteers were still being instructed, so I couldn't check in my gear. I met a few runners warming up near the corrals and started talking with them. Turns out they are from San Diego, too. They were members of the San Diego Track Club, and one of them knew a fellow barefoot runner that I know. Race start is 7 am, and the sunrise around 5 am. I got some nice pictures of the Space Needle at sunrise. By 6 am, more runners trickled in. Still surprised by the lack of photo requests with Elvis, but I figured that would happen by my experience at the Expo.

RNRSEAstart There was actually 3 different length races starting at the same time in the same corrals, 8K, Half Marathon, Full Marathon, about 17,000 runners total (Official finish, 8k 1223, Half 11071, Full 2044). The starting "gun" was some fireworks on the Space Needle. Although I was assigned to corral 29, I jumped in with 10, knowing that I would not be going fast due to the road surfaces. My backup Xero Sandals were tucked in my waistband, just in case. I've never actually used them during a race, but did not want to take a chance on an unfamiliar course. The first few miles were not too bad, but I was fresh. At mile 2, on S Dearborn Street, the surface got rough, I had to run on the painted line. Checking the road surfaces took away from my enjoying the view around me. When we turned on Rainier Ave S, the painted line was no longer solid, and for the next two miles, I had to slow down to be comfortable. Surface didn't get much better from then on. As we headed back along the path along Lake Washington I could not enjoy the view. I was focusing on my form, and thinking about using my sandals, but if I went slow enough, I was comfortable. When I saw the pictures of fallen soldiers along the side, I knew that this would similar to what was done in RnR DC. After the pictures, there were dozens of volunteers holding flags (see video below).

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RNRSEAtunnel RNRSEAroad As we exited the lake path, the surface was only slightly better, but at least there were painted lines to run on. Finally at mile 8, we headed into a long tunnel on I-90, being a freeway the concrete was pretty smooth. I actually met a guy who took off his shoes to join me barefoot for a bit. After exiting the tunnel of nearly a mile long, the road got rough again, but being on the freeway there are painted lines. As we exited the freeway at mile 10, we were back on rough surface streets with few painted lines for relief. Past my hotel (which I didn't notice because I was focused on the ground), then back on the elevated freeway along the Puget Sound. Beautiful views of the Giant Wheel and islands, but I was too focused on the ground (see picture). At mile 12, we exited the freeway, but the surface streets are typical Seattle (still rough). I finished strong, but my muscles were tired, feet are OK, as are my toes.

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RNRSEAbling I collected my Roadie Heavy Medal for completing my 5th Rock 'n' Road Half Marathon. I headed over to the Armory Food Court for a change of clothes and lunch, a bacon burger and fries. I thought I would take ride up the Space Needle, but changed my mind when I saw how long the line was. As I was about to board the Monorail, I couldn't find my ticket. I placed it it a dry ziploc bag in the pocket of my Elvis costume. Guess is must have fallen out, so someone gets a free ride on my behalf. I ended up paying for the ride back. As I walked back to the Hotel, I could still see some runners (they were mostly walking at this point) finishing the Marathon. Feels nice to not have to rush to shower and pack. A short nap, and rest in the hotel for the afternoon.

My niece lives up in the Seattle area with her boyfriend, so we met for dinner in the evening. Downtown Seattle is a parking nightmare, so I choose a restaurant a few miles away in the Queen Anne area, north of Seattle Center. My first chance to stay up to see the late sunset at 9 pm.

Sunday Fun Day

RNRSEAwheel RNRSEAbuilding Woke up early as I always do, and had a quick breakfast. Stopped by a local coffee shop, and met a fellow RnR runner (not planned) and chatted for a bit. Explored Pike Place and the waterfront, Giant Wheel, and lots of walking, maybe about 4 miles. Back to the hotel to shower, and check out. Looked for stuff to do before leaving for the airport. The Underground tour line was long and expensive. Also, the backpack and bag made moving difficult. Ate lunch, then decided to go up to the Columbia Center, the tallest building in Seattle, and only a few blocks away. The building was so tall, I had to take one elevator to floor 40, then another to get to the Sky View Observatory. Not surprised to see a Starbucks in the middle floor. Hung out for a while. Met other some other RnR runners, and reveled I was the barefoot Elvis they saw on the course. Lots of pictures taken at the top.

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Arrived at airport around 4 pm. Headed to the gate and saw a McDonalds. Must have French fries. Flight schedule at 6:45. I explored the Sea-Tac airport, and was impressed. When I first arrived, I was kind of lost. Next year, I will make it a point to dine there. Waiting at gate, I met more runners from the race. Even on the plane, I sat next to a fellow runner. There was an open seat between us, but the lady wasn't a runner. We we joking that by the end of the flight, she would be so interested that she would want to sign up for a race. My window seat was facing west, and the evening sun was shined bright, so I kept the cover closed at the beginning. Finally was able to open as the sun set. Arrived at San Diego at 9:30 pm. Had to work next morning, so I unpacked after work. Busy weekend. RNRSEAelevator RNRSEAbuilding