Wednesday, August 22, 2012

Rock 'n Roll Providence 2012

On August 19, 2012 I ran the Rock 'n Roll Half Marathon in Providence. My husband and I headed down to Providence early on Saturday so that we would have time to do as many of the things as I had planned for us. We learned last year that it is better to stay in a hotel close to the festivities so that you can park the car for the weekend. We arrived early, but were able to check into our room at the Providence Biltmore located just a block from the main attractions of the weekend. I love that this host hotel let us check in early, but wish they had a better plan for runners to have late check-out after the race. 



After dropping our bags, we walked to the mall for a quick bite to eat at the food court before we headed to the Health & Fitness Expo. I love how easy it is to get from Providence Place Mall to the Convention Center via the skywalk and avoid the wet weather. We spent about an hour checking in, picking up our race shirts and swag bags, and then wandering around to the vendors. 



As usual, the swag for this race was pretty nice. We received a race shirt and swag bag (to be used at gear check) filled with lots of goodies. By the time we left the expo, I felt like a trick-or-treater. By the way, thank you Sweaty Bands for being there!



Right before we left I was able to meet up with some friends from FitFluential. It was great to see Janine, Sam, and Dani



We had some fun at the Rock 'n Roll Experience Booth!



For dinner we walked to Providence's art and entertainment district for dinner at Sakis. This cute little grilled pizzeria bar is located across from Johnson & Wales University and was the perfect place for a cozy pre-race dinner of calzones. 



The weather cooperated for WaterFire so after dinner we moseyed to WaterPark Place Basin and grabbed a seat for the lighting ceremony. 



It was a beautiful evening for sitting by the water, listening to the music, and enjoying the bonfires.



Race Day: We started with a quick ritual breakfast of PB&J toast and then walked to the race. After leaving our bags at the gear check we made one last stop at the port-a-potties where lines were long and slow as they usually are at races. It seemed like there were fewer port-a-potties than last year though. We made it to our corral just prior to our wave start.



Start - Mile 3: With a plan to go slow and walk every two, we eased into these first miles climbing gradually through the charming historic streets of Providence. The bands were on display before we reached mile 1 setting the tone for a lively run. We were feeling so good we completely missed our mile 2 walk. 



Miles 4 - 7: Once we made it up the steepest hill of the race, the course flattened out nicely and we were greeted with tree lined streets and vocal spectators. We passed the relay exchange around mile 5.1 which looked to be a smooth transition area. Mile 7 ended with a very steep downhill straight to the water.



Miles 8 - 9: This part of the course was visually bordered by the Seekonk River, Blackstone Park, and Providence's East Side neighborhoods. The live entertainment continued as we easily made our way back toward downtown. At one point we ran underneath an incredibly large inflated Brooks rocker. 



Miles 10 - 13.1: The longest mile 10 ever had us enter the city for a pair of double-backs that truly tested the mental endurance. Perfectly positioned cheerleader teams revved up the energy level and spirited our tiring legs. The uphill finish was the final test of our physical endurance.



At the finish line we were handed our finisher's medals, photographed, and loaded down with lots of refueling goodies.



After reclaiming our bags from gear check, we found a spot on the lawn to stretch, rehydrate with some low fat chocolate milk, and relax while they handed out awards to the speedy people.




Under beautiful blue skies we loosened up our leg muscles with a stroll over to the stage to enjoy some of the post race concert by American pop-duo Karmin before walking back to the hotel.



Last year my husband and I trained for and ran the entire Inaugural Rock 'n Roll Providence Half Marathon together, from start to finish. This year his training was inconsistent because of his work schedule, so I was his pacer. His longest run before the race was only 8 miles! Despite his low mileage leading up to race day, my husband totally rocked his half marathon




Who inspires you?


20 comments:

  1. **RUNS TO GET HER PURPLE WIG SO SHE LOOKS LIKE FITFLUENTIAL**

    xo

    MizFit

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  2. Serious swag! It looks like you had an incredible time. It's really cool that the to of you can run together :-)

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  3. I love the pic of all of you from the race! And btw - your hubby rocked it. Congrats to both of you!

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    1. Thanks Angela! Maybe you'll be there next year?

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  4. Sounds like fun! Glad you guys had such great weather to run together.

    And I hear you on that crazy downhill to the water - that's also part of the Cox half marathon, and it was a beast when I did it last year.

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    1. Yes! I think Cox was a much hillier route overall. Like this one better ;)

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  5. Oh man! I love the FitFluential pic! That's so awesome. Someday - I'll be able to join in a New England FitFluential meet up!!!! Looks like you had a blast. & I love that you were your husband's pacer. That is love there, Amy!

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  6. great write-up, Amy! You had a gorgeous day to run right down the road from me! I might have to run that bad boy next year.

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    1. You definitely should! Let me know if you do ;)

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  7. LOVE that you girls all got to meet up. Love seeing your awesome FITFLUENTIAL pictures! LOVE! And tell your hubby we all say "Way to Go!" Sounds like a great weekend!

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  8. So fun!! I have been dying to see WaterFire...we'll have to get there! I'm so glad you all had great weather...much better than last year!! Love the pic of you all!

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    1. It was so beautiful! I think there are two more dates this year!

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  9. Looks like you had a great time in Providence! And I am totally impressed that your husband was able to do well after only training up to 8 miles. He's definitely a trooper for sticking the rest of it out.

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    1. Obviously he has some super duper running genes...I could never do that!

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  10. Sounds like a great race! Your husband sounds like mine! He somehow can get by on less training. I wish I was like that. ;)

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  11. Congrats on a great race. Certainly looked like a fun course!

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