I LOVED this race. Maybe it's my love affair with Nashville, maybe it was the friend who pushed me to finish strong, but just like all of the RNR races- it's AWESOME. Here are some things to know:

There are a lot of hills. Nothing insurmountable, but steady and constant. Be ready for that.
Mile 12 is all uphill. I wish I'd known that so I could have mentally prepared.
The music is awesome, but I wish there was more. I always want more music!
You will start smelling bacon around mile 4, then it'll be mixed with barbecue. For the rest of the race.
The after-party is amazing. And be sure to wear your medal when you go out that night, lots of high fives to go around.

Read more about my personal experience on my blog:
http://rulesforrunning.com/2014/05/01/race-recap-nashville-rock-n-roll-half-marathon/#comment-3107

Thanks, and see you there next year!

I love the Rock n' Roll race series, it's fun, upbeat and well-organized. This one was no different, with the exception that it didn't FEEL very 'Rock n' Roll'. Maybe I was too focused on the scenery- holy landmarks, Batman!- but I didn't get lost in the music here the way I did in Virginia Beach. I don't hold this against the race itself, I had a blast.

The weather was perfect, 50 degrees and cloudy, and the crowds were surprisingly rowdy. Maybe it was the St. Patrick's day shenanigans, but what the bands lacked, the crowd made up for. It was a lot of fun.

The elevation was nice until mile 6. I saw it on the course map days before the race, but I put it out of my head. Then I heard people chattering about it in line at the port-o-pottys and I suddenly got nervous. I had done ZERO hill work. It was a beast, but once you reached the top it was smooth sailing. Some rolling hills at the end, but nothing insurmountable.

Getting back to the hotel was tricky. We didn't drive, because we are from out of town. There was quite a back up at the metro, but once you got on a train you were good to go. I can't vouch for parking, etc. but it felt like a lot of runners took public transit anyway.

I loved this race so much that I'm probably going to do it again next year and bring my family for an extended vacation. I will say this- March 15 in D.C. is risky. It was gorgeous (sunny and warm) after the race, but on Sunday it snowed 6 inches. Chalk it up to the Arctic Vortex or whatever, but keep that in mind when planning to run this one.

For more on my race recap, please visit my blog:
http://rulesforrunning.com/2014/03/20/race-recap-rock-n-roll-half-marathon-washington-d-c/

Whenever I want a jolt of pure happiness, I think back to my Boston Marathon. I spent 12+ years wishing, hoping (praying) and running and I finally qualified. It was at the Chicago Marathon, in 2009, where my husband held my hand as we crossed the finish at 3:44, just before he proposed. That day is a close second to my 'best race days ever', but Boston will always be number one.

The energy in Boston is unmatched on marathon weekend. Everyone there feels it, and the instant bond you have with the runners stays with you forever. The expo is world-class, the race start makes you feel like an elite athlete, and every step of 26.2 miles is met with a screaming crowd who seem to be as happy to be there as you are. The miles are permanently painted on the road. I still tear up when I think about it.

Heartbreak Hill lives up to its name, but you plan for it, it's no surprise. You just let the crowd take you to the top, you surrender to it. My positive feelings toward the Boston Marathon is a mixture of goal-achievement and a very-well-run event- the runners know how to race, there are no novices. The aid stations, official and unofficial, are manned by truly awesome human beings. Every aspect of the race caters to the runner, in celebration of the run. I can't say enough good things about it. If it's on your bucket list, figure out a way. Because you must do it.

Read more about my experience in my blog:
http://rulesforrunning.com/2013/05/14/amies-origin-story/