Rock n Roll VA Beach recap

Ran my first Rock n Roll race on Labor Day weekend!

My family have always tried to go to Virginia Beach during the last weekend before school starts so since we were already in town, I signed up for the mini marathon which is 5K in RnR's world. I knew I had not trained to run a half marathon plus I don't think I'm prepared enough for the humidity so I opted for a shorter race.

First, the Expo. One of the funnest Expo I've attended. Lots of goodies, freebies and I had time to talk to various vendors that were there. Packet pickup was smooth and each participant gets a Brooks technical shirt (green for 1/2 marathon and blue for mini) and a red swag bag. None of those see-thru plastic bags for this organizer. Swag bag included one chocolate GU, one Starkist tuna foil pack, one Smart Food cinnamon chips bag plus coupons and flyers for lots of other things.

On race day, I had an option to take the shuttle that takes runners from oceanfront hotels to the VA Beach Convention Center or to walk. Did not think it was worth it to wake up early just to take the shuttle so I walked. Along with hundreds of other runners who were walking so it felt safe.

Found my corral easy enough - first number/s on your bib corresponds to your assigned corral. My number was 13155 so I was on group #13. Loved the staggered start so when my group was "released" the road in front of us was pretty clear! Not too much weaving through slower runners.

It was hard to run in the humidity though. I was drenched after only 3.1 miles so I can't imagine running 10 more in that weather. Post race area was nice and clear too since only the 5K finishers were there when I finished. Lots of post-race give-aways (water, G2, banana, Snickers marathon bars, ice pop, fruit cup, chocolate milk, more Starkist tuna packets, Icee, etc. Unfortunately, they don't give plastic bags so I only grabbed what I could hold comfortably on both hands. Sat down on the boardwalk to eat banana, fruit cup and chocolate milk while chatting with other runners. Then walked about 10 blocks back to my hotel. Of course, hubs and kids were still sleeping when I got back.

Swaggin' Hard

Brooks technical t-shirt. Cool design.

Post race grub grab + medal

Official time was 33:35.