Finisher medals are nice.
A sense of accomplishment is delightful.
Cash is king.

On Saturday, April 23, Ryno Running will hold the Las Vegas 5K on UNLV’s campus. There’s a charity walk, 5K general race and 5K race for cash.

The money run grabbed my attention. Cash prizes will be issued to the top 5 ladies and gents to cross the line. We’re not talking beer money either. For a smallish race, the purse is impressive at $5,000. Here’s how it breaks down…$1,000 to the super star who snaps the ribbon, $700 for 2^nd, $400 for 3^rd and there’s even a little dough for the “it’s like kissin’ your sister” 4^th and 5^th place finishers, $300 and $100, respectively.

Ryno is touting it as a flat course with an elevation of only 26 feet. This UNLV grad and former employee who often crossed campus several times daily in 3-inch heels can vouch for that. It’s flat-tastic. Great as flat can be, do pop a few Dramamine with your pre-race banana. What the course lacks in hills it makes up for in twists and turns. Kudos to Ryno for making a nifty course video. I only had to pause it once for a vomit break. But then, I’m the girl who gets carsick while looking at Christmas lights. You’ve been warned.

As for the competition, they’re expecting 100 run-for-money types. Think you’ve got a shot? The recommended PRs are sub 16:30 (men) and sub 19:30 (women). That’s pretty speedy. I could possibly…maybe…perhaps if the stars were aligned, have a shot at stuffing a Ben Franklin in my sports bra (that’s where us ladies store everything from keys to gel packs).

Unfortunately…who am I kidding…fortunately, I’ll be sipping not my water bottle, but mimosas with my friend on race morning. I have plans, and some races just have to be missed! To those competing, may your PR fall, may the wind be at your back and may you leave campus a little richer.

RMFR

Live or don’t live in LA – you can run it! She Runs LA: Powered by Nike+ isn’t your average 10K. This is a chance for fierce females to take to the streets and display their love of running across the globe. The run starts at 4pm on April 27th, and registered runners will have 24 hours to complete a 10K (wherever you are) and upload it to the She Runs LA Nike+ Challenge on nikeplus.com.

If you live in LA, you can come celebrate at Nokia Theatre L.A. LIVE, together on April 28th, 7PM to 10PM. Run like a girl. Party like a rock star. You’ll trade your sports bra for skinny jeans and live it up with thousands of runners from all over the city. Think red carpet, Nike athletes, celebrity hosts, dance crews, a live musical performance by Mike Posner and much more… what else could a girl want? It all goes down on 4/28 at 7PM at NOKIA Theatre L.A. LIVE in downtown LA.

Exclusively for readers of ORB, enter the promo code PROMO10 and receive $10 off the entry fee.

The steps for registration are simple and easy:

STEP 1: Visit sherunsla.com to register. Registration is $35 with a high school or college ID, and $40 for the general public.

STEP 2: Visit http://bit.ly/sherunslachallenge to join the She Runs LA Nike+ Challenge.

Join the She Runs LA community on Facebook.

RMFR

Photo from the Las Vegas Review Journal

(Sorry, no video this time – I wanted to run) Rarely…OK, never have we had a race where two Lobes have run the same race. So for the first time we present a dual review of the Summerlin Half Marathon by Desert Sky Adventures (DSA).

To be honest, my expectations for the Summerlin Half Marathon weren’t that high. First, it’s was an inaugural race. We all know what that means. There’s usually a lot of kinks to be worked out for first time events. Second, I had been warned by a good friend (ahem, excuse me while I clear my throat) that they had run another DSA event and it was a little disjointed.

From the packet pick-up to the race start, I found that everything seemed to be running smoothly. The starting/finish area was a little elementary but I think that in future years, DSA and Summerlin could make this a huge event.

Having the rare opportunity to run an event literally minutes from where I live (I walked to the start) I was really excited to run a race on my training routes. DSA did a very good job staggering the start. This led to smaller crowds when we entered the Summerlin Trail system. I was worried about some backup there but it wasn’t too bad. My only suggestion is that they base the corrals on time. I was in the 5th corral with a finish time of 2 hours. There were people in the first corral that had absolutely no reason to be there. I checked several numbers of runners I passed and a 400 number shouldn’t be passing a single digit number…EVER!!!

The course was great. I need to give a huge thanks to the Las Vegas Metro Police Department. They did an excellent job at the traffic points along the way. I tried to say thank you to as many of them as I could. Note: Please thank your local police at race. There’s better things they could be doing with their mornings and they’re out there to ensure your safety.

The finish area was a little disjointed. I’m glad a volunteer grabbed me at the finish or I wouldn’t have known where to go to turn in my timing chip!!! Along with other smaller races, I’d wish the food was a little better (please see a Calico Racing event) but I wasn’t real hungry so I guess it didn’t really matter for me this time around. The medals were also a little elementary but I figure once the event grows, they should get better as well.

I really hope that DSA and Summerlin continue this event. The location is ripe for more successful events.

- Eric (RMFR)

From the moment I spotted the pink and blue port-o-lets in The Vistas Park, the Summerlin Half Marathon exceeded my expectations. (Had I had more faith in Desert Sky Adventures, I could have avoided being one of “those” people who use Burger King restrooms for free.) Not needing to stand in the pink line, I had time to spot friends, stretch and blow into my hands. It was only 40 degrees, but I went gloveless. They make me crazy after two miles, and I’m tired of tossing them in bushes and buying replacement gloves.

After just the right amount of fanfare, the organizers got the show on the road. Up we went to our well-marked corrals, which corresponded with our bibs, and we were off. Perfect 7 a.m. gun time. Perfect spacing. Nicely executed as far as this impatient runner with a late morning haircut appointment was concerned.

I pounced through the starting mat so my timing chip would register (don’t want to goof and get the bad news 13.1 miles later). And then…freedom. Having driven the course and committed Eric’s mile-by-mile preview to memory, I knew what I was in for. Pure downhill/flat happiness for the first 6.5 miles. Pure hell on the uphill return. My strategy was to speed through the happiness so I could take more time when the going got tough. I was determined to finish in under two hours.

The field spread out quickly and there were blissful “running alone” moments when it was just me, my playlist and my strategy. Any distraction was a welcome one, including what seemed like hundreds of Metro officers keeping us safe (and ticking off motorists who had to wait for the Red Sea to part). Dozens of volunteers who appeared sincerely happy to hold signs, hand out water and fetch thrown cups (“Keep our Summerlin beautiful!”) lined the course. The ones assigned to make noise with cowbells (where do you buy a cowbell, anyway?) seemed especially pleased to give back to their community.

I had two favorite race moments. They came when I was digging deep and in need of “moments.” The first was in the form of sidewalk chalk art in one of the lush parks. A series of colorful messages encouraged “George” and his pals (the names escape me, I was nearly delirious) to run hard….keep running…go! The second also came in a park. The field had spread so much that I was the lone runner in the park, along with an elderly gentleman on his morning stroll.  He seemed intrigued by the action and smiled as I approached. I decided to make his day – and mine – by giving him a low five as I cruised by. He responded with, “YA, YOU GO!!!” and I know he loved that split second as much as I did.

And so I went. That booster shot of community spirit helped me sail to the finish. I even made it up “Alta Upchuck” with a smile in my heart. My face likely suggested otherwise, but I was thrilled to have such a great experience and finish with a PR of 1:52. The smiling volunteers had a very humongous finisher medal around my neck and were pointing to the free banana table before I could catch my breath. I love free bananas.

Two thumbs up to Desert Sky Adventures…and another low five to the friend I’ll never know. Thank you both for an exceptional race day. Hope to see you both next year.

- Tara (RMFR)

Most of us are lucky enough to have a “hometown” race. No worries about travel, hotels, packing all your gear and having the right things to eat. There are a select few of us that actually get to have a “neighborhood” race. With the inaugural Summerlin Half Marathon by Desert Sky Adventures, I am lucky enough to join that selective group. The race start and finish are literally right down the street from where I live. I run all these streets/trails on a regular basis and would like to share my experiences to help those that may be traveling from out-of-town or from different parts of Las Vegas/Henderson.

Before we get to this I want to give props to USA Track & Field. If you haven’t checked out their Route Mapping feature you absolutely must. If you’re not a member of USA Track & Field, I highly recommend it. You can join by clicking here.

Mile 1
Total Elevation Change: 176 ft. – Total Climb: 0 ft.
Starting at The Vistas Community Park, the first mile is all downhill. Remember, what goes down…must come up!!! Depending on your race plan, monitor the first 7 miles. Most of the first half of the race is downhill. Most of us won’t negative split this race. If you do, you da (wo)man!!!

Mile 2
Total Elevation Change: 90 ft. – Total Climb: 5 ft.
Since the beginning of the race is downhill, there will be some congestion when the transition is made to the Summerlin trail system. While the trails are wider than sidewalks, there are some twists and turns that may create some backups.

Mile 3
Total Elevation Change: 111 ft. – Total Climb: 34 ft.
The trail system in Summerlin is bad ass. The downhill continues and the climb comes when you transition from the trail back up to Hualapai Way. I ran it recently and it progressively gets steeper towards the top.

Mile 4
Total Elevation Change: 112 ft. – Total Climb: 24 ft.
This is one of those miles that it seems you’re running uphill but it’s a rolling mile. Hopefully we’re running on the street because I’ve never been a fan of the sidewalks. In fact, on my run this morning I took a header on a section of uneven sidewalk. Came away unscathed…thanks for asking.

Mile 5
Total Elevation Change: 107 ft. – Total Climb: 10 ft.
The beginning of this mile has a slight incline but it’s mostly downhill. This is a fun street to run down. It has a couple of turns but definitely a “cruising” mile.

Mile 6
Total Elevation Change: 132 ft. – Total Climb: 29 ft.
I’m not totally familiar with the transition to this trail. It looks to be a cart path from the golf course but I could be wrong. Either way, beware of hangups as most of these transitions involve twists and turns.

Mile 7
Total Elevation Change: 57 ft. – Total Climb: 7 ft.
Enjoy Mile 7 because you’re going to be climbing the rest of the way!!! Rampart is pretty boring so focus on your stride rate and take a quick glimpse of the strip. You need to get ready to start digging deep.

Mile 8
Total Elevation Change: 107 ft. – Total Climb: 107 ft.
You’re no in the older part of Summerlin. The trees are more mature and the scenery is a nice break from Rampart. Here begins the climb back to the finish. If you’ve been saving a little extra in the tank…it’s time to start using it.

Mile 9
Total Elevation Change: 123 ft. – Total Climb: 123 ft.
After a little road/sidewalk section, we hit the Trails Park trail. I’ve run this trail several times at various 5K’s. It’s not easy but it’s not that difficult. There’s something about running on landscaped trails that make things a little easier.

Mile 10
Total Elevation Change: 120 ft. – Total Climb: 70 ft.
You’ll get a nice little downhill here as we make our way down to Crestdale. When I say little, I mean little. Get ready for the overpass over Summerlin Parkway. I used to live right here and I HATED this overpass.

Mile 11
Total Elevation Change: 185 ft. – Total Climb: 185 ft.
We’re back uphill on Mile 11. This climb will lead us up to the next trail. When I ran it today I did have to take a couple of walk breaks. Save a little in your tank for this climb. Don’t use it all as you’ll need to save some for the last climb.

Mile 12
Total Elevation Change: 49 ft. – Total Climb: 15 ft.
After all that climbing you’ll get a reprieve as you head out on another trail system towards Palo Verde High School. My son will actually be attending the Sig Rogich Middle School we’ll run by here next year. Enjoy the landscaping and easy mile as the last mile awaits!!!

Mile 13.1
Total Elevation Change: 172 ft. – Total Climb: 145 ft.
I run this stretch nearly every week. In fact, I named Alta Drive the “Alta Upchuck” when I started running. After my first attempt at running up Alta I heaved big time. You’re all uphill to the finish from here. Beware the overpass over I-215 – it’s steep!!!

Hopefully this answers any questions you may have about the Summerlin Half Marathon course. Shoot us an ORB email if you’d like a particular mile profile from USA Track & Field. See you next weekend!!!

RMFR

Yesterday morning I was watching CNN and a reporter was “on the scene” after a suicide bomber had detonated a bomb at a Jerusalem stop – killing one and injuring twenty-five. She went into the details of this tragedy and ended her report by saying “officials are still not sure if the Jerusalem Marathon will take place in just two days.”

It took awhile to set in (things usually do with me) but my first thoughts were of surprise. “Will it take place? Are you serious?” I know we runners pride ourselves for running in extreme conditions and uber-long distances but in the middle of a terrorist hot zone? Count me out. There are some things I will risk in life but “life” is not one of them.

Don’t get me wrong, I think running a marathon in Jerusalem would be a religiously uplifting experience. Imagine suffering at mile 20 while thinking about all that was suffered for you. That’s deep!!! I can’t believe the call the organizers of this inaugural race are going to have to make. My thoughts and prayers go out to those injured in the attack and to everyone involved in the race. I pray for a peaceful journey.

RMFR

While watching the L.A. Marathon this morning I was asking myself, “Why isn’t the L.A. Marathon bigger?” I’m not talking shear running numbers here but why doesn’t it have the notoriety of a New York, Boston or Chicago? It is the 2nd largest city in the United States after all and if you weren’t running it or happen to come across it on the DVR guide (like me) you probably wouldn’t have even known it happened.

California is awesome for outdoors types like us. Running outside is a year-round sport and it seems like everyone I meet at races is from California or has recently run a race there. With so many runners in the state, you’d think it would be huge!!! The route started at Dodger Stadium (Dodger Stadium people!!!) and ended at the Santa Monica Pier – again…awesome!!! Add to the mix, China Town, Beverly Hills/Rodeo Drive and Hollywood along the route and you have some serious landmarks in the mix.

The course isn’t exactly flat (besides Berlin, which is) but it’s doesn’t take place in the mountains. The run up to the Walt Disney Concert Hall looked threatening but surmountable; the last 5K is basically a downhill to the beach in Santa Monica – perfect for weary legs.

On a rainy day in Los Angeles where Markos Geneti smashed the course record and Amy Hastings of the United States put in a gutty 2nd place finish in her debut marathon, I kept thinking…is anybody watching this? If there’s one place that a marathon should be big time, it’s L.A.

While the race was on Universal Sports, the coverage was spotty. I’ll give you the technical issues with the rain and the on course cameras but cutting to commercial before (and missing) Markos Geneti crossing the finish line was really, really bad. You did catch Deba Buzunesh crossing the finish but completely missed Amy finishing of her masterpiece.

I know the bulk of my readers are from California and maybe you can help shed a little light on this situation. Why isn’t the L.A. Marathon a bigger deal?

RMFR

It was announced yesterday that the 2011 Rock-n-Roll Las Vegas Marathon will now be run at night. Aiming to become the world’s largest nighttime running event, I think Rock-n-Roll has to take a look at some of the details to make this thing work.

The first issue I have are the costs of registration for both the marathon and half marathon. If you register before March 10th you’ll ONLY be paying $121 for either event. If you happen to wait until later in the year, you could end up forking over $155 for the half marathon and $175 for the full marathon. Seriously? $175!!! I can tell you one thing, if these prices do not change, last year was my last year running the marathon in Las Vegas.

The second issue I have is that they put a time limit of 4:30 on the marathon. The marathon starts at 4:00 pm and the half at 5:30 pm. The half time limit has been set at 4 hours. This makes no sense. Not only are you alienating a ton of marathon runners but the math doesn’t add up. Based on these times, the marathon would end at 8:3o pm and the half at 9:30 pm. Why is the cutoff for the full marathon not 9:30 pm? This isn’t the Boston Marathon…never will be.

The final thing that needs to be fixed is the marathon route. If they don’t fix the jigsaw puzzle that constituted last year’s route, they’ll have a hard time retaining any repeat runners to this event in the future. I understand the excitement for first time runners. The strip is quite a site and even more so at night but isn’t worth the hassle if these issues aren’t addressed.

Stay tuned.

RMFR

As you read this, I’m basking in the warm Caribbean sun on Disney’s private island – Castaway Cay in the Bahamas. The family is on a Disney Cruise to celebrate my daughter’s 21st birthday (better on a boat than a bar).

My wife and I took a Disney Cruise last year after the 2010 Walt Disney World Marathon and immediately booked this trip upon our return. I had never been on a cruise before but it was just what the doctor ordered after a chilly 26.2 miles.

During our trip, the daily itinerary showed that a cast member was going to be leading an informal 5K around Castaway Cay. Approximately 30 of us left the ship early to get our “run on” and it provided a great opportunity to tour the island and help make plans for where we would be spending the day. There were no medals, no aid stations and no crowds. This was just a time to relax, unwind and run in some beautiful scenery.

My fingers are crossed that they will be offering the same thing again this year. I’ve already recruited several family members to run/walk with us this morning and can’t wait for the opportunity to run the island again.

RMFR

This took a little longer to do because I had so much footage from the race weekend. So much in fact, that I will be posting three other videos from this event later this week. I had such a blast last weekend at the 13.1 Marathon Los Angeles and I’d highly recommend it to anybody thinking of running it next year. I loved the location and with only 3,500 runners in the half and 5K, it was the perfect race size. Quick thank you to Steve Obert for taking time to talk about the race with me and to Christina Gilmour for making it happen. Enjoy the video.

RMFR

This year I’m trying something new. Instead of just writing about the races I enter, I will be creating race day videos as well. They say a picture says a thousand words so I’m thinking videos must be close to a million.

This is the first one so please be gentle. They’ll only get better from here. After putting this together, I realized I really didn’t give a summation of the race at the end. Rest assured it was a good event and I’ll be running the sister event Running With the Devil in June. Big thanks to Calico Racing and Joyce Forier for another great race.