Rock-n-Roll Las Vegas Marathon Review (1 of 3) Health & Fitness Expo

With a day of rest (work) under my belt, it’s time to look back at the weekend that was. To give you an idea of how much I enjoyed the expo and it’s efficiency, I ended up going twice. I had to go to the expo on Friday and pick up my boyz bibs and t-shirts for Kids Rock Las Vegas. This worked out quite well because the crowds were not as intense as they were on Saturday. If I could sum up the expo in one word, it would be EFFICIENT!!!

The lines were fast at the bib pickup. With over 20+ stations, they were easily marked and the volunteers were quick and knowledgeable. I heard the woman next to me rattle off a bunch of information to a fellow runner. The t-shirts and goodie bags were in separate areas and fully staffed. It maybe took me a total of 5 minutes to get my bibs, shirts and bag for me and my boyz. Even though I didn’t go thru the bib lines on Saturday, I didn’t see very long lines.

I’ve been to enough expos now to be able to compare the race apparel and this race by far had the most logo gear I have ever seen. This puts the logo wear at the Disneyland 1/2 Marathon races to shame. But for all the clothing options I had one big problem with it…the price. There wasn’t much to be had for under $20 and the really cool stuff (jackets, technical apparel, etc.) was way out of my price range. Here’s to hoping that there is a very large Holiday Sale online right around the corner.

Their was nothing really special about the exhibitors. It seems the same sunglasses and clothing exhibits were there as every other expo. There were a couple that really stood out though. CLEAR had a very cool booth were you could sign up for the online text updates and Nissan booth loomed large in the back. Nissan had Meb Keflezighi there on Friday and they also were partnering with Runner’s World on a photo booth. Props to the Pearl Izumi exhibit (just because that’s the kind of shoes I wear), Calico Racing (local running event organizer) and the Rock-n-Roll hallway with all the marathon events on the way in.

The thing about the Health Expo that always makes me laugh is that it’s right next to the Cowboy Christmas every year. For those of you not aware, the National Finals Rodeo is in town the same week and they have this Christmas expo next door. There’s nothing funnier walking down the long hallway to the expos with runners and cowboys walking together. Talk about polar opposites!!!

If I had to guess, this expo is only going to get bigger and better every year. Way to go Rock-n-Roll – day one and you already exceeded expectations.

I have finally found my shoe. Last March I held my own version of March Madness in finding my next running shoe. Ever since I started running, I’ve run in a different shoe each time. After 400 miles, I’d come to find things that I didn’t like or things I wanted in a shoe. This ritual continued at least twice a year at the Red Rock Running Company. I’d find 3 or 4 shoes I wanted to try – take them for a spin – and choose my running companion for the next 400 miles. I was close once…until the update came out and I totally hated it.

I’m proud to announce the Pearl Izumi has won me over with the syncroFloat II and now it successor, the syncroFloat III. Now, instead of spending a good 30 minutes picking out shoes, I can ask for what I want and be done in a couple of minutes. We’ll call it love at first site.

Pearl Izumi is sponsoring a Running Preservation Society photo contest for animals you encounter on your runs. It’s funny but since I started trail running, I never gave much thought to it…until I told people about it. Rattlers, coyotes, scorpions…I never really thought about it. I will definitely be picking up some mace before me next trail run!!!

Took the new Pearl Izumi Syncro Float treads out for their first real workout yesterday. I can honestly say that they are the most comfortable shoe (not just running shoe) that I’ve ever owned. I’m actually contemplating getting another pair just to wear. Now with this sort of glowing review, I’d like my Pearl Izumi sponsorship to start any minute now. Ever sponsor a running blog? No seriously, have you? I’ll let you know if I receive an answer, but don’t hold your breath.

RMFR

Today was a great day. Anytime you go get a new pair of running shoes is a great day. I now know the obsession some women have with shoes. I was down right giddy driving to Red Rock Running Company (RRRC). I haven’t committed to one shoe/brand since I’ve been running. This is like a kid walking into a candy store and getting to sample each tasty morsel before leaving with a bag under their arm.

The thing I love about RRRC is that they “insist” you leave the store and run in them first. There’s no rules. No minimum. “Go hit the road, come back and then let us know if you like them or not. Don’t like that pair…then go hit the road in this pair”. This goes on until you’ve found “the ones”. Think about it…can you waltz into a restaurant sample all the dishes and then place you’re order? Don’t think so. Even when you’re buying a car the salesperson rides with you. This is all solo. I freakin’ love it!!!

Yes, there was a winner in today’s matchups and in honor of the “Greatest Sporting Event Ever”, today’s running blog presents my version of March Madness.

Going into todays tournament, the New Balance 800 was the #1 seed. I have been playing around with a midfoot stride and this shoe is geared for just that.

The #2 seed was the Asics Gel Phoenix. I had a pair of Asics when I first started running and the Gel Phoenix has great cushioning. It was affectionately dubbed “the Spiderman shoe” by my boyz.

Coming in at the #3 seed was another New Balance shoe, the New Balance 1063. Like the Gel Phoenix, this shoe has a very nice cushioning ride.

The dark horse in this field was the Pearl Izumi SyncroFloatIII. Hadn’t read anything about it, but I trust RRRC and their opinions so I decided to let it into this elite field.

GAME SUMMARIES

The first game was a no-brainer. Since RRRC didn’t have the New Balance 800 in stock, the Syncro Float won by forfeit. I have to find that shoe and give it a spin.

In the second contest of the day, both shoes were neck in neck. The Gel Phoenix just edged the 1063 in an instant classic.

So the championship came down to the Syncro Float and the Gel Phoenix. The Syncro Float kind of freaked me at first glance. It reminded me somewhat of the old Chuck Taylor’s in appearance – minus the high top. The best thing about this shoe is that it fit my arch like a glove. With the Gel Phoenix, I felt pressure on my arch – plus the tongue seemed like it was lapping at my shin. In a major upset, the Pearl Izumi Syncro Float came out victories – one for the ages kids.

Happy Shoe Shopping!!!

RMFR