I did it! I completed the Rock and Roll New Orleans Half Marathon! It was a blend of running and walking -well to be clear, walking and running – but it went well. My stats were nothing to write home about but it is in the books, the box is checked, and the objective is complete.

What a rush. It was a great day that started early in the morning. we met at 6pm CT in the hotel lobby for pictures. The 10K group took off to start their race at 7am, and the Half-Marathon crew went to queue up in the starting line.

The race had about 20,000 participants, of which 12,000 were running the half-marathon. Here is the pic of the half-marathon runners near the starting line. CCFA took the picture, and this is still on the web site there showing the popularity of this race! (I’m by the green light)

Here’s the half-marathon crew from Team Ohio where we queued up for the start. With so many runners, we are grouped by our expected pace and finish time. we were in corral #12.

  

It took us 40 minutes of timed starts (each with an excited announcer on the PA counting down from 10!) before we crossed the physical start line.

    Miles one through eight were an out-and-back loop. We turned around at Loyola University. You can see it was a beautiful day. Not too hot, plenty of sun, and pleasant temps.

   Around mile 9 was a KISS cover band. Stopped to take a pic and hear some of Detroit Rock City!

  Just after the KISS Cover Band was this big rock and roller. Had to run through the legs. Too funny!

  Around mile 11 I ran past Cafe DuMonde – look at the line! Out the door, and down the street to get some Beignets. mmmm.

 The Finish Line!!!

   Awesome spot to relax after finishing the race.

   The medal is significant. A bronze-like Jambox, on wide green ribbon. It is clearly made of some serious metal – it’s quite heavy!

  That night I rewarded myself with some authentic New Orleans cuisine – Gumbo and Blackened Redfish, and some Abita Amber.

Awesome day! what a great event, and for a great cause.