Nashville Baby!!!

Long time, no post...I know, I know...but now that school is out for the summer I am officially back in business and I will be blogging regularly.

Downtown Nashville

A couple of weekends ago, I flew with my mom and sister to the wonderfully crazy town of Nashville, TN to run the Nashville Country Music Half Marathon (Rock and Roll Series) for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.  I thought I would be leaving the gray yucky skies that usually are still lingering in Chicago for sunny, clear blue skies in Nashville - but the weather gods didn't want to fulfill my wishes this time!

We got into Nashville SUPER early on Friday morning the day before the race.  We had time to get our bags at baggage check, get our rental car, and start driving around Nashville before hotel check in time. We drove into downtown Nashville and did a little bit of walking up and down Broadway before heading on over to the expo at the Nashville Music City Center.  I even got to meet Elvis...

Me and Elvis

After walking around downtown Nashville for a bit, we headed on over to the Expo to get our bibs, race shirts, and check out all of the vendors they had.  While I was there, we got to check out the medals for the race and holy moley were they heavy!  Gorgeous but heavy!  I went over to the Brooks booth where they were doing evaluations on my stride and how my foot was hitting the treadmill.  It was pretty interesting because you had to run barefoot which I never do, but it was cool to watch back on video anyways.  While I was there, I was able to sign posters for the tragedy that happened at the Boston Marathon just a couple of weeks earlier.  It was sad to see all of the messages that people wrote and to reflect on what had happened - however it made me realize something.  The running community is 100% strong. 100% bonded.  100% supportive of one another.  It is such a great thing to be a part of. Whether you run a mile or run a marathon, I truly believe you are a runner and the power of all of us together is quite amazing.  

***Scroll to the bottom for a coupon from a vendor I am in love with called Road ID***

Checking in at the Expo!

The gorgeous medals

Strolling around DT Nashville outside of the Ryman Auditorium

Signing the posters for Boston *RUN*NOW*

 Friday night after the expo we decided to take it easy and just get some food in our bellies and get some rest.  Saturday morning came too soon and we were up before the roosters getting ready for the race!  We were so excited because the  night before it was forecasted that we would having rain the entire morning and all throughout the day - so when we woke up to no rain (although there were cloudy skies) - we couldn't have been happier.  Now....fast forward a couple of hours and the race is about to start.  Its pouring rain.  I mean POURING rain.  So much for that 2 hour window of no rain.  It was cold, probably about high 40's low 50's and windy, and really really rainy.  It was raining so hard that from the time I walked from the hotel bathrooms to the race stalls which was only about 100 feet or so, I was completely soaked.  Head to toe, soaked.  The race was actually pretty fun - wet - but fun.  I had a blast at every single photographer I saw around the route - I made either a funny face, thumbs up, or muscle arms - hey you gotta make it fun when you have to run for over 2 hours in those conditions!  I also just had to keep my head in a positive place.  It's really easy to want to give up when you have to run in those conditions and I just kept having to tell myself what a bad a$$ I was for doing this - and it got me through the race.

Waiting to start the race - I don't know how the lady in the pink at the bottom is - but I LOVE her expression!

After we finished the race the wind seemed to pick up even more and when I stop running - if its not warm out I cool down really quickly.  I was freezing and shaking and couldn't feel my arms or fingers - that part was not fun.  It is hard enough running a half marathon - but then to not be able to feel your body because of the weather afterwards - makes it much harder!

We got into the car after the race and unfortunately due to the weather we didn't stick around for the after party and I didn't get to meet up with any of my Tone It Up sisters because no one wanted to be out in the weather (myself included!).  I got into the car and quickly changed into whatever dry clothes I had and started munching on the post-race snacks they handed out afterwards.  YUM.

Me frozen in the backseat of the car!  Brrrr!

After the race we headed back to the hotel to take a warm shower.  Probably the best shower I have ever taken.  We took a mini snooze and then got up and ready for our busy and crazy night ahead!  Yes we went out after running a half marathon!  Wouldn't you?  It's time to celebrate!  First we went to downtown Nashville for some food.  You work up quite the appetite running that much!  I indulged in the yummiest nachos I have ever had and then turkey burger with french fries.

Can you believe this is the first time I have ever had guacamole?  It's true!

We had really cool plans for that night.  We went to the Jimmy Buffett concert and then headed over to 3rd and Lindsley to see Sam Palladio (from the hit show Nashville) as well as Ben Taylor (James Taylor's son) play a show.  The Jimmy Buffett concert was great - he has quite the life.  I can not imagine how amazing it must feel after so many years coming out to yet another FULL ARENA of long time and new found fans of your music.  It has to be quite the rush!  He sounded great live and everyone there seemed to be having a great time.  Seeing Sam Palladio play was a super big surprise to me.  I didn't know he would be playing that weekend in Nashville and I was very happy to have been able to see him.  He is incredibly talented and I hope that he goes on tour when filming for Nashville is on hiatus.  I even got to take a picture with him!  Dream come true for this girl right here!

Outside of the Jimmy Buffet concert

Me and Sam (Gunner from Nashville)

Sunday and Monday flew by pretty fast and we did so many touristy things such as shopping on Broadway, getting drinks and listening to live music, the Country Music Hall of Fame, and my mom even got herself a brand new pair of cowboy boots.  Luckily, by Monday the weather turned around and we were able to enjoy our last day in town with some good old southern sunshine.  I am not sure if I will ever go back and run the Nashville Half because I'd love to try out other courses...but if you want to go somewhere fun to run a race - I definitely recommend it (link below).  Everything ran as smoothly as it possibly could have for a race of this magnitude (it was a full and half as well as a kiddie race) - I was impressed by their organization for the most part (we had an issue with gear check).  Below are some final pictures of my trip!

**Scroll down to the bottom for a coupon from ROAD ID**

The wall of gold records at the Country Music Hall of Fame 

Hatch Show Print and a kitty cat

Ice cold water, sunshine, and a roof top deck overlooking Nashville 

I even got in some good workouts while on the trip in addition to my race!  I was proud that I stayed on track!

Lastly, while I was at the expo I took at trip over to the Road ID stand.  Road ID makes customer ID bracelets for those of us who want to take an extra step at safety while out and about exercising.  I do a lot of trail/path running during the warm months in Chicago and I always wondered how would any one know who to contact if I was found injured and unable to communicate?  That's where Road ID comes in.  You can pick from so many different types of bracelets or shoe IDs that you are sure to find something that you like and is your style.  I chose the Wrist ID Slim bracelet in green.  I thought it was a nice size and it was able to hold my name, two contacts with phone numbers, allergies, and words of inspiration.  It was created on site and I got my bracelet back in about 15 minutes after my order.  If you are someone who is active outside (or even at the gym) or has a kid who is off doing activities a lot - this is something I definitely recommend.  I will be getting one for my daughter too!  Below is the image they have posted on their website for the Wrist ID Slim.

I was able to get a coupon from them that is good until May 28th, 2013 - but its only good for 20 people - so if you are interested head on over to their site for $1 off your order. It covers basically the cost of shipping - hey it's a dollar!  Those add up!

COUPON CODE:  ThanksJessica26127190

 Until next time...