Rock 'n' Roll New Orleans 10k recap

When Rock 'n' Roll Marathon announced they were going to be adding a 10k to the Rock n Roll New Orleans weekend, I was super excited. Not because I couldn't run the half or survive the full, but because it was something new to experience and write about for you guys. If you follow my blog at all, you know I ran the RnRNola half in 2012, the Full in 2013, and the Relay in 2014, so why not run the 10k!

 

So lets get started with this epicness!

The night before Melanie and I had planned a prerace dinner with Jennifer, Jake, Jacqueline, Rob, and my friend Susan who was in town with her crew for the marathon at the Louisiana Pizza Kitchen. However in true NOLA style they had booked a ton of reservations and they need us out by a certain time which wasn't happening. So every one went solo and Melanie and I stayed and ate with Jacqueline and Rob. We couldn't break tradition of our roasted black bean chicken pizza...

 

The next morning Jake drove us to Jacqueline's hotel close to the start. I had an earlier start time than Mel and Jenn, who were running the half, so we parted ways and I headed towards the 10k start. I wasn't sure how many people were running the now SOLD OUT 10k but I knew it would be packed and hard to find anyone. However it wasn't too bad and I shortly found my girls Mandy and Kelly...

 

It was early and it was cold, but we were ready to have some fun. Before the start I also spotted my IRONMAN Augusta friend and fellow CCC10k blogger Megan. She is such a great cheerleader for the running community. If you will be at CCC10k you will have to meet Megan, shes amazing...

 

The race start was around the same place as the half and full start. So it was nice to be in the same area. it was a mass start which was kind of cool not having to wait in a corral. You just lined up wherever you felt comfortable.



At 7am the race started and we headed towards the French Quarter...

 

If you have ever ran the Rock n Roll Nola half or full, the 10k is basically the same route minus the out and back on St.Charles. I def wasn't complaining because I really don't like that out and back part of the half. The best part of the whole race is when you enter the French Quarter and then hit Esplanade. I am not sure what happen to the church at Jackson Square in this picture. I'm guessing the heavens were beaming down on us really bright. Who knows?

 

One of the great things about a Rock n Roll race is all of the bands along the course. Here are a few of the different type bands rocking the race...

 
 
 
 


 

In no time we were at Mile 3 and half way done. RnR has water stations every 2 miles which is great so you don't have to take hydration. I was super excited to see the New Orleans hashers at mile 3 water station...

 

The hashers put on a Red Dress Run in New Orleans that is a blast. Check it out! Anyways we turned down Esplanade and it was a straight shot to the finish line in City Park...

   

Before we knew it we were in City Park and almost done...

   

They had the 10k runners finish on the full marathon line. Coming through the finish and still feeling like I could keep going was fun. Also being done by 8:30am was strange too. That's the beauty of running the 10k. they treated the 10k the same as the half and full finish. You were able to get your finishers picture...



After the race was over we headed over to the finish line festival and spotted #NAKEDKYLE. Not that it was too hard to see him. LOL! He has ran all of the RnR races as a swimmer. WHY? WHY NOT? Either way if you are an RnR event look for #NAKEDKYLE and hashtag your pics!

 

By running the 10k I was able to see all of my friends finish the half and also watch the winners of the full marathon finish. They are both from my town, John Brigham won in 2:28 for the men and Sam Yeager won in 3:02 for the women. Sam is a local running friend of mine, so watching her win the marathon was so exciting. Her dedication to her training is top notch. This was her first marathon win...

 

So my final thoughts about the Inaugural 10k Rock 'n' Roll New Orleans is DO IT!

It was great to not have to stress about mileage. It was also nice to talk to some of the people waiting for the race to start who said they always wanted to run this race but couldn't run a full 13.1 miles and now with the 10k option they could. If you have friends running the half or full you can still participate and than see everyone finish. Its a great way to check out the RnRNola. The 10k distance is always a fun distance. And last but not least if you want a fun race to run with friends and have a great time the entire race, the 10k is for you!

I am not sure what distance I will run at next years Rock 'n' Roll New Orleans, maybe the FULL again. I think its about time to do another one. Who knows? Maybe my girl Mindy will do it with me? hint hint!

   

Now its time to focus on CCC10k, which I am going to actually race for time. And who knows what Ill be running between now and then, so stay tuned...

What distance do you want to run next year?

Would you run the 10k?
Whats your favorite distance?