13.1 highlights from the 2014 san antonio rock 'n' roll marathon (and 10K)

Crowd waiting for the 10K to start on Saturday

1. Rock On
This year, there was a remix challenge. If you completed a 10K held Saturday morning and then the half-marathon or marathon Sunday, you got a remix medal. I'm a sucker for these, so I did the 10K.

I did the 10K in a little less than an hour and a half. That's a personal record, so rock on! (Once, again, I am a slow runner.)


2. Not Quite a Veteran Yet
While this is my second year participating, I still made a very newbie mistake. I used the blue zip-tie which was meant for my gear bag to secure the shoe tag. I remember thinking, "This is different." No, it wasn't. It was wrong. I ignored the instructions, so I tried to hide it in my laces, so no one could see it.


3. Does This Shirt Make My Butt Look Fast?
Earlier in the week, the weekend was expected to be cold and rainy. I didn't want to layer too much and get stuck carrying extra clothes. I ended up wearing three thin layers.

I thought I made a mistake, as I was getting a little warm while waiting in the corral. But as soon as we started running, the crowd thinned and I was grateful for the layers.

A few times I thought I might have to take off the windbreaker, but minutes later, the cold hit me again, and I was grateful I wore it. At the end of the race, I was cold and regretted not getting one of those reflective foil-like warmers. I obviously don't know the name for those.


---

Almost at the start line

4. Graduate Level
I think I may graduate to an earlier corral, which is a shame as we are the best looking corral. That's not arrogance. The announcer herself said it. She also called us "enforcers," since when the others see us coming, they know they have to up their game.

There was a bit of congestion on the route at the beginning. It's probably just an increase in participants, as I heard many asking questions I had last year. So Corral 29, beware I'm heading your way.


5. Big Race, Small Bladder
Sometimes I think I'm the only participate with a nervous stomach. Then, I saw a group of people head to the port-a-potties, located before the first mile, and I felt better.

Note the glasses on the stick figure

12. Not Like The Others
Sister #1 cheered me on at the finish line and commented, "You don't finish like the others." I thought she meant I don't cheer and smile. I don't have energy for that. Instead she said, "They're limping and look exhausted. You just walked out (of the finishers' area)."

She should've seen me last year.


13. Stop eating everything afterwards
The guideline is don't eat anything on the run you didn't train with. But no one said anything about after the run. I grab almost anything that's available, like chocolate mint energy bars and Doritos. That was perhaps not the best mix. I have to learn to control that habit.


13.1 Checkout time
The hotel industry is apparently not aware slow runners participate in the RNR SA. Checkout time is around 11 a.m. with late checkout at 12:30 p.m. This meant my half-marathon was immediately followed by a dash to the hotel to pack.

I didn't have time to shower. I checked out and changed my running shorts for pants in the restroom in the lobby area. I went to a friend's house to get properly cleaned up.

---

It took me four miles to catch up and say I loved her shirt.

6. A Little Less Pop
I don't know if it was the weather, but the crowd seemed less enthusiastic this year. Maybe it was me, since I wasn't as excited and nervous as last year. There weren't as many people cheering on the streets.

I didn't get to enjoy the man in costume on Mile 8, who brings a smile to my face. Someone stopped to take photos with him, and while she talked to him about the signs, I didn't get to see them.

Don't get me wrong, it was still an awesome run, which brings me to...


7. Screaming Ladies 
As I turned a corner, I wondered about a group of screaming women with super energy. I hadn't seen them and thought I passed where they were last year. A few minutes later, I heard the screaming. I hadn't missed them. They had wigs, inflatable guitars and a powerful set of lungs.

Some of the most energetic cheers came from people just standing outside homes... Outside beautiful homes, I may add.


8. Hill!!!!
Oh, the hill. It wasn't as steep as I remembered, but as soon as I laid eyes on it, my legs got really tired. That actually happened. I didn't know that possible.



9. Strike A Pose
I see people stop and pose for photos at each mile marker. For the sake of the people they'll share the photos with, I hope they pose differently in each one. Otherwise, that's redundant.



10. Always In Awe
It's always great to spot participants that just amaze me. This year, I saw a boy with a prosthetic leg, a woman pushing someone in a wheelchair, and four people helping a woman cross the finish line. It's inspiring and humbling.

If you haven't already, watch a group of race participants and you'll be pleasantly surprised by different shapes and sizes and all the inspiring people you'll see.



11. Compilation CD?
I listen to my playlist while running, but I usually pause it when I pass the bands. I crossed a duo with a cello and banjo. I think they were unofficial musicians. They didn't have speakers, and I couldn't hear them. Anyway, I wonder if RNR makes compilations of the bands.

Last year, the singer of a heavy metal band did a great job energizing the runners. I think he was in the same spot this year, but I can't be sure, as the singer was in a Santa costume this year.

---