As soon as I got off of work, I made the drive up to Las Vegas. There was a ton of traffic especially on the 91 getting over to the 15 freeway. I didn't roll into Las Vegas until about 8:30 pm. Before heading to the hotel, I stopped at a nearby Chevron to fill up the gas tank. There was a McDonald's conveniently located right next to it. I was able to kill 2 birds with 1 stone.
This fancy McDonald's even had chandeliers! I used the mobile app for a deal to get 1 Quarter Pounder with cheese at regular price and a second one for 25 cents. It was essentially the same as their $5 mix and match deal. I noticed that they had updated their app. You now can only use 1 deal per hour. :(
Chandeliers!
For this one-nighter, I stayed at the Baymont by Wyndham Hotel just South of the Strip. While checking in at the front desk, the employee gave me a welcome bag which had a couple of tea bags and 2 water bottles. I'm a platinum Wyndham Rewards member and I thought only diamond members received a welcome amenity. I was carrying so much stuff that I had forgotten my food at the counter. I didn't realize that I had forgotten my food until I was on the elevator up to my floor. I rode it right back down to go get my food. The person that checked me in was already arranging to have someone deliver the food up to my room.
Welcome amenity
Goldfish in the AC unit!
After I got settled in, I ate my two burgers and was ready to hit the hay. Before doing so, I laid out my flat runner to make sure I had what I needed for tomorrow's race. I brought along the rest of my Tailwind powder to finish off.
Quarter Pounder with cheese x2
Flat runner
Saturday 2/9
I woke up and started getting ready to head over to Sunset Park for the race. While getting ready, I caught parts of the Fulham vs. Manchester United match.
Fulham vs Man United
Once I pulled into the parking lot, I was a bit surprised to see that the lot was already full of cars with people milling about near the starting area. After parking the car, I went over to pick up my bib and race shirt. Since it was a pretty chilly morning, I hurried back to my car.
Race shirt
As the start of the race approached, I finally got my stuff in order and got out of the car to use one of the portapotties before heading over to the start. It was no time before I bumped into a bunch of familiar faces... the usual suspects.
Start line
Miss Nevada
The race started at 7:30 am. It was cold enough that I started the race wearing my gloves. I started off running okay, but I started having breathing issues during the 3rd mile. I decided to pull over and walk. After taking 2 walk breaks, I was able to get going again and was able to run pretty well the rest of the way. I actually ran well enough that I almost finished sub 1:50.
Finish line
Finish: 1:50:12
Click here for my Garmin data.
I don't usually like to run loop courses, but it was nice to see familiar faces throughout the race. After getting my finisher medal but before going up the ramp to the snack table, I first went to my car to get my jacket and to put on my cargo shorts. I waited around to see a couple of my friends cross the finish line before leaving so I could take a shower and check out of the hotel.Relive 'Las Vegas Golden Night Morning Half Marathon'
Medal and post race food
Post race friends
After a quick shower, I packed up my stuff and checked out. I wanted to start my trip out to Palm Desert as soon as possible, but first I had to eat lunch at the nearby Cracker Barrel. This location is perpetually busy. It was about a 30 minute wait for a table. As with everyone else, I perused their eclectic merchandise while waiting for my name to be called.
Golden Knights merchandise
Once I was seated, I ordered their Country Boy Breakfast with the sirloin steak and some coffee. Man, that was a lot of food! After I ate everything and paid my bill, I started the drive down to Palm Desert for another half marathon tomorrow.
Country Boy Breakfast
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