COVID cases have been on the rise, even in the Las Vegas, Nevada area. I would still like to continue to race, but not at the expense of being reckless and putting myself more at risk for catching that dreaded coronavirus. This might be my last race for a while. I do appreciate Calico Racing for observing all of the State required COVID safety protocols in order to have their races take place.
Leading up to this trip, I received the usual phone call from WorldMark to take care of my pre-check-in information. During the call, the person informed me that they had space over at the Tropicana property and offered to move my reservation over there. However, contrary to what I was promised, I never did receive a confirmation email of that change. I did receive yet another call the day before my trip for another pre-check-in. I guess someone dropped the ball. Oh well, I preferred just sticking with my original booking to stay at the Spencer St property.
Per the usual, I hopped in the car for the familiar drive out to Vegas after eating lunch. I arrived at the WorldMark Las Vegas - Spencer Street property just after 4 pm. I was given some hot coco mix and a peppermint candy cane during the check-in process. I was assigned unit 202 which was facing the street and located in the same building as the front desk.
Living room
After I got settled in, I headed back out to pick up my usual pre-race dinner. I drove over to the McDonald's at the corner of Flamingo Rd and Eastern Ave. I placed my order for 2 McDoubles with their mobile app and used the deal for free medium fries.
After finishing dinner, I took a shower. I noticed that the water pressure was quite strong with this particular showerhead. Most of the WorldMark properties have weak water pressure. I'll have to make a mental note to see if I can get the same unit next time. I laid out my flat runner before calling it a night. Per my usual habit, I will be wearing the race shirt from my last race.
Saturday 12/19
The race was scheduled to start at 9 am and the final instructions told us to arrive no earlier than 30 mins before the start. I arrived at Sunset Park just a few minutes before 8:30 am. During packet pick-up, I had to read and answer a few questions pertaining to any symptoms or recent exposure to the coronavirus. In addition to that, they took our temperature to make sure none of us had a fever. Since this was a "recycled" event, they were giving out bibs and race swag leftover from other races. My bib was from the Hoover Dam race and for my swag, I picked a bottle of Hammer Endurolytes capsules from the swag table. That would definitely be more useful than yet another race shirt!
It was good to see the usual suspects again and catch up a bit before the race started. This was only my 4th race since the pandemic forced everything to shut down back in March. This was also my last race of 2020.
Seeing that I was almost able to run a sub 2 hr race at my last half marathon, I thought I should have a chance at doing that at this race. Per the usual, I thought I was running slow enough, but my first 2 miles were too fast for my current level of fitness. So I decided to take a walk break after each mile. Everything was going like clockwork until about mile 7. My legs were once again feeling quite heavy, so I ended up clocking a pretty slow 8th mile. As I was approaching mile 10, I was running on the left side of the path which we were instructed to do. One of the runners that was way ahead of me decided he wanted that edge of the path. At the last second I cut into the gravel next to the path to avoid a collision. I understand that it's smart and advantageous to run tangents, but dude, don't be an dick! Unfortunately, a large pebble made its way into my shoe. Normally I can ignore small pebbles. However this one was large enough that I had to pull over at the next park bench to remove it. Was that delay enough to cost me my sub 2 finish? Nah, my legs were not having a good day. I didn't have too much left in the legs during that last mile.
Finish: 2:02:46
Click here for my Garmin data.
After grabbing some post race snacks, I went back to my car to drop off my handheld bottle and to put on my jacket. I hung out at the finish area with my friends as we waited for our friends to finish their race.
After getting back to my unit, I got cleaned up and turned on the last English Premier League match for the day, Newcastle v. Fulham. Since I polished off the snacks, I wasn't in a hurry to go back out to pick up lunch until later that afternoon.
Sunday 12/20
I woke up early to catch the Brighton v. Sheffield United match. That was followed by the Spurs v. Leicester. That was a bummer of a match to watch as the Spurs played well enough for at least a draw except for a couple of bad plays... giving up a penalty during stoppage time at the end of the first half and an own goal at 59 mins pretty much sealed the lose for the Spurs. I checked out of my unit via text at about 8 am and started my drive home.
Welcome care package
Living room
Kitchen
Murphy bed inside
Bedroom
Bedroom TV
Restroom
Toilet
Washer and dryer
McDonald's
Flat runner
Saturday 12/19
The race was scheduled to start at 9 am and the final instructions told us to arrive no earlier than 30 mins before the start. I arrived at Sunset Park just a few minutes before 8:30 am. During packet pick-up, I had to read and answer a few questions pertaining to any symptoms or recent exposure to the coronavirus. In addition to that, they took our temperature to make sure none of us had a fever. Since this was a "recycled" event, they were giving out bibs and race swag leftover from other races. My bib was from the Hoover Dam race and for my swag, I picked a bottle of Hammer Endurolytes capsules from the swag table. That would definitely be more useful than yet another race shirt!
Pre-race health check/packet pick-up
Start/Finish line
Latino Heat and Evil Twin
The usual Half Fanatics suspects
Finish: 2:02:46
Click here for my Garmin data.
After grabbing some post race snacks, I went back to my car to drop off my handheld bottle and to put on my jacket. I hung out at the finish area with my friends as we waited for our friends to finish their race.
Finisher medal and post-race goodies
Along the way to my usual spot to pick up lunch, I stopped in at the corner Chevron gas station to fill up my gas tank for tomorrow's drive home. Once I arrived at Jollibee, I got in line and ordered the usual palabok fiesta with 2 pcs ChickenJoy, pineapple juice, and a peach mango pie. Although they already have indoor dining here in Nevada, I took it back to my room to enjoy.
I vegged out and took a nap before going back out to pick up dinner. I drove over to the nearby corner McDonald's. I used the deal on the mobile app for 2 free large fries with the purchase of 20 pcs Chicken McNuggets. That wasn't really what I wanted to eat, but it did seem appropriate for the face mask that I was wearing. :)
Fill up gas tank
Jollibee
Palabok fiesta with 2 pcs ChickenJoy, pineapple juice, and peach mango pie
20 pcs Chicken McNuggets, 2 free large fries
Sunday 12/20
I woke up early to catch the Brighton v. Sheffield United match. That was followed by the Spurs v. Leicester. That was a bummer of a match to watch as the Spurs played well enough for at least a draw except for a couple of bad plays... giving up a penalty during stoppage time at the end of the first half and an own goal at 59 mins pretty much sealed the lose for the Spurs. I checked out of my unit via text at about 8 am and started my drive home.
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