I brought my camera with me during my 13.1 mile run down the Vegas Strip. I only looked at my watch a few times, and surprised myself by finishing in 2:13.50. It’s not a personal best, but this was one of THE BEST races… ever!

I dressed as Elvis, complete with sun glasses and side burns. But I failed to account for the cold December Vegas weather: temperatures in the low 30s. And I wore shorts.

Luckily, I packed a white wind breaker and wore it under my costume. It helped, but I certainly was not warm.

I left Patrick near the starting line so I could find the Running Elvi. We were all supposed to run together. But I could never find an organized group. The only regret I have during this race is not being at the starting line with Patrick.

I finally found a place near some Elvi with strollers featuring pictures and music of the King. I enjoyed listening to the tunes and I must have completely missed hearing Cher sing the Star Spangled Banner (bummer– I love Cher!). Soon, we crossed the start line where a band played and old-time show girls stood near large cages with two white tigers. Awesome!

As we ran south from Mandalay Bay, I began wondering why I was doing this. I hadn’t gone a mile, but I couldn’t feel my legs. A few strides in a different direction and I could be inside– sitting at a casino. And I’d be warm. I kept thinking of something I heard about the Vegas race in the past: once you run it, you’ll never walk the strip the same way again. I wanted to know how that felt.

I watched the sun rise as I ran around the Las Vegas welcome sign. One runner fell, but I was too far away to help. I began feeling a nice stride. But I was still cold.

Although I brought my iPod with me, I never turned it on. I knew that would be the case during the first mile. The music, excitement and wonderful cheers from spectators encouraged me to simply take in the scene. I brought my camera with me on the run so I could document all the crazy things. I loved seeing other running Elvi!

I made some friends during my run. By Mile 7, I met Kevin McCarthy. I ran up to him because he was wearing a Rock ‘n’ Roll Virginia Beach shirt. I said, “Great race!” And we talked the rest of the way. It was helpful to run with someone who had my same pace. He kept me going. If I were running alone, there were several times I would have stopped.

The only times I walked were when I got water, Cytomax, or had a GU. I never stopped to take a picture. I simply ran with my camera held high in the air. I took more than 300 pictures during the run. While many of them were blurry– several turned out perfect. I love looking through them to relive the race.

By the time I reached mile 12, I was convinced I would have to stop and walk. But Keven encouraged me to keep going. Next thing I knew, I was sprinting. I mean REALLY sprinting! I was running about as fast as Jillian has contestants run on the treadmill during The Biggest Loser. And I finished strong.

I started racing past dozens of people as I rounded the last .1 of the half marathon. Soon, I crossed the finish line and got my medal. I made it! And in true Vegas fashion, I promptly got my picture taken with a show girl and her blue boa. Can’t wait to see those pictures!

This is a race I’d love to run again! I failed to train properly, but it didn’t matter. The tall buildings on the strip seemed dwarfed while I ran the half marathon. I felt I could conquer anything. And the mid-30 degree temperatures didn’t deter the ran whatsoever.

After the race, I went to the First Aid tent to get ice for my knees and right leg (IT Band area). I was a bit out of it when they gave me the ice. I placed it on my knee and realized it felt warm. I looked at the nurse and said, “The ice is hot. Can I get cold ice?” I then realized the ice wasn’t hot. My leg was so cold that it felt warm. Weird.

I stretched a bit, ate a banana, changed into some sweats, and warmed up inside before meeting up with my group. Patrick, Steve and Kelly all finished with excellent times and for Patrick, it was a personal best. After the race, we all ate at The Buffet at the Wynn! I’m so proud to have accomplished this race, and do so dressed as Elvis!

PHOTO GALLERY:

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