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:

Popularity: 15% [?]

My fifth race of 2009 is less than a week away and what better place for my finale run than Vegas?!?!? And I’ll be running as Elvis along with (likely) hundreds of runners. Together, we’ll make up the “running Elvi.” Here’s some questions I answered while entering the Running Elvi Group:

Name:
Lindsey Mastis

Day job:

Television Reporter

How many races have you run as Elvis and where?
0

What inspired you to run as Elvis?
I’ve wanted to run the Vegas strip for a few years, and every time I see pictures of the Running Elvi—I get inspired. I can’t wait to join the group!

Are you running the full or half marathon?
I’m signed up for the full, but I will be running the half and enjoying every moment!

Will you be wearing an Elvis wig or are you already blessed with the look?
I am blessed with the look! Even though I’m a girl with fairly long hair, I’ve been able to create an Elvis up-do—complete with the little curl that falls down on the forehead. But again—I’m a girl—so I won’t be doing the whole side-burn thing.

Have you taken your costume for a test run yet? If so, where?
I’ve run around my apartment, jumping up and down, excited to be a she-Elvis!

If “What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas,” what will you tell your family and friends about running down the Las Vegas Strip dressed as Elvis?
I won’t say anything, unless the picture escape…

We already have the “Spaghetti Elvis” and the “Ugly Elvis.” What is your Elvis alias?
I’m just going to go with my name: Lindsey Elvis

What are your three favorite Elvis tunes to run to?
I love the club version of “Little More Conversation.” But I also like to run to other Vegas-inspired tunes and bands like Katy Perry’s “Waking Up In Vegas,” and anything by The Killers.

Will you be running as the “skinny” Elvis or the “fat” Elvis?
I’ll be running as skinny Elvis, until I hit the buffets!

Do you have family, friends and/or co-workers who will be running as Elvis with you?  If so, how many, what are their names and how are they related to you?
I am running with a group of people, but none of them are brave enough to become a running Elvis.

Will you also be renewing your vows or getting married at our Run-Thru Wedding Chapel?
I will not be getting married, even though my fiancé (who is running the race) and I just got engaged a few weeks ago. Please don’t temp us!

Popularity: 15% [?]

I couldn’t believe how easy it was! I ran 17 miles and could have kept going. It felt like I was floating through the run. I’m pretty sure it’s because Patrick asked me to marry him. Any time the run got tough, I looked at my ring.

It took me 3 hours and 6 minutes! Generally, I’m a bit faster but we ran the C & O Canal which is extremely difficult. There are steep– but short– hills (because of the locks on the old canal). And the trail is all rocks. Most are small, but there are quite a few big ones that can easily throw me off.

When I got done, I had trouble walking only because of a bad spot that formed out of the left side of my left foot. It wasn’t like a typical blister. It was like a hard knot that stuck out. It was sensitive and very painful to touch. (About a week later, it went down.)

I pretty much planned the wedding during the run. A few days later, everything is booked. I’m so excited!

Popularity: 11% [?]

Worst. Run. Ever. I didn’t want to get out of bed. I didn’t want to run. But I didn’t want to quit, either.

I haven’t been getting much sleep and when I finally get to bed, the quality of sleep is poor. When my alarms went off Sunday morning, I was exhausted. I got up and took my time getting ready. I just wasn’t in the mood for anything. I kept forgetting things, like filling up my water bottles.

We drove to Georgetown– near Water Street– and parked. The goal: 15 miles. It’s only one mile more than last week’s run. But I dreaded it.

I kept stalling. I wanted one more hug, another moment to stretch, or having re-tie my shoes. Finally, it was inevitable. I had to run.

It had rained all night. The ground was wet and muddy, but the trail was clean. There was a refreshing breeze. Any other time, it would be the ideal situation for running.

As soon as I began, I felt like weights were strapped to my feet. There was already pain in my left hip and leg. It took me more than 10 minutes to complete the first mile. Then I took a two minute walking break. Second mile– same thing. I ran for 10 minutes and then took a walking break. By the third mile I could barely breath. The air was thick and for a moment I wondered whether this is what asthma felt like. I drank some water, ate a Gu Chomp and kept going.

I don’t remember when I started to run consistently, but I did so only briefly. I felt pain on the bottom of my feet, like glass. My IT Bands throbbed, and I even felt pain in my hips. I started saying “ouch” out loud. I kept playing mind games with myself. I’d say, run the next mile and then take a walking break. But it didn’t help. I must have walked half the time if not more.

I turned around in Bethesda and not even a half mile later I saw Patrick. He was easy to spot because he was wearing a red shirt and bright orange shorts. It didn’t match, but I could see him a mile away– literally. We high-fived. It looked like he had a lot of energy. I hoped he was doing better than I was.

He’s the only reason I kept going. I didn’t want him to pass me. By the time I got back to Fletcher’s Cove, I needed to big break. I used the rest room (which was pretty nice when compared to an out house– meaning they had sinks with running water). I kept looking around for Patrick. I was hoping to run with him the rest of the way. But I didn’t know whether he was still behind me, or whether he passed me up.

At some point, the run felt easier. But all that’s a blur now. Running was a struggle. But when I walked, I felt like my feet were shuffling through quick sand. I just couldn’t move fast. I was so disappointed with myself.

I started to question whether my body could handle a marathon. When I tried to train for one two years ago, I only made it to 16 miles before injuries caused me to stop completely. I’m only one mile away from 16. Is it going to happen again? Am I going to get injured and have to drop out? It would be devastating. I would realize I was thinking about all this and have to force myself to change the subject.

I also kept thinking about work. I was picking up a night shift and would have to be there by 3 pm. What kind of shape would I be in? Would I be done running in time? What story will I have to cover, and will I be able to focus? Again, I would realize I was thinking about all this and again would force myself to change my thoughts.

Then I didn’t know what to think. I kept stopping and walking. I changed my music from my running songs to Elton John ballads. Then I’d turn my music off. Then I’d try my running music again. I’d even sing. Nothing seemed to work.

When I had only one mile left, I wanted to run. I wanted to finish strong. That lasted for about 10 steps, then I was walking again. I finally spotted Patrick and went to him so we could finish together. But he was already done because he ran a little farther than I did back in Bethesda. I stopped my watch. The time: 3 hours and 8 minutes. Horrible.

I was sad, disappointed, tired, and in pain. I tried to stretch near our car. A woman in a minivan pulled up close to us and asked us how we did. I told her it was hard, but we finished. She asked us how many miles. We said 15 and she responded with congratulations. She said she saw me running near the boat dock on Water Street. She said it made her feel good to see me running, since her son was just starting his training. She was very nice and made me feel better about my 15 miles.

Sure, it wasn’t the greatest run and certainly not my best time. But I traveled 15 miles on foot. I ran from Georgetown to Bethesda and back. I didn’t give up.

For whatever reason, my body didn’t cooperate and my mind wasn’t in the race. It comes down to mental blocks I created. Next week I plan to run 17 miles. It will be my farthest distance. I’m feeling pretty good about it, because there is no way it could be worse than Sunday’s run.

SUMMARY
LOCATION: Capital Crescent Trail
TIME: 3:08
PACE: 12:32
WHAT I’LL REMEMBER MOST: Being tired.

Popularity: 14% [?]

I haven’t been keeping up with my short runs during the week. I was supposed to run 4 miles, 6miles, 4 miles before my 14 miler. But I only ran 3 miles one day and went to two circuit training classes. Although I was a bit nervous about the run, I quit thinking about it and just got out there.

Patrick and I met up with our friend Emily Stone to run the Capital Crescent Trail. She’s training for the Marine Corps Marathon in five weeks. Today, she did a half (13.1 miles).

Emily and Patrick run 12 minute miles, and I run 10 minute miles. Knowing they were behind me kept me going. My music helped as well. The first three miles were horrible. I wanted to quit and questioned singing up for a full marathon.

About four miles into the run, I found my pace. Temperatures started out in the lower 60s, and I just enjoyed the light breeze and beautiful scenery. I even saw parts of the trail I hadn’t traveled before. My favorite part was running next to the Potomac. It was a breathtaking scene and I could see people in canoes and cars making their way through Virginia. I saw a group of vultures sitting on a tree limb. I thought, “keep running or they’ll get you!” Obviously, my mind was getting intense.

As I rounded a curve I saw a bridge and I immediately recognized where I was. Georgetown! Water Street! The trail was gone. I ran on the road. All of a sudden I stepped in a pot hole and rolled onto my ankle. It hurt, but I kept going. I never saw the next mile marker, but looked at my watch and turned around where I thought I should.

I felt relief as I headed back. Soon I saw Patrick and Emily. We high-fived and nearly got creamed by three bikers. I took a GU and continued to run, all the while thinking about how easy this seemed. What a contrast to the start of the run!

As  I approached Fletcher’s Cove I missed the trail. Again, my right foot rolled onto the ankle and I let out a loud scream. A runner in front of me immediately slowed and looked back to see if I needed help. I kept jogging to see how bad it was. I held up my hand and told her I was fine. I paused for a few moments to regain my footing. Although it hurt, I knew I’d be able to finish my run.

I started sucking on GU Chomps during the last four miles of the run. They tasted great– just like gummy bears and kept my mouth from drying out. But my legs were beginning to stiffen. I saw the bridge that goes over River Road and attacked it. I got up and down without a problem, but then I was out of breath. I kept going.

With less than a half mile left, I was struggling. I was talking to myself out loud: you can do it! Keep going! Almost there. But I was losing momentum. Then a man came out of no where and asked me if I was running to the Bethesda water fountain. I said yes, and he proceeded to give me words of encouragement: Less than a quarter mile– you’re almost there! We talked for a bit and I learned he was running 24 miles. I realized then I couldn’t complain about my measly 14. I found energy I didn’t know I had. I was keeping up with his pace, which to me– is sprinting. I couldn’t believe how easy it felt to finish knowing I had energy left.

I thanked him over and over again. He said coaching me helped him because he was struggling as well. I love how runners help each other. When Patrick and Emily finished, we all got bagels.

I am proud of this training run. I never truly took a walking break. I took walking pauses to quickly stretch my foot or down a GU and water. I ran the race in two hours and 25 minutes– that’s a 10-minute and 23-second pace. Not ideal, but perfect for a training run. I recovered fast and even saw the movie “The Informant!” with Patrick in the afternoon. This week’s goal: keeping up with my short runs. That is the only way I can build enough muscle to finish a long run with energy.

And next week I have added pressure. I have to run 15 miles before work. Because of today’s run, it’ll be no problem!

SUMMARY
LOCATION: Capital Crescent Trail
TIME: 2:25
PACE: 10:23
WHAT I’LL REMEMBER MOST: Vultures.

Popularity: 14% [?]

Two years ago, I trained for a full marathon. I made it to 16 miles before injuring my iliotibial band. I ran all those miles, yet never completed an actual race. This year, all that changed. I set my sights on running the Cherry Blossom 10-miler. I started training with my friends Angie Goff and Suzie Giampetroni. We all completed the race. Then, I signed up for my first official half marathon in Frederick, Md. Again, I trained with friends. But leading up to the race, I backed off on training. I wasn’t truly prepared, but decided to push myself through the race. I completed the Frederick Half Marathon in two hours, 22 minutes. Not bad. But I did several things wrong: I failed to enjoy the moment. I slept after the race. And I didn’t stretch properly. As a result, I was so sore I could barely walk for a week.

I was determined not to make those mistakes again. When I signed up for the Rock ‘n Roll Virginia Beach Half Marathon, I was surprised to learn Patrick wanted to sign up with me. I was so happy to have a permanent training partner, who happens to be my very best friend.

We trained properly. And I incorporated yoga moves into my stretching routine. The only real problem I had was with my foot. My right foot started to fall asleep after the third mile. It happened every time I ran. Often, I’d have to stop and walk and hope the feeling would return.

Finally, I discovered that if I stop at every mile and stretch my foot for about 20 seconds, I could keep my foot from falling asleep so fast. If it was already asleep, I could regain feeling. I would have to do this for the race.

We left Saturday at 10 a.m. to drive to Virginia Beach. The traffic was so horrible, it took us nearly six hours. Patrick drove while I slept. We got there just in time to pick up our race packets. We met up with Angie and her husband Robert at the expo. (This is Robert’s first race.)  We took our time going around the expo. Patrick and I signed up for the Rock ‘n Roll Las Vegas Marathon.

For dinner, we ate at Fazoli’s. We had plenty of spaghetti and a ton of bread sticks. It was the ultimate carb-loading experience. We went to bed early and set several alarms. In order to be ready for the race, we had to wake up at 4:30 a.m.

Finding parking was horrendous. I thought we could simply park at the Convention Center, but that was only for volunteers or VIPs. We were supposed to park far away and then grab one of the provided shuttle buses. We were in a long line of cars and a man told us to follow another vehicle to a different lot. We did and discovered it was a paid lot. I was a little upset that we had to go through such a hassle when we were the ones having to run. (It worked out for the best because we discovered our lot was about a block and a half away from the finish line.)

We ate protein cookies as we walked to the starting line. It was so exciting! There were thousands of people smiling and ready to run. They played music and an energetic-sounding announcer talked got us revved up.

Patrick and I had to separate and go to our corrals. I knew this would be a successful race because of two reasons. As my corral (number 11) was called up to the starting line, 13 minutes was on the clock (my lucky number). And the song “Don’t Stop Believing” by Journey was playing and we were all singing. It was the perfect moment.

As soon as I crossed the starting line, I was running. I started slow and focused on pacing myself. I played music in my iPod to help me keep pace. As we ran the first few miles, it seemed fairly quiet. We passed cheerleaders who clapped and held signs. Their words of encouragement would only sound better and better with each passing mile.

We would have to run some of the same roads with this course. By our third mile, we were seeing some of the fastest runners on the other side of the road. It’s hard to imagine they were so far along, yet we all started at roughly the same time. We cheered for them and for ourselves as we completed the first 5k.

At each mile, I stepped off the course and stretched my foot. It was hard to stop and even harder to look back and see the vivid blur of runners passing me up. But I knew I would benefit from 20 seconds of standing still. But every time I started up again, I gained momentum. The brief stop would only help.

I loved running through a heavily wooded residential area. I appreciate all the volunteers who line up along the course. But I get the most pleasure from seeing people sitting on the front steps of their own homes to watch runners. A group of cheerleaders made huge signs from bed sheets and hung them from trees. They used sidewalk chalk to write words of encouragement on the course. And when we ran by, they did everything they could to give us support.

Another cheerleading group I loved had on angel wings. When I saw them I just thought of flying through the race.

A few miles into the course, I heard a recording of a patriotic band and then saw soldiers and vets holding signs and cheering for us. I felt like I was tearing up. I clapped my hands as loud as I could and just said, “thank you,” over and over again. I was moved. I couldn’t believe soldiers and veterans were cheering for us when it should be the other way around. I thought of them as I approached the first major hill.

As steep as it looked, the bridge hardly made me sweat. My mind went to a different place and I now I don’t recall feeling any pain. By this point, the bands were really getting into their sets. One of my favorites was a steel drum band. They were giving out leis and had a group of dancers that kept me smiling.

I kept running. I didn’t stop at the first water break, but I was stopped now for all the rest. I was taking both water and Cytomax. I wanted to stay hydrated. And for the first six miles, I was right on schedule—10 minute miles. I’m not sure when it was, but I grabbed a vanilla GU at one of the water stops. It kept me going. As much as I wanted to keep up the pace, I had to keep stopping for my foot.

And then my stomach began to hurt. Bad. I needed to find a bathroom. I pushed on, but knew I would have to give in. I took a four-minute break to use a Port-a-Potty (and yes, I brought my own hand sanitizer).

As soon as I got back on the course, I sprinted. I wanted to catch back up. After about a half mile I realized I was going too fast. I was out of breath. I started to slow down by it was too late. I was running out of stamina. I had about four or five miles left.

By this time, I was going over roads I had already run. I was seeing some of the same bands again. It helped to hear the steel drum band and see the cheerleaders with butterfly wings. Much of the crowd was now extending their arms and giving runners high-fives. I gave high-fives back. It made me smile.

During the last few miles I was getting extremely hot. At one of the last water breaks, I grabbed two cups and dumped them on my head. It felt great. But I didn’t think about what it would do to my iPod’s headphones. All of a sudden I couldn’t hear bass. I turned it off and then on again. I was afraid I broke the iPod, but later learned it was just the headphones. No biggie.

The course felt like it was getting longer. I only had a couple miles left but it seemed like I would never get there. I looked in the crowd to find interesting people with creative ways to encourage runners. I saw one guy with a blow-up parrot on his head. So cool!

One of the last bands I heard was playing a Dave Matthews song. I think. All I know is that I had run out of music, and this music rocked! I clapped and raised my hands in the air as I passed them. I was feeling so good—especially as I rounded a corner and saw the giant number 12 mile marker up ahead.

I wanted to sprint but couldn’t. I did pick up the pace a bit. I realized I was no longer on asphalt. I was running on concrete. I shouldn’t have let it bother me, but I automatically began thinking about how I might be hurting my knees. It was just for a mile—I shouldn’t have let it get to me.

People were shouting out, “almost there!” I wanted to quit. I saw a group of girls holding signs: Free hugs at the finish line. Yes! I wanted a free hug really badly. It kept me running. But at this point I was only running short distances. I was doing combination running and walking. I just couldn’t continue. It wasn’t a physical ailment. It was a mental one.

Finally, I hit mile marker 13. I made myself run to the end. I wouldn’t be happy unless I was running over the finish line. I waved to every professional camera I saw hoping it would catch this victorious moment.

As soon as I crossed the finish line I felt elated. I was so happy I began to cry. I could not control. I was so relieved and proud. I couldn’t help but cry for a few moments.

This race was well-organized. I walked with a crowd of people and got my medal. Then, I was given an ice cold towel. I kept walking. I received bottled water, then a banana, a Popsicle, and a goodie bag. I kept walking toward the beach. I quickly found the family reunion area. But what I really wanted was a massage.

I couldn’t find the massage area, but instead was directed to the medical tent where I stretched and then was given an ice pack for my IT band. I then walked to a grassy area, shedding the melted ice pack and stretching some more.Eventually I made my way over to the beer tent where I received a free can of Miller’s MGD 64. Refreshing—and free!

I had just begun to drink it when Patrick found me. He grabbed a cold one as well. We were elated and shared stories. Our goal was to stay awake and so we walked around for a bit before making our way over to our car, going back to the hotel for a shower, and then having a victory dinner at Olive Garden. That night, Patrick, Angie, Robert and I all met up and had dessert.

I signed up for a service that sends me text messages as I complete the race. It’s a way for me to gain a better understanding of my pacing. Here are the results:

Lindsey Mastis has started the race at 07:15:27.

Crossed the 5K mark at 07:47:28, with a time of 00:31:58.

Crossed the 10K mark at 8:18:44, with a time of 01:03:14.

Crossed the 10 Mile mark at 08:57:46, with a time of 1:42:16.

Crossed the 11.4 Mile mark at 09:11:39, with a time of 1:56:09.

Crossed the 12.3 Mile mark at 09:21:10, with a time of 2:05:40.

Crossed the Race Finish mark at 09:27:40, with a time of 02:12:10.

SUMMARY

LOCATION: Virginia Beach

TIME: 2:12:10

PACE: 10:04

WHAT I’LL REMEMBER MOST: Crossing the finish line and receiving my medal.

Popularity: 14% [?]