I had a GREAT time in San Antonio this weekend. We made the drive down around lunch time Saturday. This was my second year doing Rock ‘n’ Roll San Antonio and once again the expo didn’t disappoint. There was a slight snafu at packet pickup, my bib was missing. I stopped by the resolutions desk and was quickly handed over my bib. Because I had originally registered for a full but now planned to run the half I needed to move up to a speedier corral. There was virtually no wait for corral change and it was super easy.
We then went to pick up our shirt. I LOVE that the race now had a ‘womens cut’ shirt option and the silver design this year is great.
After picking up our swag it was time to do some expo shopping.My first stop was the RunningSkirts.com booth where I picked up the Super Star Capri Skirt (along with a couple other items) for my “A” race in January. 
Then I tracked down the nuun booth. I was SO happy to see Caitlin and Kim, two fellow Hood to Coast Nuun Platuuners. Of course I was sporting my Nuun HTC Blogger shirt.
We then made a quick stop at the Marathon Bars booth. They had been kind enough to send me some bars our earlier in the week so it was nice to meet the faces behind the emails. 
High in protein,vitamins and yumminess, I ate one of these bars race morning. They made a great travel option.
As we went to leave, I spotted Marshall Ulrich. A few months ago I reviewed his book, Running on Empty, so we walked over to say hi.When Charles saw him he said “I know that guy.” I said “Um yeah, he’s a famous ultramarathoner and author”. Charles insisted he knew him outside of that. Sure enough,when Marshall looked up he said “Hey man, nice to see you again” to Charles. Neither can remember where, but they both agreed they had met previously. Strange. 
We left shortly after that and went to check into our hotel. We stayed at the Grand Hyatt San Antonio.I can’t say enough good things about this hotel. The staff went above and beyond to welcome and accommodate us. Their facility is gorgeous and well maintained. The hotel was sold out with the marathon and yet we never once felt they were harried or unprepared. If we ever run San Antonio again, or happen to be in the city we will definitely stay here again. Bonus:its stationed at the start so you can sleep in.
After dropping our bags we headed to the River Walk. For those of you unfamiliar with San Antonio, that is exactly what it sounds like. A river running through the town with walkways,shops,restaurant and historic features on both sides. There is always a festive feeling in the air on the River Walk, we checked out some sights and sat down at a waterside restaurant for a snack. Soon my knee was aching from climbing all the stairs, foreshadowing of the day to come.
We headed back to the hotel, Charles took a quick nap and I twitter stalked the hashtag #RNRSA to see what everyone was up to. 
Often when we go to races we plan large blogger meetups, but this weekend we wanted some alone time. Figuring I’d be stressing the race we decided to take in a movie. We went to Alamo Drafthouse which is a theater/drafthouse/restaurant. You can eat and drink while you watch a movie. Its a great concept and was a nice way to pass the evening. And yes, I believe in pre-race beer(s), Blue Moon to go along with my artichoke pizza.Yum!
After the movie, we went back to the hotel, pinned our bibs on and fell fast asleep.
To be continued…..
Oh man, way to leave us hanging!!
Sounds like you had a great time pre-race!
Eat and watch a movie..what a great idea.
Glad the pre part was so great.
Is your hair pink tipped or am i hallucinating? If it is, I love it!
I was at the expo as well and it was awesome! Didn't run the race though. Had family in town and don't run on Sundays. Maybe someday they'll change it to a Saturday. That would be awesome because it looks so fun. I didn't know you did the New Braunfels race. I love that shirt that says Running With Purpose. I have it too.
Very cool! Sounds like a lot of fun so far, can't wait to hear how the race went.
Very good intro….
I must say that I am the only one I know that gets bored at the River Walk in about 5 minutes. I'm not sure why but I do. I will also say that we did the boat tour and that was fun.
That's awesome – I am going to start boycotting the larger race company races that don't offer women's fits – way to go RnR!
Can't wait to see how the race went! Love the running skirt you bought. Haven't tried running in one yet, now I'm curious!
How ironic, Snickers used to be called Marathon in the UK.
The shirt is awesome! Sounds like it's starting well…
Sounds like a great expo. I've never been to one that I've been super impressed with. Cool that you got to meet Marshall. I read his book too and found it so honest and amazing. And I LOVE those race shirts!
LOVE that R&R shirt!
Oh man, what a great shirt this year!!! Last years was so crappy! Love the pink hair too!
Sounds great! Can't wait to read the rest
.
Love your hair!! What movie did y'all see at Alamo Drafthouse? Such a great place! Only been there once in Austin. Can't wait for the rest of your recap!
I'm going to remember that hotel . . . don't EVEN ask where we stayed, I'm getting itchy thinking about it . . . I assured DH that I could get us a fabulous riverwalk hotel with my bidding skills on priceline (like I have down there many times before not for marathon though), anyway I ended up overpaying for a dump that was (at least) close to the shuttles. Looks like you had fun! — Jennifer F.
For anyone looking for a Saturday marathon, half marathon, or 5K – check out The Gusher in Beaumont, Tx! March 10th! Loved the RnR for my first half and had a wonderful time!
LOVE that skirt!
Looking forward to hearing the rest of the story.
What a good number you have!
Okay – the anticipation is killing me. You better be writing your report NOW!
the race shirt really is so cute! love it! cant wait to read more about the race…but for now…i may or may not have squealed out loud in my office at the fact that you met Marshall in person. I LOVED his book!
Sounds like fun! I wonder where Charles knows Marshall Ulrich from? How bizarre!
SA RNR is one of my favorite races!
Love your shirt! Did you run the Chosen Half or full? Can't wait to hear the rest of the story!
Sounds like a great start. Love the tech shirt – very nice.
It's all going well so far – except the slight knee niggle. Now I need to know if it held up okay. Get writing girl!
great post, can't wait for the next one. I found you through the SA RnR FB page.
OH, I was hoping to do this race next year because my folks live in Austin and I have a plane ticket I have to use by spring. I've been to Texas several times but I still haven't seen San Antonio, I am way excited to go there…my parents love the riverwalk. Love your running skirt/capri's.
runningtobeskinny.com
First time at the SA RnR…only second half ever. I enjoyed the expo..did you see the pink elvis guy walking around?
Glad you enjoyed the expo!
Your hair is super cute!
LOVE LOVE LOVE this. I so want to do the race next year. Until then I can live it vicariously through you.
Cannot wait to hear how it went!!
I love the running with purpose t-shirt . . . where did you get it???
The suspense is killing me! I'm so jealous at the shirts…I did SA R&R the 1st year and they did not give you a tech shirt, plus they ran out of the finisher shirts at the expo.
I loved those shirts too! And I went to the Alamo Drafthouse the night before as well, but mine was up in ATX. Of course, I had a Shiner and popcorn and a burger though.
the shirt is so cute! and i'm glad you got to run into some (famous) friends at the expo
I keep checking back for the race report/update! Hurry!
Cliffhanger?????
Can't wait for the recap!!!