• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Home
  • About/Hire Me
    • About Me
    • Hire Me
    • Contact
    • Family
    • Faith
    • FAQ
    • My Running Story
    • Recipes
  • Disney
  • Fitness
    • runDisney Information Page
    • Fitness
    • Races
  • Parenting
  • Travel

Through Heather's Looking Glass

  • Disney
  • Fitness
  • Travel
  • family
  • About Me

Rock ‘N’ Roll New Orleans Recap 2016

March 11, 2016 | blogging, fitness, health, Race Recaps, running

At the end of February, I ran the Rock ‘N’ Roll New Orleans half marathon once again. This race would be a little different for me as I was running it by myself for the first time, and I was coming off of a challenge weekend (10k and half marathon) in Walt Disney World. I was still excited to run my hometown race, and the weather was looking perfect!

RnR New Orleans medal

What was it I said about the weather? It was COLD that morning. I much prefer to run in the cold though, and I knew it would be warming up quickly as soon as the sun came up. I left my hotel room and made my way to the VIP hotel. I went in and grabbed a little coffee and a bagel, and met a girl from new York who is running a half marathon in all 50 states! It  was really cool to hear her story.

RnR VIP

The best thing about the Rock ‘N’ Roll New Orleans VIP package that you can purchase is being able to use real bathrooms before the start, and being able to hang out in the warmth of a building and then just walk right out to your corral.

RnR pre race

I sat in the hall in my jacket and stretched for several minutes then used the restroom one last time (thanks, coffee, I guess I had too much liquid!) and then handed over my bag for private gear check before walking a block down to my corral only five minutes before the 7:30 start. I was in corral 7, so I knew I wouldn’t miss anything, but wanted to get out before the start so I could cross the street to get where I needed to go.

RnR KT tape

Well, one thing I wasn’t expecting was utter chaos! There were still SO many people trying to get into their corrals, and since Rock ‘N’ Roll doesn’t enforce what corral you get into, all of the first corrals were so jam packed that people couldn’t even get into them. I finally found the sign for corral seven and jumped through the opening. As we were singing the national anthem, I looked around and realized I had accidentally jumped into the back of 6 instead of the front of 7. Dang it! I made my way to the very back of 6 as to not impede any runners, because there was no way I could get out onto the street and back a corral at this point, as you can see from the below photo.

RnR crowd

We made our way up to the start, and it was time to go! I was SO not mentally prepared for this race and had a moment of “oh, wait, I have to run 13.1 miles now!” right as our corral took off. Well, nothing I could do now but put in my headphones and run for a couple of hours!

RnR start line

My first mile felt really good and I ran the pace I wanted to run the whole race in. It was a little crowded, but I have run in much worse so it didn’t really bother me too much. The course is very familiar to me, and I was most concerned with the road conditions so I kept my head down a lot.

RnR mardi gras tree

We were running on St. Charles where the beautiful old mansion are, and right after we hit mile two, I got a pain in my right hip. uh oh. This is what I was afraid of. When I ran the Glass Slipper Challenge the weekend before, I did fine in the 10k, but about midway through the half my hip started to hurt. It got worse and worse as the race went on, but I was able to finish. The whole week prior to this race, I didn’t work out at all, and just foam rolled and stretched in the hope of it getting better and not bothering me. No such luck apparently. I had taken Tylenol prior to the race start and it was already hurting me at mile two…this was going to be a long race.

RnR house

I had a quick moment of panic where I wanted to just sit on the curb and cry. I thought to myself…you have three choices here. One, you can quit now. Two, you can keep going at a run walk as to not be in pain and finish sometime tomorrow (haha) or three, you can SUCK IT UP, fight through the pain and finish as strong as possible and be proud of your effort. About that time, I saw a med tent. I grabbed some more Tylenol, and decided to just got for it. I picked a number, 10:00 pace, and decided to just try and hold that pace for as long as I could. About that time, the song “Fight Song” came on, and I started tearing up. I CAN do this, I WANT to do this. YES I was frustrated because I have been working really hard and despite running one day a week and running two races the last weekend, I was on track and had the ability to PR in that race, and now I knew it wasn’t going to happen, BUT, I knew I still had a lot of fight left in me, and I wanted to run to the best of the ability that I had for that day. So I pushed, and I pushed, and I struggled. I would run on the dirt street car tracks in the median, then jump down to the road, trying to figure out which felt better on my hip. I stopped occasionally to try to stretch out my hip. I took some GU. I counted down the miles. I gave myself a lot of pep talks. I started at the road, one foot in front of the other. I finally made it into the French quarter.

RnR cathedral

I REALLY wanted to stop at Café du Monde, but I kept going Smile

RnR french quarter

We made the turn onto Esplanade, and I knew I only had 3-4 miles left. This is where I was unable to hold onto my pace any longer. This is also when the pain started growing and moving from my hip to my glute, and would occasionally seize up the entire muscle group, which was super fun. I had to stop and walk more often and stop and stretch on stop signs. I was DETERMINED to finish as hard and strong as I possible could. It was starting to get hot outside, and I just kept staring at the ground in front of me (I nearly rolled an ankle a few times, yall, the roads in NOLA are BAD.) and kept glancing at my watch to see how far away I was.

When I made it to the museum of art, I knew I was close, but boy did that last half mile seem like the longest of my life. Normally this is where I would kick it in, but I had no kick in me. It was more of a hobble/limp to the finish, but I went as hard as I could. I didn’t even raise my hands when I crossed the finish, I was just so ready to stop running to stop the pain. I crossed in 2:14:59. Not exactly what I was expecting, but I also surprised myself considering all the things I had going against me.

RnR post race

My watch said I ran 13.36 miles with average pace of 10:06 if I remember correctly. It’s not what I wanted but at least it’s encouraging that if I can do my PT/get stronger and run more than once a week I will PR. Here are my splits:

  • mile 1- 9:31
  • mile 2- 9:55 —> stopped at med tent
  • mile 3- 9:39
  • mile 4- 9:54
  • mile 5- 10:00
  • mile 6- 9:48
  • mile 7- 9:45
  • mile 8- 10:06
  • mile 9- 10:30 —> took a GU
  • mile 10- 10:06
  • mile 11- 10:54 —> took another GU
  • mile 12- 10:18 —> almost died
  • mile 13- 9:12

I made it out of the chute and ran into Mindy and Jenny. Was great to chat with them for a bit!RnR friends

I then walked over to the VIP tent and immediately put my name down for a massage, then got some food. The weather was wonderful, and it was nice to just sit and listen to the music and enjoy the day.

RnR after party

RnR bling

I got a text from Megan and we met up for a quick hello. Great to see a fellow ASICS ambassador!

RnR megan

rock 'n' roll new orleans

Around 12:00 I knew it was time to head back to the hotel to checkout and drive back to my parents. I didn’t want to leave because I was just enjoying being still after such a stressful morning, but I also knew it was a trek back to the hotel. (Rock ‘N’ Roll has bus transportation back downtown for participants).

My struggles with this race were not the fault of Rock ‘N’ Roll, it truly is a great race and my favorite Rock ‘N’ Roll so far. My one qualm is the terrible roads which I am sure contributed to the early onset of hip pain I experienced. The after party, the bling, the bands, everything else was wonderful and I hope to always get to run this race.

Also, if you have the chance to purchase the VIP package for Rock ‘N’ Roll New Orleans I would recommend it! The pre race breakfast, bathrooms, private gear check are worth it to me, but then you also get the post race food, alcohol, massages, gear pick up, charging station, and VIP bus (no waiting in line) back downtown. Let me know if you have any questions about this event, I would be happy to answer!

PS: If you want to save $15 on Rock ‘N’ Roll half and full marathons, use my code at checkout! Some exclusions apply such as San Antonio, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, and a couple of others.

12814399_918021658275297_7710755526314279398_n

QOTD: Have you ever had to fight through pain to finish a race?

Disclosure: I received free entry and VIP package as a Rock ‘N’ Blog member, however I was not asked to write this post, and all opinions are my own.

Like this:

Like Loading...

Sign up for my newsletter

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Karen says

    March 11, 2016 at 8:03 am

    Great job on the race! So sorry about your hip. 🙁 I hope it feels better soon!

  2. Rachel says

    March 11, 2016 at 8:17 am

    WOW- you did awesome, especially considering the hip pain! What do you find has given you the greatest improvement with your speed, cross training or running more? I’d love to see paces like that in a half marathon 🙂

    How much is the VIP package? My running partner and I were talking about it for next year possibly. We are already pre-registered for the full (our first, eeeks!!) and are trying to plan ahead to make it a fun weekend.

  3. Mindy (Road Runner Girl) says

    March 11, 2016 at 8:17 am

    SO glad I got to see you after the race! Hope the hip heals quickly!

  4. Lesley says

    March 11, 2016 at 10:33 am

    My main concern always is the conditions of the roads or sidewalks. My chiro wants me running on as flat surfaces as I can, but that’s not always possible.

  5. Allyssa says

    March 17, 2016 at 9:43 pm

    Same thing happened to me when I ran the Disney marathon a couple years ago! Mile 5’ish when I crossed the little bridge into Liberty Square after the castle I felt my right hip make a pulling sensation and it hurt every step I took for the remaining 21 miles! I did walk a lot after that (because you know, 21 miles) but I made it to the finish line! To this day, even after every form of rehab possible, it bothers me randomly.

Primary Sidebar

I am Heather Montgomery, a 30 something southern girl living in Knoxville, Tennessee with my husband Bobby, 10-year-old daughter Emma Kate, and our goldendoodles Dolly and Luna. I’m just a regular girl who likes to workout, travel, hang with my family, text, and eat chips and queso. Be sure to check out my “about me” page for more info!
Thank you for visiting, and feel free to contact me with questions, (or for PR inquiries or press trip invites) at Support@HeathersLookingGlass.com.

Please, no guest post requests. 🙂

More about me

Privacy Policy

You can also find me here:

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • RSS
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

Recent Posts

  • Convenient Ways to Increase your Fitness
  • A Quick and Easy Seasonal American Road Trip Guide
  • Why Quick Workouts Deliver Big Results
  • 4 Things That Stop People From Exercising (And What To Do About Them)
  • 6 Tips for Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party

 

Search

How to Start a Blog

How to start a blog
We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.
  • Disney
  • Fitness
  • Travel
  • Family
Had the best time with @visitflorida in Nashville Had the best time with @visitflorida in Nashville recently! We spent the evening up on the rooftop at @whitelimozeennash at the @graduatehotels making @bouquetbox arrangements, and it was perfection. 💐 🍹 🌅 

I learned a lot about places in Florida I have never visited, and met some great people. Florida is the state we visit most, and while y’all know I’m a theme park girlie, there is so much more to see and we love adding on little side trips to explore each time we go! 

Here is a list of places we learned about, can’t wait to visit some of these! 🏖️ Thanks for inviting us! 

@visitfortmyers 
@visitspc 
@destinfwb 
@ocalamarion 
@discovercrystalriver 
@discovermartin 
@visitsebring 

Where is your fave spot in Florida?

#visitflorida #livemorefloridays #graduatehotels #whitelimozeen #floridavacation
🏖️ If you’re planning to visit Orange Beach 🏖️ If you’re planning to visit Orange Beach, Turquoise Place by Spectrum Resorts should be on your shortlist

Beachfront luxury, huge condo space (yes, private balcony hot tub!), and resort amenities that keep everyone happy: pools, a lazy river, direct beach access, and an easy, walkable location for dining and activities. (Ad)

But not only should you stay at @turquoiseplaceofficial but you should book directly through @spectrumresorts . Why? 

-10% off year round when you use my code LOOKGLASS on the spectrum website when you book your vacation! 

-Complimentary breakfast at the exclusive Spectrum Club Lounge (seasonal).

- 10% discount at retail and dining facilities during your stay when charged to your Spectrum Wristband (excludes alcohol).

-Cashless charging and keyless room entry for smooth transactions with your wristband.

-With more than 300 team members, your family will enjoy prompt, personalized service and attention.

-Scheduled resort activities are free to enjoy for guests who book direct with Spectrum Resorts.

There are so many reasons we love it here, I can’t even list them all. Be sure to save this post for later or send to the person you want to go on vacation with! 

#albeachblogger #turquoiseplace #orangebeach #orangebeachalabama
#ad No tricks, just treats for smart shoppers! 👻💳 

This Halloween season, @krogerco is giving 4x fuel points when you buy gift cards after clipping your digital coupon! I grabbed a hostess gift for a Halloween party and earned extra savings at the pump — it’s seriously the easiest way to gift and save. 
Whether you’re treating yourself before a costume party, picking up a hostess gift, or grabbing dinner after trick-or-treating, Kroger’s got gift cards for all your favorite spots — beauty, dining, and fashion. 🎯 

Clip your digital coupon at the link in my bio 🛒 
Pick up your gift cards in-store ⛽ 
Save at the pump at Kroger Fuel Centers. 
Offer ends 11/4, so don’t wait — head to your local Kroger and treat yourself to simple savings this Halloween! 🧡 

#KrogerPartner #KrogerGiftCards #Halloween4x #HalloweenSavings #SmartShopping #NoTricksJustTreats
A huge thank you to @disneystyle for gifting me an A huge thank you to @disneystyle for gifting me and Emma Kate this fun box of goodies to get in a Halloween spooky vibe !! 🎃 ✨

I love that Disney sells such a wide array of holiday merchandise, for all holidays. There truly is something for everyone in your family or on your shopping list! I listed all the brands in partnership with Disney in our box below. Which is your favorite? 

@oldnavy 
@bathandbodyworks 
@loungefly 
@wetnwildbeauty 
@zakdesigns 
@makeuperaser 
@disneybooks 

#disneystyle
I’m not suggesting you go into debt to go on vac I’m not suggesting you go into debt to go on vacation. But I am suggesting you remember that time is something you can’t get back, and memories are something that will stay with you longer than things. 🚢 

As we enter the holiday season, maybe it’s time to consider that long overdue vacation instead of quite so many things under the tree? Maybe a few less items for some time away to rest and recharge with loved ones?

@disneycruiseline is great for just that because they truly have something for everyone, from babies, kids, to adults. The cruise we just went on included beach time, pool time, an obstacle course, lots of eating, basketball, foosball, ping-pong, movie, watching, scavenger hunt finding, pirates (the nice kind!), ice cream, and so much more. ✨🫶🏻 

Always happy to answer questions about the most magical cruise line around! 

#disneycruise #disneycruiseline #disneywish #disneyvacation
🚢 A vacation should actually feel like a vacati 🚢 A vacation should actually feel like a vacation right? I hear too many people coming home from vacations with their kids that say they are exhausted and now need another vacation from their vacation. 

This is why I love @disneycruiseline. 💖

They have kids clubs included in the price of your cruise fare* that are open for a lot of the day and late into the night. This allows for adults only time at the adults only pool, restaurants, bars, and nightclubs. Not to mention, the kids absolutely have a blast. Mine never wanted to leave! 🫶🏻

it’s a win-win situation in my book. They get to go have some fun with other kids, and I get to relax and recharge on my vacation, and then we can also spend quality family time together as well! ✨

Send this to someone you are trying to convince to go on a DCL cruise with you! 😏

*included in cruise fare for kids clubs, not the nursery which is an extra charge. 

#disneycruise #disneycruiseline #disneywish #disneycruisekids #disneycruisevacation #cruisevacation
We absolutely love Orange Beach, it’s one of our We absolutely love Orange Beach, it’s one of our favorite places to visit and feels like home. 🫶🏻

There are so many great businesses with employees that make you feel like family. Here are a few we visited over fall break. Be sure to save this for your next visit to the beach! Have you been to any of these places? 🍊 

@coastalorangebeach: Not only a beautiful restaurant right on the gulf with amazing food, drinks, and servers, but also a really great store with amazing merch! We found some great stuff. If you go to the restaurant, ask for J-Mac to be your server and make sure to get a bushwhacker with a peanut butter floater! 😋 

@florabama_olerivergrill : Right on the bama/Florida line, this fun restaurant boasts beautiful sunsets, a fun cocktail menu (the key lime colada was amazing!) and you can even rent pontoon boats and jet skis from the marina, or take a dolphin cruise! 🐬 

@theorangebeachstore : I’ve passed this store 100 times but this was my first time inside and now I’m mad that I have been missing out all this time. They have a beautiful selection of really nice souvenirs from great brand names you already know and love. Great quality clothing and other things like blankets, cup, hats, and candles. I shopped forever! 

@fbyachtclub_ : The Flora Bama Yacht club is also right on the state line on the bay side and has fun live music, a really nice menu including crab claws, hummus, chicken pasta, and key lime pie. Service was great and we loved the live music. 

Thank y’all for having us! ✨
#florabama #coastalal #orangebeach #orangebeachalabama #orangebeachrestaurants #orangebeachdining #albeachblogger

Copyright © 2025 · Through Heather's Looking Glass · Theme by Bella Creative Studio

%d