Another amazing trip to Nashville to run the Rock N Roll 1/2 Marathon. This has become my final race each season and there’s no better place to celebrate 9 months of running than in my favorite city! Nashville has become very near and dear to me. My kids and I (the hubby isn’t on board just yet) dream of living there one day. Maybe that’ll happen and maybe it won’t, but there’s no doubt, Music City will be visited as much as possible. We try to make it up several times a year. Exploring and searching for new adventures in the city and of course visiting some of my favorite spots.
We try to make it up several times a year. Exploring and searching for new adventures in the city and of course visiting some of my favorite spots.
The Rock n Roll race series has always been one of my favorites. They are well organized and provide runners with anything and everything they need to make it a fun and successful experience. Historically, Nashville is a HOT race. Every year, I pray for cooler weather, but for some reason we don’t get lucky. Record-breaking heat and the hills make for a tough couple of hours. This year started a little cooler than normal, but the heat came shortly after mile 6. Even though the course is tough and the weather isn’t ideal, it remains my all-time favorite race. 2019 will be my 5th year in a row running the Rock N Roll 1/2 Marathon, so I have to train hard and pray hard for bearable temps. Maybe I’ll get lucky….
Day 1….My sister (who ran her 2nd 1/2 marathon with a PR) joined me this year. We flew Southwest on their early morning direct flight to BNA. We took it straight to Caviar & Bananas in The Gulch for the yummiest breakfast in the hipster area of Nash. Of course, we rented an adorable AirBnB apartment in the 12 South Area, which is close to all the thing we love. Draper James, Uncommon James and I+W to name a few. My sister had never been to Nashville, so we started at the top of Broadway and worked out way down stopping in several honky tonks, grabbing a beer at each and always leaving a $5 bill on the way out for the talented band. After a few hours on Broadway, we headed to the Westin to check out L27, a newly renovated rooftop bar. Pretty cool views and a nice drink selection. Dinner was at one of my favs, Urban Grub where the oyster bar will knock your socks off!
Day 2….Breakfast at Biscuit Love (the best OJ and Bonuts you’ll ever have), stopped by Tribe Kelly (LOVE this boutique!), The NASH Collection store, picked up our race packets, which is always an easy task (another reason why I love the RNR race series), checked out what was new in the running world and headed back out to find more fun. I love finding new murals in Nashville. Some are traditional and remain the same year after year and some change often. The city is full of artistry and I love that part about it. Dinner at The Farm House did not disappoint. All fresh, local, organic dishes and highly recommended. Close to Broadway and super convenient. A little walk down broadway, then back to our apartment to get ready for the race!
Day 3….Race day is always exciting. The start is on Broadway and the sunrise is gorgeous. Thousands of runners line the street and get ready for 13.1 (or 26.2) miles. All walks of life run this race and I love seeing the different ages and nationalities. From elite runners to first timers, it’s a joy to run alongside them. The finish line at Nissan Stadium (Home of the Tennessee Titans) is a good time. Lots of food and post race activities. I love getting my medal and taking pics along the river, across from the Nashville sky line. I also love walking across the Shelby Street Bridge back to Broadway for the BEST views and photo ops. And, because its a post race tradition for me….a quick stop by FGL House for a Music City beer and pretzel (the best pretzel you’ll ever have). We then took a drive over to Arrington Vineyards and it was gorgeous! We had a wine tasting at the barn, a short walk from the main building. There are so many beautiful spots to relax and enjoy your wine. You can bring in your own coolers, which is nice. I want to go back and spend an afternoon there. Dinner that night deserves its own blog entry. 5th & Taylor is without a doubt my FAVORITE restaurant. Nestled in the up and coming trendy Germantown, it is everything I want in a restaurant. Everything about it is a 10! I cannot wait to go back there this fall and enjoy the outdoor patio. After dinner, we went back down to Broadway for one last country music fix before heading home.
Day 4….off the BNA! Southwest Airlines offers non-stop flights from Tampa to Nashville at super convenient times and great rates. We typically rent a car because they are very reasonable. I use Lyft when going downtown (parking is tricky down there), but drive everywhere else. Nashville (for now) is driver-friendly.
See you soon, Music City!
