Exploring Denver
We spent the Autumn Equinox with a fun-filled excursion in Denver to send off summer and usher in the fall. Our day went something like this: Run 13.1 miles, Post-race beer & snacks, Oktoberfest for more beer, Brunch, Shopping, Brewery for still more beer...gotta rehydrate and replenish those electrolytes ;o)
Denver Rock n' Roll Half Marathon
As a member of Team Marathon Bar, we are strongly encouraged (formerly required) to participate in a Rock n' Roll series race. I've previously done the Virgina Beach Rock n' Roll Half Marathon a few times and last year I participated in the Miami Rock n' Roll Half Marathon. This year I chose the Sports Authority Rock n' Roll Denver Half Marathon benefiting the Prostate Cancer Foundation. I have to say that this has been my favorite Rock n' Roll series race. The race was well organized, there were plenty of port-a-potties, a scenic course that did not include running on highways (versus the previous Rock n' Roll courses I've run), and good post-race refreshments.
We awoke at the crack of dawn to prep for our 7:15am race start. As usual, coffee, an energy bar, water, and ample bathroom time were on the pre-race agenda. Our hotel was about a half mile walk to the race start at Civic Center Park in downtown Denver.
The course lead in an out and back loop through the mild high city's most spacious parks and famous landmarks. We began heading northwest toward the Pepsi Center, home to the NBA Denver Nuggets and NHL Denver Avalanche, then past Coors Field where the MLB Colorado Rockies Play. From there we wound our way through downtown to Denver City Park which is Denver's version of NYC's Central Park. We passed by the Denver Zoo and Museum of Science and Nature as well as Duck Lake, City Park Lake and a number of open grassy fields on the way to the finish line back in Civic Center Park. Enjoyable on course entertainment and ample cheering sections motivated us on our 13.1 mile trek. I felt pretty good throughout the race and was also happy to meet up with 4 of my Marathon Bar team mates along the course. After crossing the finish line I met up with some of the Marathon Bar reps at their refreshment tent, reunited with a couple team mates, and headed to the meeting area to find Nick.
The Denver Rock n' Roll was actually a drop in altitude for us from 6,200 to 5,200 feet so we had a little bit of O2 on our side. In the past, the Miami Rock n' Roll was the only race I've ever run with Jess, but for this race I was still in training mood for Chicago so it was off on my own. I found the course beautiful with a lot of time spent in the parks as well as through nice Denver neighborhoods. We have experienced some Rock n' Rolls that spent a lot of mileage on highways and running in less than entertaining areas. Luckily, for our continued participation in another race we found a well designed course that wasn't in a barren uninteresting part of the city.
I took the race out easy running the first 5K at 7 minute mile pace. The slow start allowed me to accelerate throughout the race and run 5:45's coming home and the extra boost of passing those fading. I came home in 1:23 and started to enjoy multiple free samples of Jimmy John's and Jamba Juice smoothies. In my moments of gluttony I ended up missing Jess after cheering for her before the finish line. She ran off with her teammates and I was stuck eyeing up the Michelob Ultra.
Jess's Results:
Overall: 1087
Age Group: 97
Participants: 8138
Time: 1:50:46
Oktoberfest Denver
After showering back at the hotel, we took a stroll down to Oktoberfest Denver. After running 13.1 miles who wouldn't want to join in this time-honored tradition of German heritage? Authentic German food, Bier, German music and activities such as Stein hoisting competitions and Bratwurst eating contests are a great way to relax and replenish post-race. We each enjoyed an Oktoberfest brew and spent some time watching the Polka bands. Those who have spent time with us over the years know that we enjoy a party and that is exactly what you will find at an Oktoberfest. If you like to have beers, a huge turkey leg, and sing out loud while holding a stein then you will be happy. I would highly recommend being at such an event with a group of friends with who you know you can make your own fun.
Panzano
As our stomachs began to rumble we left Oktoberfest in search of some brunch. I couldn't resist the idea of an Italian restaurant that specializes in Northern Italian food (my mother's side of the family is from Northern Italy...the Tyrol to be exact). Named Top 5 Denver Restaurant, the restaurant lived up to it's reputation.
Jess's brunch:
I ordered the restaurant's signature brunch dish, Panzano Eggs Benedict. It consisted of 2 poached eggs served over a sun-dried tomato polenta cake and topped with prosciutto, fontina cheese and hollandaise sauce, all overtop basil pesto...YUM!
Nick's brunch:
Chicken Hash. Sauteed chicken confit with red onions and peppers over rosemary potatoes and topped with two fried eggs and prosecco hollandais sauce, served with toast.
16th Street Mall
With our bellies satisfied we strolled down to the 16th street mall, a mile-long tree-lined pedestrian promenade that runs through the center of Downtown Denver. It's lined with outdoor cafes, renovated historic buildings, sparking skyscrapers, shops, restaurants, and retail stores. We had fun people watching, window browsing, and doing a little real shopping too. Follow whatever Jess says. We spent like 12 hours in Forever 21... I was looking for a nap.
Denver Beer Company
Our final stop was the Denver Beer Company. It was highly recommended by one of our Philadelphia friends, whose cousin happens to be the co-owner. They believe that "Good beer is best enjoyed with friends, fresh air, and a bit of adventurous spirit to sharpen the palate"...right up our alley! Because our friend Aiden raved about it, we both ordered the Graham Cracker Porter and were quite pleased. The brewery has a laid back, open-air, garage style atmosphere and we snagged a seat under an umbrella on the patio. Exactly what you want from a brew pub. Food, games, outdoor and indoor seating, as well as a nice selection of brews. Unfortunately for me I was the DD so one was the limit. Would love to get back soon!
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