Running Hard in the Big Easy

Less than a week after returning from The Masters, we were on the road again - headed to New Orleans for Crescent City Classic!

Engine of our Plane with the Fred Hartman Bridge in the Background

Approaching New Orleans with the mighty Mississippi ahead.  I know this weather looks ominous, but it was actually fine when we landed!

We love New Orleans and we love staying at the Ritz - what a lovely hotel.

Ritz Carlton Courtyard ... Perfect Spot for Wine & Cheese

Had to take a picture of this wedding cake display ... my friend Kelly (who is not engaged at the moment) needs this cake when she gets married.  Beautiful half fleur de lis!

Y'all know it's "all about the food" for me and Jerry and we've wanted to try Elaine's for years, but never secured a reservation.  Score!  Friday night, we had an amazing dinner (Italian) and I would have enjoyed it even more if I hadn't been running 6.2 the next morning.  This quote was on their menu and it's a great way to look at life:

It doesn't matter if we say the glass is "half empty" or "half full". What matters is that there's room for more wine.     - Anonymous

Game plan for 2015 is to get reservations at Elaine's for Saturday night and eat ALL the calories burned during the run!

Race morning ... so after Capitol 10K and walking miles at the Masters, Jerry's foot issue had him on injured reserves.  He went with me to the start and then took a cab out to the finish area. It was cold that morning, which was a benefit to all of us who ran.

There may have been drones in Austin, but we didn't see them.  I got a good shot of the drone that followed us along the way to snap photos and keep the runners safe.

Here I am looking happy to be finished.  It's a good race and the course is flat, but there's something about that last 1.5 miles inside the City Park that are not easy!

And here with my finisher's medal ... added a minute to my time over my Cap 10K results.  Fairly sure it was Elaine's fault!

Up close and personal with the mighty Mississippi ...

Jackson Square

Easter Sunday was beautiful and although we had to leave before the Easter Parade got going, we did walk down to see the carriages and this guy was ready to roll.

Farewell, New Orleans ... see ya next year!