2014 Rock n Roll NOLA Expo

Somewhere in my marathon fog of a brain, I said I would have my Rock n Roll New Orleans race recap up today. For starters, I don’t think I expected to hurt this much after the race. I spent an hour yesterday afternoon with my orthopedic massage therapist who tried to work out the kinks in my neck, back, hips, IT Bands, thighs, and calves. Yes, I’m a mess…(more on that later). Thank you, crazy Louisiana weather.

After deliberating it over in my mind, I decided I needed a few additional days before sharing my journey through the streets of New Orleans.

Have no fear, though! The party is just getting started…right at the beginning, too!  (Isn’t that the best place to start?)

I give you….the Rock n Roll New Orleans Expo!



On Saturday morning, we woke up before the sun to begin our 3+ hour drive to New Orleans. I was attempting to make it to the Expo in time to attend the Tweetup, but unfortunately, that didn’t happen.
When Jason and I arrived in downtown New Orleans, we first stopped to pick up one of my BRF’s (Kelli) before making our way to the Expo. The Rock n Roll New Orleans Expo was held at the Ernest N Morial Convention Center in downtown New Orleans. Thankfully, my husband is a wonderful guy and agreed to drop Kelli and I off at the front door before parking the car in the lot across the street.



We made it!



We passed through the red carpet area and into Check-In.



This was Rock n Roll New Orleans 5th year and for this special anniversary, they decided to do a few special things for their 5 year runners.



We had our own bib pick up station which wasn’t crowded at all (yay)!  I walked right up with no wait…score! :0)



After nabbing my bib, Kelli and I made a bee-line for the stage (which happened to be in the very back corner of the room). I knew I missed the Tweetup, but I still wanted to say hi to a few fellow blogger friends!



The first person I saw was Mindy – we met at last year’s Rock n Roll New Orleans Expo and it was really nice to see her again! :0) I was also able to chat with Abby for a few minutes – it was great meeting her for the first time!



These guys also graciously invited me to be a part of their photo, even though I didn’t get to attend the official event. It was great to see everyone!

After saying our goodbyes, we continued to meander through the Expo. I ran into a few more familiar faces…



Nicole (we made plans to run the full together)…



…and Abby, a fellow Dumbo runner (we were never able to meet-up in Disneyland, so it was nice to finally meet her in NOLA!). We connected at the Expo via Fred & Twitter…yay social media! :D



Ready to Rock n Roll!!



We had to re-create our silly photo from last year’s Louisiana Marathon Expo…what can I say? We love to goof off!



The Brooks area received a spiffy update this year in the form of a Tropical theme!



As participants entered the “Island”, they were asked to fill out information on an iPad and a personal passport was printed. The passport could be used for various events inside the Island – Gait Analysis, a “Wild Shoe” ride, and a few carnival type games. If participants completed all of the events and had their passports scanned at each event, they were eligible for a thermal tote. We decided to skip the extra events because the line for the gait analysis was LONG. Instead, we took our passport to the “freebies” booth and we each received a tshirt!



We loved our shirts!!

Walking through the vendors area, we taste tested a few Power Bar samples (Vanilla/Peanut Butter Chocolate bars, several flavors of energy blasts, and a few flavors of Performance Blends).



I liked the energy chews myself! The Peanut Butter Chocolate Power Bar was pretty good as well!



We couldn’t resist a silly “Got Chocolate Milk” photo!

I also stopped by and purchased a Sweaty Band (I do at every Expo – gotta match my outfits), and I tried on a Flip Belt. I was just about to purchase one when I was told their shipment didn’t arrive because of the crazy Louisiana storm. I was offered a discount code, though…pretty sure I’m going to take them up on that offer!



Finally, we were able to taste test three sample flavors of GU – Apple Cinnamon, Salted Watermelon, and Caramel Macchiato. My favorite was Caramel but then again, if caramel is involved it will always be my favorite!



Before continuing on our way, we stopped by the Wall of Fame for a quick 5 year photo…



…and I picked up a few 5 year runner gifts from the Rock n Roll Booth. Each 5 year participant received a t-shirt of their choice size (which was nice) and a 5 year key chain.

Overall, it was a nice Expo and I enjoyed wandering through, checking out all of the vendors. It was fun to see so many familiar (and new) faces. I just love the atmosphere at an Expo – everyone's excited and nervous about their upcoming race…there’s nothing quite like it!

What’s your favorite part of an Expo?

FitBox Review

I realize I’ve been doing a lot of reviews on nutritional boxes here recently, but bear with me – I’ve found another good one!

Per their website:

FitBox is a new concept in sports nutrition discovery, designed for passionate athletes such as triathletes, cyclists, runners, swimmers and more. FitBox helps these athletes discover better sports nutrition products by delivering a package of sample sized products each month. Inside each FitBox package is a variety of brands and product categories, which changes each month.

The idea for FitBox began when our company founder was searching for the best race-day nutrition for his personal tastes and needs. The variety of sports nutrition products on the market was overwhelming, and he wasted a lot of time choosing the best products based on trial and error. Our founder wished there was a way to sample the huge variety of products on market, and so FitBox was born!



When April’s FitBox arrived at my front door, I was so excited to open it, I hardly contained myself! The box was so jam packed with goodies, the top did not want to stay closed!



When I say jam packed, I mean it!



Inside were several items I’ve been interested in trying – Honey Stingers gel, Nuun, and Propel to name a few!

PowerBar



PowerBar Chocolate Energy Gel - Each Gel is designed with 27-28 grams of PowerBar’s C2MAX dual source energy blend, which can help deliver 20 to 50 percent* more energy to your muscles. Not only that, PowerGel® Energy Gels have the most sodium** of any leading gel on the market.

PowerBar Triple Threat Energy Smores Bar - Triple Threat® bars can help build lean muscle and provide sustained energy. PowerBar® Triple Threat® bars contain high-quality protein, and they’re a good choice for use after high-intensity exercise. Made with natural flavors, they also provide a source of calcium, iron, and vitamin B6.

PowerBar Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein Plus Bar - Build lean muscle as you train with the help of PowerBar’s ProteinPlus Bar 22g. A great way to sustain your energy and help limit your sugar intake.

Honey Stinger



Honey Stinger Peanut Butter and Honey Bar - Our best selling flavor, Peanut Butter ‘n Honey will not disappoint. The perfect combination of peanut butter and honey makes this an extremely tasty bar.

Honey Stinger Energy Gel - Gold is the core of the Honey Stinger gel line. If you need a natural boost, Gold will pick you up.

Hydration





Cytomax - CYTOMAX contains electrolytes — including sodium, potassium, magnesium and calcium for optimal hydration during fitness activities.

Ultima Replinisher - We call our Orange "Orangey Orange" because it tastes so Orangey.  Along with the standard electrolyte balance led by potassium, Orange contains a citrus fruit blend full of nutrients such as quercetin, rutin and hesperedin. Those specs of deep orange you can see in the powder? Those are tiny pieces of orange peel that make Ultima Orange the Orangiest Orange drink you ever had. (I’m going to drink this in the morning along with my breakfast!)

Nuun - Nuun is hydration, without the sugar – a refreshing alternative to many of the options in the beverage market today. On average, Americans consume 130 pounds of sugar per person, per year. Sugar has been directly related to heart disease, metabolic syndrome and diabetes. Beverages containing large amounts of sugar can accelerate the dehydration process. Sugar requires water from the body in order to be digested, leaving less water to properly fuel muscle and brain function. With zero sugars and only 8 calories in each 16oz. bottle, Nuun is a smart choice for hydration.

Propel Zero - Propel Zero gives you vitamins C, E & B and anitioxidants. So you can replenish, energize, and protect with zero calories and no added color.

Snacks



Oskri Fig Bar - Oskri is a manufacturer of food products located in Lake Mills, Wisconsin. Some of the products we offer are; snack bars, crunches, dried fruit, preserves, spices and much more. (This bar was delicious – really reminded me of a Fig Newton bar!)

I still have several products to test but overall, I LOVED this box and the items inside!

FitBox has several different ordering options:
1 month subscription – $19.95
3 month subscription – $44.99
6 month subscription – $84.00
12 month subscription – $167.00

As you can see, purchasing several months at a time saves in cost. I felt as if this FitBox was well worth the mentioned $19.95 and I would definitely consider a subscription to FitBox in the future!
Currently, FitBox does not have a runner referral program.

Disclaimer: All product descriptions were taken directly from each product’s website. The reviews and opinions expressed here are completely my own. I was provided free product by FitBox for review.

What’s the best surprise item you’ve ever received in a monthly box?