New Orleans is showing her prowess and ability to compete amongst any city in the world on all levels (yet, again) with tomorrow’s Rock N’ Roll Mardi Gras Marathon.

As the Times-Picayune reported:

On Sunday morning, the Rock ‘n’ Roll Mardi Gras Marathon & Half-Marathon will draw more than 15,000 entrants from all 50 states and 18 countries…New Orleans-area athletes comprised about 16 percent of the field. Seventy-two percent, officials said, will arrive from outside Louisiana.

Live music will accompany the field. Twenty-four stages will be constructed that will host 35 bands playing throughout the event’s duration. A festival starting at 6 p.m. at City Park will mark the day’s close.

And here is something that no other ½ Marathons have been honored with from Running-Advice.com

New Orleans, LA -– This Sunday’s Rock ‘n’ Roll Mardi Gras Marathon & 1/2 Marathon will showcase perhaps the most dynamic half-marathon duel ever staged on American soil. 2008 Olympic Marathon gold medalist and half marathon world record holder Sammy Wanjiru will battle head-to-head against fellow Kenyan and three-time London Marathon champion Martin Lel.

New Orleans attracts world class athletes to compete in her streets and battle it out.   This is the kind of news and information to talk about when you talk about New Orleans to other people.  This is very positive PR for our city.

It’s New Orleans…so to ask people to not drink beer – is well, unrealistic and stupid.  What we can expect is that people drink responsibly, in moderation and preferably beer that will have a smaller impact on their mid-section.

Quite honestly, I was pretty taken back last year watching the participants from The Ochsner Ironman 70.3 New Orleans kick back Abita beers after the race.  After seeing that last year – I’m not shocked to find out their will be alcohol consumption this weekend at the Rock N’ Roll Mardi Gras Marathon (1/2) and at the Health and Fitness Expo (this is such an oxymoron).

I received a Press Release on MGD 64, the beer sponsor of the Rock N’ Roll Mardi Gras Marathon (we get nothing for posting this information) and although I debated not posting it – like I stated above, to ask people to not drink beer at all is ludicrous, so I might as well give you information to convince you to choose a light beer.

Again, we do not encourage or promote beer consumption.  This is not the full release.

MGD 64 Lightens Things Up

Brand To Reward 64^th Place Racers with Exclusive Prize Packs at First-Ever

Rock ‘n’ Roll Mardi Gras Marathon & ½ Marathon

As the official beer sponsor of the 2010 Rock ‘n’ Roll Mardi Gras Marathon & ½ Marathon, MGD 64 is adding a little fun and excitement for runners by awarding an exclusive prize pack to the 64^th place marathon finishers.

Proving that everyone can appreciate the reward of an MGD 64, the brand will gift exclusive prize packs to the 64^th place finishers* in each of the thirteen age categories.  Winners will receive a gift pack with branded MGD 64 apparel, a pedometer, a subscription to Triathlete Magazine, Inside Triathlon or VeloNews, and other great items.

“MGD 64 compliments the lifestyle of today’s active consumers,” said Tristi Pfeiffer, MGD 64 marketing manager. “By recognizing the 64^th place finishers, we have the opportunity to show participants that no matter where they finish, the fresh, crisp taste of MGD 64 is always the perfect reward.”

Not limiting the excitement to race participants alone, MGD 64 will be hosting an area at the pre-race Health & Fitness Expo at the New Orleans Morial Convention Center where legal-drinking-age consumers can receive product information and samples of the 64-calorie beer.  MGD 64 also will offer a race-day cheering section located approximately 0.64 miles before the finish line, providing spectators the perfect spot to grab some giveaway items and give that final push of encouragement to runners.

… With just 64 calories and 2.4 grams of carbohydrates, MGD 64 has steadily grown in popularity with calorie-conscious consumers since it launched nationally in the summer of 2008…

Admittedly, the MGD64 Website is kinda cool – they have a calorie counter that lets you see 64 Calories of your favorite drinks.

Next weekend – it’s all about health and fitness in New Orleans! The Rock N’ Roll Marathon Series is coming to town for the Rock N’ Roll Mardi Gras Marathon & ½. Thousands of runners are ready to go (note: registration closes today, if you’re interested in running and not yet registered.)

As part of the Rock N’ Roll Mardi Gras Marathon & ½; there’s also a Health and Fitness Expo.  Here are the details:

For two days, over 60 exhibitors will offer free samples, showcase the latest in running gear, sports apparel, health & nutritional information and much more.  Pick up some last-minute race essentials before race day and be sure to visit the Brooks Official Merchandise Store to check out the wide selection of stylish souvenirs to commemorate your Rock ‘n’ Roll Mardi Gras experience.

The Health & Fitness Expo is FREE and open to the public so bring your family and friends!

• Dates: February 26-27, 2010
• Location: New Orleans Morial Convention Center, Hall C
• Expo Hours: Friday 11:30 am – 7:00 pm;  Saturday 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
• Free Admission: Open to the public

But I did say, there are TWO health fairs happening this weekend.  The other is being hosted by Lakeview Christian Center. There are offering free seminars from 10:30 am – 2:30pm; and have a long list of local exhibitors.  Check-out their website for more information.

• Dates: February 27^th, 2010
• Location: Lakeview Christian Center, 5885 Fleur de Lis Drive
• Expo Hours: 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
• Free Admission: Open to the public

Also happening next week is Tulane University Prevention Research Center seminar on “The Role of Public Policy in Obesity Prevention” presented by Joseph Thompson, M.D.,  Director, Robert Wood Johnson Foundation Center to Prevent Childhood Obesity Director, and Arkansas Center for Health Improvement Surgeon General, State of Arkansas.

• Dates: February 26, 2010
• Location: Tidewater Room 1208 – 1440 Canal St
• Hours: 12-1pm
• Free Admission: Open to the public

Mardi Gras 1/2 Marathon 2007

In 2007, I had taken up running to spend more time with my dad. He loves to run and I thought no better way to spend time with him then to do something active and healthy. I was NOT a long distance runner by any means but decided to become one for my dad. I use to run your occasional 5k or 10k for fun, but nothing like 13.1 miles (1/2 Marathon).  Well in February of 2007 I ran my first ever Mardi Gras 1/2 Marathon with my dad.

After completing my first 1/2 Marathon my dad asked me if I would be willing to train for a full marathon (26.2 miles) He said I could pick any destination I wanted to run and he would do it with me. Well of course, Maui popped into my head VACATION!!!! Then I thought about running in the 85 degree heat and that soon my excitement started to fade. Finally I decided and picked the Marine Corps Marathon in Washington D.C.  In October 2008, I completed my 1st Marathon with my dad, who is my inspiration. All 26.2 miles of it!!!

Matt, 35, Metairie

I just started running again recently and hadn’t ran since grammar school.  I usually ride bikes but I was getting bored with doing the same thing and I was looking for a way to burn more calories in a shorter period of time.  I started off just running a mile or two after work.  Each time I ran I would try to push myself a little bit further. I like the idea that running is just you and the ground.  Besides shoes and water, there is no other equipment you have to worry about. Everything else I do in life requires the best and usually the most expensive gear.  With running,  as long as you have a decent pair of shoes you are good to go.  After building up the endurance to run several miles I just wanted to see how far I could go.  I wanted to do the Mardi Gras half marathon to set a goal for myself and follow through with it.  I like having events to look forward to.  Luckily I got to train with a group.  This is the only reason I made it through my long runs. In the beginning I didn’t have the mental or physical strength to run for more than 30 minutes.  Over the weeks I learned that if I believed I could do it in my head, my body would follow.

Stephanie, 32, Metairie

I chose to train for the 1/2 marathon just to prove to myself that I could.  I never considered myself a runner and before this I had never ran more than one mile.  I now realize that with a little motivation and training I can acheive whatever I put my mind to. I have learned that my body can physically endure the runs. I just have to keep a positive mental outlook to complete my goal.

Elizabeth, 27, New Orleans

I am not a person to turn down a challenge. When the challenge came to train for the half marathon, I was willing to accept. I was very unsure that I could even do this being that I had never run in my life. Now through the encouragement of my team, I feel like I am ready to complete the challenge.

February 28th 2010 is the 1st ever Rock ‘n’ Roll Mardi Gras Marathon & 1/2 Marathon and will be my group’s 1st time running a 1/2 Marathon. I can not express the excitement and pride I feel about what my team is about to accomplish. I can not wait for them to cross that finish line. I told them from the beginning and it still holds true “There will be no man or woman left behind” and I mean it. We started this journey as a team and we will finish as a team.

In a 2008 New York Times article about the Half Marathon becoming the hottest new distance in running, it estimates that 650,000 people completed half marathons in the US in 2007. A Google search of the US population for 2007 gives a result of 301M total people. This would make the percentage of half-marathon finishers less than 1%.

It is truly an accomplishment in and of itself and I can’t wait to experience it with such an AMAZING group of people….and of course…… my dad who will be right by my side every step of the way.

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Emily Eoff received her M.S., in Health and Exercise Science from Louisiana Tech University, as well as, her B.S. in Kinesiology and Health Promotion. She also holds her personal training and group fitness instructor certificates from some of the leading certification programs in the country. As a motivator, role model, and leader, Emily brings nine years of experience in the health and fitness industry to her XLR8 Fitness business.

Is this your first time running a Marathon or ½ Marathon? We want to hear from you!

Whether you have decided to run the full marathon or the ½ marathon – it’s a big undertaking and we would love to hear and share your story.  What inspired you to sign-up to run? What has your training been like? What have you been learning about yourself in the process of preparing for the race?

There are many people in this city who would never think of training and running a marathon…so I know they would love to hear what is driving you to do it!!  This is your opportunity to share your story and perhaps inspire someone else to take-on the challenge of running a (½) marathon.

Email us at contact@befitnola.com with a paragraph or two telling us your story.  We’ll put the stories together and post them for others to get motivated and inspired!!