Portland Rock N Roll: Where to Stay

I started doing Rock N Roll races in 2009, and have since done several a year. The races are held in some of America's greatest cities, and in addition to taking in the sites and sounds of the city over 13.1 miles, I love experiencing the culture and character of the cities during my stay. 

Although I have spent quite a bit of time here, one of my favorite cities and places to run is Portland:

One thing I love about staying downtown Portland {and also a necessity when booking a hotel} is being able to park my car for the weekend, and walk & take public transportation everywhere.          And of course, being close walking distance to my all time favorite Starbucks is always a plus:

Here are my three favorite places to stay downtown:

 The Nines photographs courtesy of From Home To Roam

Perhaps my favorite hotel in Portland, The Nines is perfectly located for all of your downtown Portland needs.  Near shopping and the MAX light rail, kitty-corner to Pioneer Place and Nordstrom, and .5 miles from the start of the race. 

While staying at The Nines, make sure to enjoy a meal at their main restaurant, Urban Farmer.   In my opinion, they have the best breakfast in town. 

"Our menus reflect an emphasis on Northwest, sustainable ingredients and simple, straightforward preparations. We offer a range of beef options including grass-fed Oregon beef, pasture-raised, grain-finished beef, as well as corn-fed beef. Our beverage program extends the theme of local and sustainable with a 350-bottle wine list, beer selections from the Portland city limits and cocktails made with Oregon spirits. Focusing on sustainable practices, Urban Farmer creates a connection between the diner and our local farmers, ranchers, distillers and winemakers"

Located right on the waterfront, and just blocks from the start is the Riverplace Hotel:

Their pillow top beds are beyond amazing and their customer service is exceptional.  One of my favorite traditions of staying at the Riverplace, which I highly recommend, is ordering room service milk and cookies. Oh my! The cookies are warm and gooey, and make the perfect late night {or anytime} snack.  

The Westin, a boutique hotel, is located in the heart of downtown Portland {.6 miles from the start} with beautiful rooms, great views, comfy beds, and a huge bathroom with a "rain" shower {if you're all about a nice bathroom, this is the place to stay :) }

If you are not within walking distance, I highly recommend taking the Max light rail to start of the race...convenient and avoids the hassle of finding parking downtown. I use the PDX Bus app for schedules, etc. 

If you haven't already registered for the Portland Rock N Roll, use discount code "HOLLYROCKS" and save $10

Portland Rock N Roll

Two of my favorite things: A Rock n Roll event AND Portland, OR...YES PLEASE!!! After doing the Country RnR in Nashville a couple of years ago, I had a goal to do all of the RnR events {but that is going to be a little difficult now because they continue to add more events every year}; so, you can only imagine my excitement when I heard they would be doing one in PORTLAND!!!  I know RnR receives quite a bit of criticism, especially due to the fact that they are pretty expensive; but I love them because they are extremely well organized, have LOTS of people {I am not a fan of small races}, are high energy, offer great course support, are in fabulous cities, and are always tons of fun.  

I am training for a marathon {surprise, surprise, its another RnR event}, so I viewed this as a training run {still with the goal in mind to finish with a good time}, and while I didn't officially taper for it, I did take is easier-than-normal the week before. So without further adieu here is a photographic journey through the  Portland RnR!

The expo!

He loves the blue!

Cheese!

Saturday I hung out with Caitlin {the pic of the two of us didn't turn out} at the NUUN booth & we had a hydration partay! {ugh, this pic is from my phone so its a lil blurry}

The Best Sherpa and Cow Bell Ringer! We love her!

I LOVE the character of Portland!

Only in Portland will you find a life-size game of Chess

We took a trip to Huber's for their famous Spanish Coffee

My mom never passes up a photo opportunity

 RACE DAY!!!!

 And we're off..

My dear friend Nicki, who I convinced to sign up for the race over a year ago! As I was going to meet her she text me that she just met two girls in Team-Sparkle skirts with NUUN tattoos...

...well those two girls just happened to be my new running friends Cass and Tasha! Tasha & I are teammates {AND Vanmates} for the NUUN Ragnar relay! It was so nice to meet both of them! 

Showing off our new "ink"!

And he's off, with the 1:45 pacer

Finishing...right around a 1:44! He's my inspiration!!!

Nicki finishing strong

I have yet to take a good running picture...

Post-race smiles 

He was one PROUD runner, and I was one proud daughter! 

I've never done a run {race or just for fun} in Portland that I didn't love, and the same was true for this one! Despite it being hillier than I anticipated, and raining {par for the course for Portland} it was a beautiful course and fun event.  I was hoping to go sub-2, and last minute decided to start with the 2:00 pacers {I figured I just needed to go for it}, and I held on until mile 7, then backed off a little! Despite not quite getting the sub-2, I was happy with my time {within a minute of my PR, which was on a FLAT course} and am pumped for the Seattle RnR marathon.