Today is National Running Day! Throw on your running shoes and start training for the Zappos.com Rock n’ Roll Las Vegas Marathon and ½ Marathon. Our friends from Rock n’ Roll Marathon got a taste of the Zappos VIP treatment when they toured our office. They also took a couple of photos of the flier around the office to get everyone excited for this year's marathon!

Zappos HQ gets ready for the Rock n' Roll Las Vegas Marathon! Left: The VIP Throne Right: Tony Hsieh's desk inside "Monkey Row"

Don’t miss out on this unique nighttime marathon experience! Register today at www.stripatnight.com.

Registration is now open for the Zappos.com Rock ‘n’ Roll Las Vegas Marathon & ½ Marathon. This is YOUR chance to experience Vegas like never before!

Don’t miss out - CLICK HERE to register today!

Building on their learned experiences since 2009 in closing and staging the Zappos.com Rock 'n Roll Las Vegas Marathon on the famed Las Vegas Strip, Competitor Group has developed a plan with the City of Las Vegas, Clark County and the businesses on The Strip that will accommodate the race’s growing popularity. The Competitor Group is committed to producing a seamless event that results in a world-class runner experience.

Check out the following changes to the 2012 event:

1.      Fully Dedicated Marathon Course:

           -Longer and earlier closure times of The Strip.

           -New start times: 3:00 pm for the Full Marathon and 4:30 pm for the Half Marathon.

           -2012 courses will merge together at approximately mile 10.6 (half-marathon) and mile 23.7 (full marathon).

          -Marathon-only lane for the last 2.5 miles of the course through fixed barricades, and clear separation between full and half marathon athletes. 

 2.      New, Improved Start Village

           -Start Village will now be located at the The Luxor (East side of Las Vegas Blvd between Hacienda and Reno). 

           - Improved layout offers participants more entrances to access the Start Line on Las Vegas Blvd. This will greatly assist runners locating and entering their designated corrals.

 3.      New, Mid-Strip Finish Line Location

           - New finish line location on Las Vegas Boulevard (near Caesar’s Palace & The Mirage) allows participants will be able to walk back to their respective hotel.

           - The total secure zone footprint is increasing from approximately 60,000 square feet to 86,000 square feet.

           - Gear Check will be located before exiting the secure zone. Locations will be split to decrease the amount of runner traffic and wait times.

 4.      Extended Wave Start Timeline

          - Wave start in 2012 will increase from 45 minutes to 90 minutes. 

          - Two to three minutes between corrals will be implemented to ensure appropriate spacing throughout the entire race experience.

 5.      Increased Security of Corrals

          - Increased security managing corral access to ensure participants are starting in their properly assigned corrals.

 6.       Improved Water Station Service

The study from the Southern Nevada Water Board and the Southern Nevada Health District proved conclusively there was no contamination from the water source used on the course in 2011.

          - Additional element of quality assurance to the on-course hydration.

          - Partnering with industry expert WaterMonster to deliver potable drinking water and Gatorade.

          -  Additional strict, visible sanitary requirements will be implemented through volunteers and WaterMonster.

 7.       Bigger and Better Health & Fitness Expo

          - The Health & Fitness Expo will be at the Sands Expo and Convention Center– 50,000+ additional square feet  with a separate entrance and exit, to provide more space for all expo visitors.

          - Special incentives and prizes offered to participants who visit the Expo on Friday.  More detail on this exciting program to come soon!

The Zappos.com Las Vegas Rock n’ Roll Marathon is almost here! We’re getting excited for race day, wrapping up our training and looking forward to the unique opportunity to run the famous Las Vegas strip at night.

To rally more volunteers for the big day, a few Zapponians greeted people outside our offices with a mock water station last week.

We hope to see all of you at the marathon this Sunday, whether it’s cheering on friends and family, volunteering at water stations, or running the race.

It’s always a good idea to simulate a race environment.  Keeping your “A” race in mind, practice before the big day!

Do’s and Don’ts about Pre-Race Racing

-Wear the same outfit you’re going to wear on your big day including any hydration belts or camelbacks

-Eat the same foods during the day making sure your stomach holds up in a race environment

-Remember this is not your ultimate season race; do not sacrifice yourself for a race that is just for practice

-Push yourself, but don’t forgo your training for the upcoming weeks

-Mentally practice last few miles and visualize how they may feel on race day; What are you going to do to get to your goal in December?

-If this will be your first race ever, choose a practice race that is of a shorter distance.

Happy Training!!!

Happy Labor Day everyone! I hope you’re enjoying a fun long weekend and finding some time to get your runs in!

Today’s Motivational Monday is all about hydration.

The human body is 65-70% water weight.  This great stuff keeps your body temperature regulated, blood volume in line, throws those waste products out the window, maintains blood pressure and lots of other vital stuff.

It is hard enough to get through the work day when you are dehydrated; those annoying distracting like headaches, nausea, and extreme tiredness can really be a drag, but it’s even more difficult to exercise when dehydrated.  Here are some handy tips to staying healthy and hydrated all day:

1.Try to drink water with the goal of having your urine turn pale yellow to clear by mid afternoon. This means your lean machine is topped off with hydration and ridding itself of all those icky waste products.

2. Drink when thirsty. All day, every day even at happy hour!

3. Drink before you run.  Top off your tank with 8 ounces (1 cup) 30 to 60 minutes of starting your exercise session

4. Water is fine for workouts 60 minutes or less.  For longer workouts a sports drink is needed to refuel your electrolytes.

5. Drink 16-20 ounces of fluid while you cool down.

6. Weigh yourself before and after your workout (no clothes!)  Every pound you lose during your workout equates to 2 cups of fluid lost.  Do this a few times and you can estimate your specific fluid needs during exercise.

7. Be aware of climate changes.  If it is hot, there’s change in humidity, or  your are at high altitude your body will require more fluid than usual.

8. Take water with you!  Bring along a bottle and drink 4 ounces every 15 minutes.

9. Know the signs of dehydration: Nausea after exercise, dark yellow urine, dry/sticky mouth, and dizziness= you need water A.S.A.P.!

To sign up for the Zappos.com Las Vegas Rock n' Roll Marathon and 1/2 Marathon, click HERE. Happy running!