But first, let’s back up to yesterday and the race expo.
Ryan and I arrived in Savannah a little before 3 p.m. yesterday and drove immediately to the Rock ‘n’ Roll race expo to pick up our race bibs and t-shirts and check out the various booths.
(For those who asked, I bought my jacket last year at Off 5th – the Saks Fifth Avenue Outlet – and the brand is 548.)
Even on Friday afternoon, the city of Savannah was already overflowing with runners. They had banners welcoming runners along the streets!
There was a bit of traffic as we tried to get to the expo, but we made it inside without too much trouble and were able to pick up our race bibs and shirts without a problem. (Apparently those who arrived after 4 p.m. were met with way more traffic and an overflowing expo. I heard the Rock ‘n’ Roll people had to extend the expo by an hour. Phew!)
I enjoyed walking around, browsing and taste-testing various food and drink samples. (There was one protein “cookie” that tasted like a KitKat and I did a couple of circles around that booth.)
Ryan and I were also excited to see two former contestants from The Biggest Loser at the expo, Dan and his mom Jackie!
Remember them?
There was a line to get your picture taken with them and I wished there would’ve been more of an opportunity to talk to them because I would love to know more about what it was like to train with Bob and Jillian! I think the “behind the scenes” Biggest Loser gossip would be so interesting and I’m sure they never get asked about it ever.
We spent about an hour at the race expo before heading out to check into our hotel and get some dinner.
Green Truck Neighborhood Pub
After doing some quick research on yummy local restaurants in the hotel room, we decided to try Green Truck Neighborhood Pub.
Turns out, it was a fantastic choice. The place was quaint and had so much character. A definite local gem! We knew right when we walked through the doors that we made a good choice!
To start we split a bowl of chili non-carne (aka vegetarian chili) that tasted hearty and comforting.
It was served with crusty bread that we annihilated before I whipped out my camera.
For our entrees, I opted for a huge salad topped with spiced candied nuts, gorgonzola cheese, caramelized balsamic onions apple and balsamic vinaigrette dressing.
I don’t know how to say this without it being a total “TWSS” line, but the nuts were so good! They really made the meal.
I also ate about half of Ryan’s fries.
For the record, his burger, which was topped with a fried egg, bacon, cheese and homemade pickles, was fantastic. Highly recommended!
I really wish they had a restaurant like the Greek Truck Neighborhood Pub in Ocala. They focused on homemade, organic foods and the food was clearly fresh and the flavors were so vibrant. I want to go back before we leave on Sunday!
After dinner, we had plans to meet up with some blogger friends for frozen yogurt, but got derailed.
Flat tire.
What is with us and car issues this week!? Fortunately Ryan was wonderful and changed the flat tire for us. Thank goodness!
When we got back to our hotel room, we ate a bunch of the free samples from the race expo and went to bed around 10 p.m. in preparation for an early morning wake up call for the big race!
Race recap to come!
Lena @ Fit on the Rocks says
I saw your time on Twitter. Amazing job getting that done in under 2 hours!! Makes the flat tire and all the traffic worth it 🙂
The Dandelion Girl says
I love the rock n roll series… I ran San Antonio its first year and plan on (hopefully) running St. Louis this next year if I’m good to go medically.
Grats on the sub 2 as well!
Sana says
Those fries look soo good! Congrats on the half!
Annette @ EnjoyYourHealthyLife says
Wahoo!! You are there–can’t wait to hear how it goes 🙂
That salad does look super delicious. I love nuts on salads! <—totally makes it extra special!
Mama says
That was your third car problem. That is it, if the superstitions are right. Congratulations on your finish! Woowee. Love you!
Savannah @ Sweet and Savvy says
SOunds like so much fun! Can’t wait to hear how the race went ! 🙂
kathleen @ the daily crumb says
oh no! can’t believe you had another car issue. good thing ryan knew how to change it… i wouldn’t have the slightest clue where to start.
super cute jacket!
Jessica @ Sushi and Sit-Ups says
Can’t wait to hear about your race! I love eggs on my burgers. I love a runny yolk on pretty much anything…
Emily says
Congrats on the race!!
Also, I am super jealous you are in Savannah, it is my hometown! Enjoy the city!
Tamara says
I’ve always been curious about the Green Truck Pub…good to know!
We have sooo many good restaurants in Savannah(NOT lady and sons though….way overrated). Anyways, one that may not be mentioned is Kasey’s Grille. It’s in a strip mall near Memorial Hospital on Water’s Ave…and it is fantastic.
If you go, you MUST order the Kasey’s chips, which are home-made potato chips with blue cheese sauce. Even if you don’t like blue cheese, you will love these.
The entree’s are all artfully prepared and it’s a tiny little cozy venue, quite off the beaten path of downtown(it’s in mid-town). Whenever company comes to visit, we ALWAYS take them to Kasey’s.
For lunch on Sunday if you have time, you should definitely go to the Soho Cafe and get the tomato soup and grilled cheese sandwich. Trust me, it’s the best ever(and I don’t even like tomato soup!)
Lindsay @ biking before bed says
Can’t wait for the race recap! Since reading all of your and Tina’s posts about doing the rock and roll marathon I did a bit of research… apparently you can go to the expo even if you are not running the race?! I should start going on the race expo circuit.
chelsey @ clean eating chelsey says
I love Savannah! Where was the Expo at? I know that right downtown the traffic can be downright annoying!
PS – Those biggest loser contenstants live in the town over from me. We were next to them at a Jimmy Buffett tailgating event! haha!
Katie @ Peace Love and Oats says
I am OBSESSED with the biggest loser! I would have loved to be able to ask them about behind the scenes stuff!
Emily says
did you know November is National Peanut Butter Lover’s Month?
http://www.nationalpeanutboard.org/classroom-funfacts.php
🙂
Emily says
Looking forward to your recap! I wish we had a place like that restaurant here, too!
Brittany @ GOtheXtraMile says
Sounds awesome I can’t wait for the recap! 😀
Aine @ Something to Chew Over says
Can’t wait to hear all about it! 🙂
erica says
aw man, what’s with all the car trouble???
loooove that jacket!!!
and i saw your twitter! congrats! awesome job!
Sarah @ SarahFit says
Congrats on getting under 2 hours!! I’ve interviewed a few BL contestants and they are pretty boring to be honest. They can’t say much of anything contractually. The only cool fact is that weigh in’s are in the morning and then that day, they eat and drink pretty much whatever so they don’t look dehydrated on camera. The night before they go into sauna’s and wear lots of clothes to drop the water weight.
Cait @ Beyond Bananas says
Congrats on your sub 2:00 half, Julie!
Race expos are fun! I am so glad I finally ran a race that had a legit expo! Must have been cool to see those biggest losers too! I would love to know the secrets of what goes on at the ranch!!
Alaina says
Woo! Sub 2 hour?? That’s awesome Julie! I can’t wait to read all about it! 🙂
Khushboo says
Congrats on a sub-2 hour race!!!
stevie says
I was driving through old town the other day and didn’t realize it till I ran over it but I hit a big stick. The next morning someone pointed out to me that I had a flat tire. There also happened to be snow all over the road that morning. Luckily I was right next to a tire place when it was pointed out to me. Sorry you had to experience the same thing, quite the bummer!
Ashley says
My sister introduced me to your blog about two months ago by making me pumpkin protein pancakes( which were terrific by the way). I also ran in the rock ‘n roll half marathon in savannah today. What corral were you in? I was in 12 and accomplished my goal of completing under two hours as well!
Courtney says
I’m Ashley’s sister and we LOVE your blog. Needless to say we searched for you at the Expo and today at the race! This was my very first half marathon so I have used your blog as motivation to run and work out!
Ashley @ My Food 'N' Fitness Diaries says
Looks like such a fun expo! That’s awesome you saw a couple of Biggest Loser contestants! When I worked at the gym, there was a contestant home for break, and I asked her a bazillion questions about training with Jillian and Bob. It was so interesting and fun to talk to her! She said in real life Jillian is SO sweet.
chelsea says
That restaurant looks so yummy! I hope to go to a race expo one day 🙂 They look like such a great experience!
Charlie- The Runner Beans says
looks delicious. Do you have any expo tips? I will be attending my first one in April and have the impression that I am going to be REALLY overwhelmed!
Laura@mypurposefullife says
I love race expos. They are so much fun and always make the race seem so “real” after all the training. That pre-race dinner looks so good! Haha love the comment about the nuts. 🙂