April 27, 2016 - Things seem to be settling down after a crazy month. Â Now I finally have time to update you on all the happenings.
During the last week of April, I was in Las Vegas for a conference. My long time climbing partner (LTCP) was also attending the same conference so we decided to meet up for an early morning run.  But at the last minute, he couldn’t make it so I went off on my own.
My plan: To do a 2-mile run along the Strip. Â I was staying at the MGM Grand. Â Those of you familiar with Las Vegas would know that my side of the street did not have much to see (until you reach the Paris Hotel). Â As such, I decided to head over to the other side where it was much more scenic. Â To get there, I needed to climb some stairs and cross over the pedestrian bridge. Â
Within minutes, I was in front of the New York New York Hotel and Casino. Â I felt like I was in another part of the country...well, at least a cheesier version.
From the Big Apple of the West, I ran past the Monte Carlo Hotel.  At this point, my shins began to hurt, something that haven’t happen for a while.  I suspect it had to do with the pavement of the of the street where I was running, which was mainly tiled and slick.  So just a friendly warning for those who are planning to run the Strip.
Eventually, I passed a CVS.  There was no way to cross the street at the next traffic light (Aria Drive) so I had to make a left along the Mandarin Oriental.  You’ll quickly come to a set of stairs that’ll take you to another bridge.
You see an amazing view of the Aria Hotel from the bridge and it’s hard not to stop to take a picture.  The bridge led me to The Shop of Crystals.  That’s when I stopped, turned around, and made my way back.
Overall, it was a nice run. Â The weather was cool, and a little breezy, during the early morning hours (7-8am). Â Surprisingly, there were actually quite a lot of runners.
Things to watch out for?  Again, the pavement is tiled so it’s really hard on the legs.  Also, the morning is when the City hoses down the streets so be careful because they can get slippery.