Remember The Alamo

Rock ‘N’ Roll San Antonio takes over the historic Texas city this weekend.

Sitting in a hotel room in the shadow of the Alamo, it’s hard not to reflect on what some people are willing to sacrifice in order to fulfill a dream. To be honest, the Hyatt is NOT in the shadow of the Alamo, since the Alamo itself is remarkable small considering it’s significance. But, you get the point.

I’m here for the Rock ‘n’ Roll San Antonio Marathon and Half Marathon. I’ve been so San Antonio several times now, and it’s one of those cities that opens up like a flower. It takes more than one trip to see and understand what’s here.

Everyone starts with the Alamo, and for good reason. It’s more than just a monument, it’s an icon of what it means to be a Texan. The battle there has become the standard by which courage and determination are measured.

Then, most folks take in the River Walk. Since I visited San Antonio the first time, in the mid-1990’s, the River Walk has developed into a wonderful collection of restaurants and shops and historic sites. I walked for about an hour this afternoon and will do a long run in the morning. I’m looking forward to it.

San Antonio seems like the perfect blend of Tex-Mex. Even walking down the street the smells coming out of the restaurants are a blend of the familiar and the exotic. I”m hungry almost all the time.

We’re all winding down the Rock ‘n’ Roll series for 2009. After San Antonio there;s just Las Vegas left. But then we’ll all gather again in Phoenix for the Rock ‘n’ Roll Arizona event and we’ll be back at it again.

I can’t wait.