2016 was, without a doubt, an epic year for my running. From the races themselves to the friendships and travel, it was a season that reminded me why I fell in love with running in the first place.
Early in the year I was humbled and thrilled to be selected as a Rock ’n’ Roll Marathon Series ambassador again. Being part of this running ambassador team means more than promoting races — it’s about celebrating the series, sharing experiences on social media, and planning mini race-cations around the country. The energy of the Rock ’n’ Roll events—the live bands, the cheering crowds, and the post-race celebrations—makes every race feel like a party from start to finish.
This was my best year of running since my first season when I eagerly signed up for every local race I could find and paid the price with an injury from overdoing it. This time around I trained smarter, set realistic goals, and kept my enthusiasm in balance with recovery. I made promises to myself—about consistency, cross-training, and listening to my body—and I pushed through those promises with determination and patience.
The Rock ’n’ Roll series is about much more than chasing a personal record. The races are full of fun, community, and unforgettable finish-line moments. And yes, the medals are fantastic. I won’t pretend I’m only running for PRs; I love the bling, but I also love meeting new runners, reconnecting with old friends, and taking short trips to exciting cities. Those race weekends double as mini-vacations that recharge me as much as any long break.
One highlight this year was the swag box from the series. It felt like opening a treasure chest—well-designed gear and thoughtful items that make an ambassador feel valued. My partner, Stephen, watched me open the box and his eyes went wide. He admitted he’d almost bought me a jacket at an expo but hesitated because it didn’t have the back logo. That back logo matters to us—it’s a symbol of the team spirit and the connection we all share as part of the Rock ’n’ Roll community.
The little extras in the swag box—coupon cards and branded items—feel like small delights. Those hidden discount codes are genuinely useful and add extra value for training gear, race entries, or local vendors. Receiving high-quality swag and practical discounts reinforces why I enjoy being a part of this race series and this ambassador program.
For runners looking to join the fun, my ambassador discount code KATRINARUNS is active for several events: Washington DC, Mexico City, Nashville and Dallas. I plan to run Dallas and Nashville again, and I’m checking flights to see if I can make Washington DC fit into my schedule. Race travel is a wonderful way to explore new cities while keeping training goals on track.
Two weekends of travel racing with my birthday sandwiched in between sounds like a perfect plan. Getting older doesn’t mean slowing down—if anything it means running smarter and celebrating each season of life with friends and races.
If you want to follow along, use the hashtag #rocknblog on social media and find me @katrinaruns on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook. I love connecting with other runners, swapping race stories, and sharing tips for training, recovery, and choosing the best race swag.