A.i.R. Adventures in Running: Houston Rockets vs Miami Heat

Getting off work at 5:30; I quickly changed into Rockets apparel and we headed into town taking the scenic route along Allen Parkway. All my recent memories of this route remind me of the Rhythm and Blues Half Marathon and 5k which is a story for another time. Parking at Discovery Green brings back memories of the Houston Marathon because that is where the Expo was held and I finished my first Half Marathon on that street. Also, I have spent numerous special occasions at Discovery Green like my 18^th birthday. The beginning of the evening was filled with reminiscing.

Once we got out of the parking garage we were greeted with freezing air with mist clinging to anything in sight…We were starving and didn't want to pay an exorbitant amount for cheap food at the game, so we got tacos at the park’s restaurant. Surprisingly they were pretty good for a seemingly rinky-dink restaurant. Rushing to the Toyota Center after dinner to get back into warm, dry air we were soon surrounded by a mix of Miami Heat and Houston Rockets fans. There was a makeshift Rockets band and cheer group all painted up and slightly intoxicated...truly taking to heart the meaning of pre-gaming.

Our seat were in the nose bleeds. Even the near 7 feet giants were barely a centimeter tall from our vantage point, but I do not believe there is a bad seat in the house especially because of the massive TV’s. As the game started I immediately noticed the announcer and his enthusiasm when announcing a basket for the Rockets; however, when he announced something pertaining to the Heat he sounded like the teacher from Ferris Bueller’s Day Off…replace “Bueller” with “Lebron….James.” The stark contrast was highly entertaining throughout the game.

This game was really good!! The Rockets were leading throughout the entire game and only tied it up a few times in the second half. The fans were split between wanting the rockets to win and watching Lebron James make some pretty incredible plays! In the end the Rockets won 106 to 103 with Lebron missing the game tying three pointer at the buzzer. Rockets fans went pretty crazy and the cheers and chants were echoing down the stairwells as everyone exited the arena and continued well into the streets of downtown Houston.