Marathon Day, part 1

If you are just tuning in, you can read the beginning of the marathon story here.

Kevin and I had been in the city the Saturday before the marathon to attend the expo. The expo takes place over three days before the actual marathon. At the expo you pick up your race chip, race number and various and sundry other items. Vendors come from all over and we were able to amass quite the assemblage of free carp. Some of the items that we annexed were runner gels, electrolyte replacing drink crystals to mix with water, pencils, stickers, gel inserts, magazines, and shoelaces. Also in attendance were doctors, chiropractors, and running experts. There were also places to purchase official marathon gear. There were drawings and giveaways, and activities. If you love free stuff, this is the place to be. It was oodles of fun.


Anyone can attend the expo, but attendees have to show their official race registration card to obtain their chip and number. We had taken the bus into the city for the expo and I was a nervous wreck thinking that I would lose the card. I think that I was annoying and control freakish concerning the ticket, but I will have to ask my husband to double check. I am sure he will say that I was100% delightful.

While in attendance at the expo they ask that you fill out the medical information form on the back of your race number following pickup. They say that this will help ensure that you receive the proper assistance on race day, should the need arise. Translation? If you die or don't make it to the finish line they want to know who to contact to come and remove your body from the road in Brooklyn.

You thought I was exaggerating, didn't you? (Click to enlarge)

After we were finished at the expo we decided to go and grab a late lunch. I love eating in the city. It makes me feel so metropolitan, and cool.

After we finished eating, we headed back to the bus at Port Authority. I could not help but think about the race. For months it was an event that I was going to participate in, something far off. A thing of mystery. Now it was here. In less than 24 hours it would all be put to the test. I was nervous.

My training. Did I log enough miles? Should I have completed another long run? Did I taper too soon? Should I have done more sprints?

My preparation. Did I do enough carbohydrate loading the past week? Did I hydrate adequately this week? Were my sneakers broken in enough? Where was my race chip?

All of those thoughts were swirling in my mind like a tornado and I was afraid that I would not be able to sleep that night.


Tune in next week to see if I slept, and for the day of the marathon. You don't want to miss the story about the world's longest urinal.