Cleveland or Bust- 26.2 & Beyond

I brought all of my stretching tools and my yoga mat, but when I tried doing a downward dog it was too painful where the blisters were located. So I just sat for a little while before changing and showering. So did Rob, after all he wound up running over 12 miles in total.

After I showered, changed into a race shirt and threw my medal back on, we headed to the restaurant alleyway to find something to eat. As I was hobbling crossing the road, some half marathoners were coming towards me and noticed the different color ribbon of my full marathon medal and gave me some praise and smiles. It felt really good, especially because they all looked like typical runners. And I don't, haha. Which makes it all that more impressive. We settled at a pub and I had an amazing french dip sandwich and french fries. It tasted amazing but I wasn't super hungry. 

Best. Sandwich. Ever.

So I have been selfishly tooting my own horn, but I am so proud of my Dad who achieved his own new distance PR the morning I raced. My Dad started running when I did, and even though I'm not sure if he has ever followed an official training program, he has slowly built up his mileage and is working towards the Boilermaker 15k this summer. We have done tons of 5k's together and a couple 5 milers and so he decided to sign up for the Cleveland 10k and run on his own. So in addition to following me around Cleveland, and running back to the hotel to retrieve my bag, he set his own PR and pretty speedy if I do say so myself. Congrats Dad!

Way faster then me today. Way to go, Dad.

Since I didn't feel like doing much walking Rob and I headed back to the hotel after dinner. First we considered getting dessert and even looked to see what might be open on a Sunday night, but the search was short lived. I laid in bed and found a Duck Dynasty Marathon on A&E and proceeded to dip in and out of consciousness. Side note: any other runners out there think of running when there are TV marathons on? I do now! I woke up to the door of the room closing and Rob walking in. I had no idea he had left! When I asked what he had been doing he said he had gone out to the streets in search of something sweet. He was really craving ice cream. I suggested to check out the room service menu and to splurge on dessert. They had apple crisp with vanilla ice cream, so we ordered one to split with an extra scoop of ice cream.  

Oh it was so cold/warm and yummy!

After dessert we went to bed and when I woke up the first thing out of Rob's mouth was, "do you feel like you were hit with a Mack truck?". I was sore pretty much from head to toe. Things that were not bugging me the night before were stiff and achey. My legs felt kind of okay but my neck, shoulders and back were very sore. Also, because of the blisters and changing my gait as I walked around, I had some really killer shin splints. I threw my calf sleeves on and we slowly proceeded to the hotel restaurant for breakfast. We both had yummy breakfast wraps with potatoes. Since it was Monday morning we were surrounded by well dressed business types and then me, in my pajamas and with neon orange calves. I'm sure I was a looker! After breakfast we packed up and checked out of the hotel. We then headed over to the Rock n Roll Hall of Fame and arrived right after they opened. Along with about ten inner city school groups. Whoohoo, take a day off from work and see...Karma.   

Smaller building then I thought. 

We parked in the parking garage for the Science Center and we walked to the museum. It was CRAZY hot and humid out, even worse then the day before. I brought my medal with me and begged Rob to take my picture in front of the museum to make up for rushing off the day before. Notice my 26.2 headband?!

Once inside the museum we checked out all of the exhibits and I was very thankful for the escalators. Naturally I really enjoyed a small photography exhibit of 80's pop and rock musicians. There was no major (temporary) exhibition to see, so that was kind of disappointing. Overall, Rob and I had a good time and can check it off the list. Rob was just biding his time until we went in search for some local bike stores. We checked out the gift shop and I bought a magnet, might as well be a tourist.

As we were preparing to leave, out of nowhere my left foot suddenly felt very wet and my foot was slipping around in my flip flop. For a split second I actually thought that someone from above had spit down on us. Turns out the blister on the bottom of my foot popped, ewwww. We went outside and found a bench to sit on so I could clean my foot up with some tissues. My flip flop must have been rubbing against it and so it felt unpleasant during the walk back to the car. Good thing Rob gave me 48 hours of unlimited complaining! Since Rob had been so supportive during the marathon I thought I'd return the favor by driving him around Cleveland so he could check out some bike stores. I even promised that if one had a shop t-shirt I would buy it for him. We found "Joy Machines" and "Blazing Saddle" thanks to our handy dandy iPhone maps app. The guy (hipster) at Joy Machines was super impressed by my marathoness (yea, I made that up). We runners are sort of narcissistic aren't we?! Isn't that what this blog is all about, hehe. Either way, his adoration made me feel great!

Once we were done with the bike shops we decided to get on the road and find a place for a late lunch somewhere along the way. The trip back was uneventful. I was uncomfortable and probably should have stopped more to stretch, but I was ready to get home. I enjoyed the soda and junk food I had deprived myself of on the way down.

Oh yea, that happened multiple times.

So I sit here now, over two weeks since I ran 26.2 and haven't run a mile (or even a half mile) since. To be honest it just feels good to not have the pressure of training weighing down on me. My blisters have pretty much healed and I am convinced that most of my toe nails will be purple for a long time to come. Maybe I can find a shade of polish to match, so I can paint the others. I have been getting the itch more and more to run and I think since it is so beautiful out and I have nothing going on tonight, I might lace up the sneaks and hit the road. Maybe for 15 minutes maybe for a mile or two, but I just want to get back out there and feel the road under my feet. Which reminds me, time to go shopping for new kicks. If you see someone running around Fairport in a Cleveland shirt and 26.2 headband it is me!!!

I cannot thank you enough for coming along on this crazy adventure with me. Whether you have been here since January or are just joining me, I hope I have entertained you or helped you with your own journey. I'm considering changing the name of the blog, but other then that I am not going anywhere. Heck, I have a wedding to plan now!! From the bottom of my heart, thanks.

Thinking about joining the 26.2 club?

What should I rename the blog?

Maybe "See Steph Run"?

Cleveland or Bust- 26.2 The Finish

At mile 19 I don't know who my parents were happier to see, me or Rob. Turns out that Rob texted them that he was going to bandit the race with me. But what Rob hadn't realized was that my parents didn't know what bandit meant. They actually wound up googling it, haha. They were worried about leaving him behind in the hotel and in typical Rob fashion he didn't bring his cell with him during the run. Oh well. We were all reunited and the volunteers at mile 19 were smiling and happy to see me. There were some kids who had made water balloons, out of plastic gloves I think and as refreshing as the cool water would have felt, I politely declined. I welcomed some shade in the park and my parents lawn chair, oh and the salty pretzels too! It was at this point that I realized I didn't have a whole lot of the race left and I was happy that the next time I would see my parents would be at the finish line. It was also at this point that I pretty much begged, without really asking, Rob to stick with me for the remainder of the race. Even though he wasn't prepared at all to run over 12 miles in the end, he quietly applied sunscreen (even though he was already burned) and took in some fuel. I didn't really realize until I was back in the hotel room, but not many significant others would have done what he did for me, nor would they even be able to do the mileage that he wound up doing in all. Yup, very lucky.

As we moved through the aid station one volunteer held water for me the entire time I paused with my family and happily passed it to me as I went by. I think there was a Statue of Liberty too, maybe I hallucinated that. As we continued through the park there was more shade then we had before. Having Rob to talk to was such a great distraction but it was getting warmer. In the park their were mini gardens set up by different ethnic community groups. One had a fountain and I wanted to jump in! There were also really neat arched bridges that had arched passageways that we ran under. It was somewhere along the way that a race official came along and told all of us that we had to continue on the sidewalks. At this point there were the same familiar faces we had seen over the last few miles. Sometimes we would pass them, sometimes they would pass us, but we all tried to smile and encourage each other.

Ice, Ice Baby.

As we approached mile 21 there was another aid station and a medical station too. I went to the medical station and asked if they had any ice I could use to keep cool. I remember at the Boilermaker last year, one thing that really helped me from over heating was keeping chunks of ice in my hands. While the man opened a cooler and pulled out a couple bags, I saw a couple runners laying down on beds under the tent, and hoped that I had enough in me to make it to the finish line and to be smart about it. The man rolled one of the bags of ice and placed it on my neck under the collar of my shirt, he gave me a second bag as well. He also gave me some advice about putting water over the top of my head saying that it was really important to keep the top of my head cool.

Up until this point we were doing a steady amount of running and walking. But for the next couple miles we would just walk. I knew we were getting closer to the lake and I was hoping that there would be some of the breeze that we had experienced earlier in the day. I was wrong. Just more heat and direct sunlight. As we left the park and entered into what seemed like an abandoned, concrete jungle I asked Rob to tell me about work and whatever else I could get him to talk about to keep my mind from wandering too much.

It didn't exactly feel like this, but it felt good!

The ice was a huge help! I took the second bag and placed it in the front of my shirt and kept moving it around. As the ice started to melt I ripped a small hole in the top of the bag and poured small amounts of icy cold water on my head, like the medic had suggested. I also drank the water and it was so refreshing.

We were on a small side road when I realized we would soon be making the right hand turn onto St. Clair Ave which I knew would be the last long haul and when the city would come back into view. When I looked ahead the few runners in front of me were turning left. WHAT?!? No, we should be going right. This is when not looking closely at the map bites you in the butt. But then I noticed runners coming from the left and running towards the right. Rob suggested that maybe there is a switchback and sure enough he was correct. When we came to the intersection and looked left there was a u-turn a short distance away. You can be sure that I considered not doing the u-turn, especially since my Garmin was already telling me I would have more then 26.2 miles. But I sucked it up and did it. Finally the city skyline was in view and I realized I had just over a 5k to the finish. It was somewhere during mile 23 that I decided I wanted to try to do some portions of running, but as soon as I pushed off I realized I must have acquired some serious hot spots/blisters on the bottoms of both of my feet. It hurt a lot. So I continued moving forward changing my gait, which was probably stupid and resulted in me getting another blister on the heel of my left foot. During this last stretch we were running on the sidewalks and there were a couple trees here and there for shade. God was it boring. Any runners we were passing were really struggling. Then I noticed a cute couple holding hands in normal everyday clothing. They approached one of emergency personal directing traffic and asked how far it as until the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, which was my destination, and I was really annoyed by them. I felt like they were completely out of touch with what was going on around them and I thought they were dumb tourists. Yes, now I realize how harsh that sounds, but they were just out for a joy stroll and I was suffering. Sorry annoyingly cute couple.

The skyscrapers off in the hazy distance were getting closer and closer and I really wanted to run more, I really did. We then started getting a little bit more trees and a little bit more shade and the desolated city started to come back to life. I knew how close we were and Rob assured me that the road leading into the finish line would be down hill. Around mile 25 there was the final aid station and I was glad that I wouldn't have to pass another one. I joked with some men about how good their ice cold sodas looked and they popped open their cooler and offered me a Pepsi. Oh it was so good! I only drank about half of it and was then burping for the last mile, but it was refreshing. We made our last turn onto E. 9th Street and I saw some finished runners and I knew the end was near. I tried to pick up my pace and pushing through the stinging pain on the bottoms of my feet. We passed the outside patio of a bar and there were encouraging cheers from inside. I think this is probably where I teared up for the first time. Other people along the way clapped and cheered and said to keep going and I tried my best. Then my body just began walking again, even though my mind told it to keep running. It was like the two things were separate. As Rob and I approached the 26 mile flag we crossed the street and headed down hill. I am sure I tried to say something profound to him, about sticking it out with me and how I'll never be able to do for him what he did for me, and then he just broke off as I entered the chute.

The first thing I noticed was that there were lots of guys breaking down the fish line area and timing mats. Then I heard announcers still announcing and I wondered if they would call my name, they seemed to be talking about a couple who was ahead of me crossing the finish line hand in hand. Then I saw my Mom cheering and screaming for me and at this point I totally break down. A little further down to the finish line my Dad was screaming and cheering and taking photos. Then I heard my name announced and a "Way to go, Steph". I had finished, running, head in my hands crying and looked up to see a volunteer coming over to me with my medal and a huge smile. She gave me the biggest hug and even though I had been on my feet for over seven hours and was a stinky, sweaty mess, she didn't care, she didn't even know me. But even she understood what I had just accomplished.  

I then cut through an opening in the fence so I didn't have to walk much further and my Dad was there. For the entire 26 miles I was envisioning laying in the grass under some shade from a tree when I was done. The opening in the fence was right next to a tree so I plopped down and waited for Rob and Mom to come over. Laying in the grass was great and I kept bouncing between being emotional to ecstatic that I was done. I took my socks and shoes off to discover some big blisters and purple toe nails, it felt so good to have my sneakers off. I had been waiting about a week to put these on...

Rob presented me with a card that Molly had given him to give to me at the finish. I totally started crying again when I read it. Molly was such a huge part of my success along the way and she is an amazing running partner and friend. Then my parents presented me with a sneaker charm for my Pandora bracelet. I am so lucky to have such supportive parents. From the start of my running hobby two years ago, they have been there every step of the way and there was no question or hesitation from them to be in Cleveland that weekend with me. Looking back on it now, the fact that they were out in the Cleveland heat and sun for over seven hours, standing and walking, I don't feel like I can thank them enough.

Since most of the race festivities had ended we decided to walk back to the hotel. I regret now not taking the time to take photos there. I don't have any photos with Rob or my parents or of me at the chute with my medal. We were all just hot and tired. As we walked back, the announcers passed us and I thanked them for staying until the end so we could all have that experience.

A sign from one of the businesses we passed.

We also took a pit stop on a park bench about half way to the hotel. No shame in that. We stopped in the hotel lobby so my parents could check out and so I could sit on a comfy couch. I think this is where we said our goodbyes  and I remember crying again as I hugged them goodbye and as they congratulated me.

Rob and I headed back up to our room and I liked that fact that I was in air conditioning and not moving. I also asked him to take my photo before I stretched and showered.

Spinning guitar medal!

Cleveland or Bust- 26.2 Part Two

When my Mom said that she didn't have my bag, that it was back at the hotel, because of a change in plans, I think I just stood there stunned. For quite a few miles I had been dreaming of that bag. There wasn't really anything life or death in the bag but I was fixated with it. Before I could say anything (at least it felt that way) my Dad was off and running, a few blocks, back to the hotel to get my bag. I had already told myself that when I got to my family, which was about the half way point, I would take an extended break. Since I was already in the mindset of just enjoying the experience I knew some rest and rejuvenation was in order to mentally prepare for what was to come.

Since my calves were feeling great and I was beginning to warm up I took my calf sleeves off. The 26.2 headband I had bought was slipping off and since the sun seemed like it was there to stay, I swapped my headband for my Shut Up + Run visor. My signature look if I do say so myself! By this point I was ready for some music so I also prepared my iPhone and headphones. I also took some time to do some minor stretching. It was while I was squatting down that I noticed multiple marathoners passing me and I wish (briefly) that I had been on my way already. After about ten minutes or so my Dad reappeared and I loaded up on sunscreen, Chapstick, swapped out my Gatorade and popped a couple ibuprofen. I debated putting more body glide on my feet or swapping socks but my feet still felt good and I didn't want to mess with a good thing. Now looking back I wonder if it would have made a difference.  

I thanked everyone and we talked about where they would hope to see me again and then I was off. Thank goodness it wasn't turning out like the dream I had. I went over the half way check point and figured whoever was tracking me at home probably thought something was wrong or that I took a snooze along the way. As soon as I had made the split for the full I felt like I was on my own. The crowd support disappeared and I was missing the many runners who were driving me crazy just a few miles prior. I'll be honest and say I don't remember much of the next couple miles. It was crazy hot, sunny and there was very little coverage from the sun. I was enjoying the marathon play list I had created though. Somewhere during mile 15, I saw a runner ahead of me and there was a sign on her backpack that said she was running in memory or honor of someone. I decided to make a friend and figured the sign would be a good conversation starter. The runner's name was Jody and she was running in honor of a child who was suffering from Cancer. I believe his name was Alex. Alex was going to meet Jody with a half mile left and run to the finish with her, so cool! Jody was from Ohio and this was her third marathon. She assured me that the feeling at the finish would be worth it all. Jody was not your average runner. As unaverage as I am of a runner, Jody was even more, and I liked that about her. Did that sentence make sense? Jody was running every other mile. Her outlook was brilliant because as we approached mile 16 she said she only had to run 5 more times and that seemed totally manageable. During this part of the run the marathoners had a switchback so there were tons of speedy people heading in our direction. I wondered what mile they were at and how long it would be until I was where they were. Apparently a long a$$ time. We turned a corner and there was a gas station there. I decided I needed a cold beverage. Not that kind, I had already had a couple sips of beer during the first half.  I told Jody I'd catch up with her later. The air conditioning felt great when I stepped inside and I considered asking them how much it would cost to rent out their ice cooler. I got a cold Gatorade and the cashier looked at me like I was nuts. I told her to keep the change because I didn't want the jingling for the next ten miles. I had a few sips and then I stuck the icy beverage into my cleavage, yea real classy, but cool and refreshing at the same time. Next time Im running in this...

 
As I was plodding along, keeping Jody in my sights to catch up with her, a familiar face caught my eye. Rob was in his running gear and was standing on a corner holding a bottle of water. I was pretty happy to see him. It appeared like he was alone so I asked what he was doing. He said he had run from the hotel (about 2 miles) and came to run with me for a bit. He did have a long run to get in and even though it wasn't his ideal pace, I welcomed the company and conversation. As we started to move forward I told him quickly that he needed to run on my left because that is where Molly always runs! I told him about Jody and we worked to catch up with her. Aside from the killer heat and sun I physically was doing okay. We did some running and walking and I apologized to Rob a few times because I felt bad that I wasn't running more. He just kept saying to not worry, it was my race and to do what I had to do. He even held my Gatorade for me. Have I said what a lucky girl I am? So lucky. Still no spectators and at this point even the volunteers at the aid stations were tired and trying to find any shade possible. On a few occasions volunteers offered hoses with cold water, but I was hesitant to enjoy it, for fear of chaffing and blisters. Rob reminded me about finding landmarks and making mini running goals, which is something I say to my Girls on The Run team so often. We picked telephone poles, signage and aid stations to run and walk to. At one point we were pretty close to catching up with Jody so we ran to her and I introduced her to Rob. I asked her if it was a walking mile and she said her legs were really bothering her and she was walking a running mile.

During mile 18 I decided to call Molly for a pep talk. It was also during part of this mile that I knew we were out as far as we were going to go and that we would get to start making our way back to the city. Woohoo! I don't really remember the conversation with Molly but she was positive and encouraging and it was what I needed. Before I knew it I was hearing familiar cheers and a cowbell and my parents were in front of me at an aid station at mile 19.

Great race support team, even with the bag mix-up

Okay, I promise to try to wrap this up in the next one, if it feels long, IT WAS!!

Cleveland or Bust- 26.2 Part One

I am sorry that this race recap is so stretched out. Life has really gotten in the way the last couple of weeks. Hopefully you are still waiting with baited breath, haha. I know I had to look back to see where I left off, you too? 

I woke up very bright and early and started my preparations. Having everything laid out was really helpful, especially because I was trying to be kind to Rob who was still sleeping. The plan was to meet my Dad around 5:20ish and meet some Rochester peeps in the hotel lobby at 5:30. When I got to my parents room my Dad opened the door very slowly and looked at me cautiously. I smiled and said something along the lines of "let me in". He reminded me of the time we traveled to Buffalo for a half marathon and I knocked on their hotel door panicking because I had been sick all night and morning and was going to have to drop out of the race. He was nervous that I might be having the same issue.  

Nope, good to go, let's get running!

I handed my race bag and Gatorade to my Mom and Dad and I headed downstairs. We met up with some fabulous ladies from Rochester and started to follow the masses walking towards the Cleveland Browns Stadium. It was on the cooler side but it was definitely humid and it wasn't even 6am. Ugh. Walking over with a mass amount of people made me so excited. I was surprisingly calm and couldn't wait to get started. Once we got near the stadium we decided to go inside to use real bathrooms and check out the scene. 

                                            

You wouldn't think it was that big of a luxury to use a real bathroom but believe me, it was! The lines moved fast too. I wasn't overly hungry so I slowly munched on my bagel as we walked around. We went outside of the stadium and took so pre-race photos. You know, to prove that I was actually there. 

Aren't you impressed with my color coordination?

Dad and Me,
Getting ready to set new distance PR's!!
Exactly two years after our first 5k race together. 

We walked down to the starting coral to find a spot to sit and relax a bit. Getting there really early can be annoying, but I'd rather be there and have time to kill then run late and stress out. We found the 12 minute pace flag which was located near the 10k start flag, so Dad and I would get to stay together until it was my time to run off. The marathon started at 7am and the 10k started at 7:30. Or whenever the hell I got my slow butt out of the way. While waiting, Mr. Dave found me! Here is proof that he was there as well. It was nice to have some familiar faces even though I knew I would be primarily running alone.  

We were all just sitting on the curb hanging out and people watching and at one point it started to get pretty crowded. There was so much energy and excitement in the air. There was a strong police presence and they even had dogs tracking for scents. Good thing I still smelled good at that point.

Starting to line up.

As the time got closer to 7am there was cheering and clapping and a helicopter flying over head and then it was time to go. But not really. If you've ever done a decent sized race you know what I'm talking about. You start and then stop and start up again and then slow down. It took me about 10 minutes to get to the starting line. Dad followed me on the sidewalk for a while smiling and waving and it is such a blur now. I do remember the juggling runner, more on that later. Glad I recorded some of it.

There was music, announcers and a ton of spectators cheering. I do have a strong memory of runners slapping the start line banner when they went under it, so of course I did too. I felt cool. It was a little overwhelming and I am pretty sure I got a lump in my throat and maybe some watery eyes. But I was just ready to run. Physically and mentally I felt great and I was looking forward to seeing Rob and Mom who were just a mile or so into the race. I knew where they were going to be and I didn't see them right away so I remember looking all over for them and hoping I didn't pass them. I don't think they were expecting me either because my Mom was struggling with the camera as I approached them for a hug and a kiss. I knew I wouldn't see any family members until the half way point so I wanted to soak up as much support as I could, even though it was so early in the race. 

The first half of the race was wonderful. Tons of crowd support. There were also aid stations every 1-2 miles and they were organized with signs and volunteers yelling out the type of drink they were passing out. The race started out by running on the expressway, what a great way to see a new city. It was cool and the wind actually made me have chills for the first hour or so. Also, since we drove this part of the course I knew there was a great deal of shade. I went out conservatively and slowed down during the water stops just like I wanted to, all was going smoothly. 

Oh shady streets, how I took you for granted! 

I do remember lots of signs, the best said "run fast, she farted" and had an arrow pointing to another spectator. I remember a lot of singers, bands and announcers. I remember lots of yellow volunteer shirts. I remember lots of high fives to kids and even a few adults. One neighborhood/aid station that stuck out a lot was the Tremont area. They welcomed the runners with a banner hung high and their aid station was like no other. TONS of spectators, hanging out at a bar none the less, loud music and crazy volunteers. It was at this point (not sure of the mileage) that I decided to take a port a potty break. I was concerned about the line and waiting in it as runners passed me by and then I remember something Thea told me prior to the race and that was to enjoy the experience. It was at that exact moment that I decided that I didn't care what my time was, or how close to last I was, I just wanted to finish and I was going to enjoy getting there. Miles 10-12 were challenging mentally. Hearing so many people around me say how close they were to finishing was frustrating. I told myself I wasn't going to use music until the second half, but I was really tempted to put my ear buds in. It was also during this time that the sun had come out, it was still humid and it was starting to get hot. The bridge coming back into the city had a great view and if I had been doing the half I probably would have enjoyed it a bit more. I just kept telling myself that I would see my family at the half, could take a little break, make some changes and get mentally refreshed for what was still to come. I also had texted my Mom and Dad and asked if they could get a soda for me. I was looking forward to something caffeinated, cold and sweet. 

The signage for the race was great. Everything was color coded based on the race you were doing and this made navigating much easier. I was happy to see that the split for the half and full marathoners was a few blocks from the finish line so it wasn't too torturous. It was a killer to see lots of runners with medals strolling back to their hotels or cars with their family members. My Dad met me and ran a few blocks with me to my Mom and Rob. It was great to have some familiar company. When we got to my Mom and Rob I stopped and drank some soda and asked for my bag since I didn't see it, but my bag was not there. 

Come back for more...I'll try to be quicker this time!

Cleveland or Bust- Pre Race Jitters

In my previous post I failed to mention the fact that on the bus ride from the expo I got super nervous. Anytime I would think about the race my stomach would flip. What is it about the race that adds all that pressure? During my training runs, even the 20 miler, I never got nervous. It must be because all I have been thinking about for sixth months was that date and that race and now it was finally here! After Rob and I got settled in our hotel room we decided to head over to some shops across the street from the hotel. An Indians game had just let out so the place was a bit crowded and apparently this was a popular spot to take wedding photographs so we saw lots of wedding parties throughout the afternoon.

 

Our hotel!

 

The Hyatt Arcade offered one free boxed breakfast to each of the race participants. This was a total surprise since they didn't advertise this anywhere I can remember. I thought it was really cool because I have had a bagel before every single training run and I was really adamant about trying to get one for race morning. My Dad and I went down to get them with our tickets and by the time we arrived in the lounge Dad's ticket had disappeared! Somewhere between our rooms and the lounge it had managed to fall off, so we retraced our steps and it was nowhere to be found. We even did this funny elevator stunt to try and get back on the same exact elevator we had rode down. The people walking by probably thought we were weird. The good news was, I still got my boxed breakfast and it came with a bagel! Sorry Pops!

 

 

It was too early for the pasta dinner, and it was too nice out not to explore the city, but Dad and I didn't want to do a lot of walking. We decided instead of just sitting around the hotel getting antsy that we would drive some of the course. We followed one of the maps and only made a few wrong turns, overall it did seem really flat and most of the parts of the course we drove were shaded. Notice I said "that we drove". Bad foreshadowing. We wound up traveling the first half of the course. While we were out Dad needed to put gas in the car and I thought this was ironic...

 

 

Once we returned back to the hotel we had about ten minutes until the pasta dinner would open and they set it up in the atrium of the hotel. It is such a neat and historic hotel.

 

Even though the pasta dinner was pricey it was right in the hotel, they had a lot of variety, the food was great and you could eat as much as you wanted.

 

I didn't want to over do it and pay for it in the morning, so I had a nice helping and then went back up for a little more. Some of the elites were sitting at the table across from us and I have never seen so much pasta and so many rolls piled high with such a skinny person holding the plate. Let the record show that I also skipped dessert, that never happens. Ever.

 

After we finished I went to our room to get all of my stuff laid out, fill my water bottles and attach my race bib. Leading up to the race I had read a blog post from one of the official Cleveland bloggers about getting different bags ready for before, during and after. I decided I would make one bag that I would want during the race and then at the finish line. I also would throw an extra bottle of Gatorade in it. My parents said they were happy to hold on to the bag and have it with them when they would see me. Remember that nugget of info for the next post.

 

Once everything was organized, Rob and I went to hang out in my parents room for a short bit and then we turned in early. I never sleep well the night before a race. This time I know I slept, but my mind was on and running the entire night. I would wake up here and there and couldn't remember if I had just been awake or asleep. It was kinda weird.

 





Cleveland Or Bust- Expo

Rob and I woke up bright and early on Saturday to head to Cleveland! We even left one minute ahead of schedule.

After some time in Pennsylvania we arrived in Ohio!

Yes, I am so excited that I am clapping in the background, and yes I am directing the camera man. The drive was pretty painless and we arrived right on time! My parents greeted us at the entrance and so did the hotel...

I am a marathon participant!! 

We tried checking in, but since we were early, our room wasn't quite ready. We decided to put our stuff in my Mom and Dad's room and head to the race expo. The Hyatt Arcade was the official hotel for the race and they offered a free shuttle bus to the expo.

We jumped on the school bus and traveled to the I-X Center which was near the airport, and a pretty good distance from downtown. As soon as we got off the bus there were beautiful, athletic people all over! The expo was huge and very well organized. We were given our bib numbers ahead of time but they had an alphabetized list posted as well.

Once we entered, we were surrounded by all sorts of cool products and merchandise. I headed over to the table where the official race gear was located but didn't find the finisher's jacket I knew I wanted. I guess they were only available for ordering after the race. Next up Dad purchased a 10k sticker since he would be achieving a new distance PR the next day!!

We then headed over to bib pick up and I got my bib. But that was it. No shirt or goodies or anything else. Weird. I headed over to where Dad was picking up his bib and the volunteer instructed him to proceed over to the next line where he would get his shirt and bag! Why didn't my guy tell me that?!?! Oh well.

Lucky number 13 in the middle! 

I am always nervous about my tech race shirts, I never know what size to order, especially when they offer a women's fit. The volunteer was VERY helpful in making sure I got a size that worked for me. I was a bit disappointed because I am not a big fan of white tech shirts, but beggars can't be choosy.

We then walked around the expo and checked out the different vendors and booths. I was excited to see that Road I.D. was there because I have been wanting to order other colors. Mom even tried to order me some for Christmas and didn't have any luck. So she bought me the colors I wanted and even bought a new color for Rob.

After we walked around we got a light (and expensive) lunch at the expo and headed back on the school bus to the hotel. Riding the shuttle to the expo was pretty neat because I got the opportunity to talk to other runners and listen to other running war stories. When we arrived back at the hotel our room was ready so Rob and I took some time to get settled.

Sweet souvenir room key!