The Day Before RnR Arizona
I flew in earlier today, picked up my rental, and drove to the expo. Parking was difficult to find. I had to walk 6 blocks to get to the expo, but there was no way I was going to pay $30.00 for parking. I picked up my number and then went to the upgrade where I upgraded to the full marathon. I hope I know what I’m doing.
They issued me number 5819.
I guess that means I can run in corral 5 but I don’t I’m going to be able to keep with them. Strike that… I KNOW I can’t keep up with that corral. I’m going to be doing too much walking. I’ll start with a later corral so as not to aggravate so many runners that trained for a faster time.
I walked around the expo for a quite while. I looked at all the vendors, asked questions, and contemplated what souvenir to buy. I should have worn my running shoes. My feet were tired by the end.
I met Lauren from EliteRacing.com at their booth. I told her I was aiming for the Super Six medal. They had it on display, along with other multi-race medals.
I was actually able to hold it. It really is a heavy medal. But not too heavy to wear.
She informed me that if I signed up for all the remaining races today, I’d save $65.00. So I did… yup…
I did…. that means I’m committed now… yup… no turning back… boy am I fool or what? >:)
My legs will never talk to me again after this year is over.
I have a small shot glass collection at home. I added the RNRAZ Marathon to my collection today. I was also tempted to register for the Run with Donna Marathon in Florida. But there just isn’t enough time. It’s 3 weeks from tomorrow and training aside, it’s just too much money to spend all at once. It’s a great cause. Not to mention the fact that Jeff Galloway is the race director, AND it’s the inaugural race. I read one of his books during my first marathon’s training period. It’s because of the advice in his book that:
- I’m finished my first marathon
- I didn’t cause severe damage to myself while doing it
- I discovered the speed advantage of walking
But alas, there is only so much a fool can do. Maybe next year, Jeff.
When I left the expo, I discovered that there was a supercross event later that evening next door to the expo. The desire to want to watch lasted all of 5 minutes. Sure it’s something I’d like to watch some day, but not by myself and not when my feet are tired and I’m running 26.2 miles the next morning.
I decided to check into the hotel. I booked a room at Extended Stay Deluxe Phoenix – Biltmore through priceline.com. I like the room very much. It has a full size refrigerator, a coffee pot, and stove as well as a kitchen sink and drawers. It also included a table desk and chair, a small sofa, and a queen size bed. If I were staying for any period of time, I’d really enjoy having this room.
While in my room, I searched online for Italian restaurants in the vicinity. I found Christo’s. I called them up told them I needed to eat pasta because I was running in the marathon tomorrow. I asked for a spicy noodles and sausage dish. The young lady who answered the phone (didn’t get her name) told me they could prepare something for me.
When I got there to pick up the food, she was excited for me because I running the marathon tomorrow.It felt nice that to hear someone else’s encouragement right before the race. If for nothing else, I’d go back just to be encouraged again. I left there with my hot food and there warm wishes for a good race.
As for the taste: fa-getta-bout it! It was great. I just now finished eating as much as my stomach can hold. It’s delicious. The garlic bread, the soup, the spicy pasta (had to bypass the salad before a long run). I’d to have a nice amber lager to wash it down, but I had to settle for grape gatorade. Definitely a thumbs up on their food.
So now I’m going to sleep. It’s only 10 but I have an early call time. My body seems to want the rest and I don’t feel the nerves I felt before running my first marathon. That should mean a good slumber tonight.
good night, John boy
