Friday Favorites

4/29/11

3 miles easy

28:38

9:32 avg pace

All I have to do now is run the marathon!

We leave for the shore tomorrow morning, stopping at my parents to drop Hawk off.  My parents live about an hour south of where the race is taking place and we initially were going to sleep there and drive up on Sunday morning.  After reading reviews on marathonguide.com about the not-so-reliable shuttle buses, we decided to get a hotel to be closer to the start.  Otherwise, we’d have to get up around 3am.  Eeek, that is just too early!

Friday Favorites time!  And you probably guessed this already but it has to do with marathons!

Best Crowd Support – NYC Marathon
I’m sure Boston has similar crowd support but NYC is amazing!  I felt like a rock star!  There was never a point when someone wasn’t cheering for you.  I got a brief glimpse of what it must feel like to be celebrity 😉

Most Efficient Expo – Marine Corps Marathon
I’m not a big fan of expos.  I like to get in and get out.  The Marines pull off a great, efficient expo…especially for such a huge race.

Most Scenic – Marine Corps Marathon
I must say I’m somewhat biased.  I lived in DC for 3 years and fell in love with running there.  It’s like a perfect (running) tour of the city.

Best Race Shirt – Philly Marathon
Another great race (again, biased…it’s my hometown) but the best part is the race shirt.  A long-sleeved, DRI-fit tee that actually fits!  Meaning I don’t give it to Matt to wear.  They even have XS.  Score!

Best Pre-Race Amenities – Steamtown Marathon
I walked out of my hotel room and boarded a bus to the start.  We started outside of a middle school so we got to wait inside and remain warm.  Bottles of water were handed out and the school cafeteria was even selling food!  It was the most relaxed and calm I have ever been before a race.  I literally didn’t have to think about anything.

The NJ Marathon does not have runner tracking.  I promise to tweet, FB, etc. when I’m done.  THANK YOU for the wonderful comments this past week.  They mean so much to me.  I will be thinking about all of them on Sunday.  Go big or go home!