It’s getting so real! I get so excited for the whole packet pickup process that goes down at the expo. The best part about the expo for the NJ Marathon is that it’s right at the starting line.

 

Run the shore or run the whore? LOL

 

 

It’s at the Monmouth N.J. Racetrack (notice the little jockey’s flanking the entrance.)

First order of business was dropping of the sneaker and canned food donations. Thanks to my friends Cathy and Diana, we collected about 20 or so pairs of sneakers to donate and a big bag of canned food.

Next up, I headed over to the VIP booth to pick up my packet.

Most people paid $75 to be a VIP but I won it as a part of a giveaway on Facebook. Score! It includes things like a special VIP tent at the start and finish with our selected pre and post race food options. They offered quite a selection but I chose a bagel in the morning and cheese, fruit and pastries at the finish. I also get free VIP parking which will be a huge deal for sure tomorrow. =)

My friend Mitch is running too. He was late to make the decision and they had sold out but put him on the waiting list. He finally got the call there was room for him so he registered on site today at the Expo. Yay Mitch! And Jane went to the expo yesterday but I’ll most surely grab some pre-race pics of us tomorrow.

I almost bought myself a cute shirt that basically was a repeat pattern that said “I love running, I love it not”, but they only had S and XL left. Is the whole world a medium????!!!! So instead I bought this adorable iPhone case for 3 bucks!…

 

We stopped over at the Pace Group table and I spoke with the 2 guys who are pacing the 4:40 group. Matt and Brian are my guys! Matt is a 3:10 runner but this will be his first time pacing so hopefully he remembers he’s not pacing the 3:10 group! Brian drove up from Virginia to pace. He’s a very dedicated man. I asked what their plan of attack was. Apparently they are shooting to actually finish in 4:38 or 4:39. 2 minutes shouldn’t sound like a big deal but when I’m already shooting for an 8 min PR for 4:40 that means I’m potentially shooting for a 10 minute PR! Yikes! They said they will slow down through water stops but not walk. This worries me because I usually walk while sipping my water. So while I am starting out with them I’m prepared to bail and run my own race if I have to. I’d rather enjoy the race and not stress.

Once I got home I realized i had missed lunch so I ordered PIZZA!

I ate 3 slices already (around 3:30pm) and I’ll probably eat another slice in a few hours! And then I’ll save the rest for tomorrow when I get home! Win-Win! Gotta get that carbo-loading in check….The day before a marathon is better than Christmas! I had pancakes for breakfast too!

So now i’m just chillin’ with the pooch (and his toy), and then I’ll get started with the whole ritual of laying out my clothes etc. I’ll spare you that this time. LOL!

So hopefully next time you hear from me I’ll have crossed the finish line in one piece with a smile on my face.

My time goals are:
A goal is to stay with the pace group and finish in 4:38-4:40
B goal is to finish twice as slow as Shalane Flanagan’s Boston time coming in at 4:44:04
C goal is to squeak in a PR at 4:47:59
D goal is to break 5 hours

But my overall goal is to celebrate my 16 weeks of training and enjoy the run.