Everything I have heard about this race is true. The medals are huge, the people are nice, and the course is superb. The event pretty much runs itself. As someone who has only participated in mass races (such as Chicago), being at this smaller race was a welcome change. To be honest, the most impressive thing was the amount of organization. The packet pick-up was a breeze, and we were able to walk around the expo for a bit (it was small, but very nice). I liked how I didn't have to shell out the big bucks to get an additional souvenier from the race. $15 got me a really cute hooded t-shirt.
We drove 10.5 hours to get to this race, 12 hours with pit stops, leaving at 2:30am from Arlington Heights. We got into Little Rock around 2:30pm, just before hotel check-in. Luckily I had the foresight to book a hotel within 0.5 mi of the Start/Finish line, right in the middle of downtown. We were able to walk to the race, the expo, and all of the restaurants downtown. Location, location, location.
Checked into the hotel. Excellent views of both the Arkansas River and North Little Rock. The final stretch of the race will be 10 stories below our room. Should make for some great people-watching!
I started to get nervous, sitting in the hotel, watching the river, looking through my race packet. This is intense. This is my first race out-of-state, and it's a little overwhelming. I paw through my duffel bag- did I remember my shoes? Chafe gel? Socks? Headband?
We decided to go to dinner at the Flying Saucer, a beer emporium and legend here in Little Rock. I had 2 beers to calm my nerves and a fantastic bratwurst dinner. (Note: I still have not yet mastered the perfect pre-race meal. If anyone has suggestions, I'm willing to experiment.)
After a quick walk to the Clinton Presidential Library, past the start line construction and through the remnants of the "Smoke on the Water" BBQ competition, I was ready to head back to the hotel and prepare for the race.
(Another note: I love DoubleTree hotels. Not only are the rooms nice and clean, but they give you warm cookies when you check in, and the TVs have HBO. Seriously, nothing could be better).
Jay and I watched Will Ferrell's one-man show "You're Welcome America: A Final Night with George W. Bush" before retiring for the evening. Hilarious. Definitely made me laugh and kept my mind off the race. The last thing I wanted was for the "Omg I am INSANE" demon to take up residence in my brain.
Am I ready?
Physically: I'm in the best shape I've been in about 7 years.
Mentally: I'm a fine-tuned machine.
Am I ready? Of course.
BRING IT ON!
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