Marathon Expo = Heaven

Tonight we HAD (what a chore) to go to the Addidas 42K (marathon distance) running expo to pick up my race packet for Sunday's race. Nope, I'm not running a marathon, just a measly little 10K (6.2 miles). But the marathon is hosting a half-marathon and a 10k as well. The expo was right by my house and it was EVERYTHING running. A runner's dream, I tell you! I was so happy I could've jumped up and down for joy. The big event is the marathon (26.2 miles), but only about 700 crazies (I mean people) will be running it, while 2,000 run the half-marathon and over 3,000 (us sane folks) go for the 10k. It was kind of funny to me to see that an event that is ALL about the marathon has the least amount of participants in the actual marathon of the 3 races.

Anyway, the line for the 10k race packet pick-up was SUPER-LONG. It was going to take us at least an hour to get my stuff. Well, here in Peru, pregnant women are special and often times it is seen as a handicap. So John went to the front of the line and told them I am pregnant, so I got to by-pass this huge line of people. I was mortified and felt the daggers in my back as I jumped the line. I'm sure they were thinking, "Oh yeh, you can run a 10k pregnant, but you can't wait in line." I just had to chuckle in my semi-mortified state, but was so thankful that hubby saved us an hour. I hope no one recognizes me on Sunday and tries to trip me.

The expo was very similar to an American type running expo. It had a ton of booths set up with free samples, clothing and running apparel for sale and they even had a "Carbo load buffet." I skipped the buffet, but enjoyed some of the other tables with my German friend Isabelle who will be running the marathon. We get along so well because we both talk a lot and love to run!

I'll let you know how the run goes. My goal is to enjoy the people, culture and the day. My second goal is to finish in no particular time, but to run for 5 minutes and walk for 1 minute and to run the last mile or two without stopping. And my last goal to is to adjust ALL goals to listen to my body and focus on the baby. Time is of no importance, but health and fun is!!!!

http://www.adidasla.com/micros/regional/running/?pais=pe (click on 10K if you want to see the map).