Travel Day

Yesterday was a travel day for me which meant that it started early – 3:30 early.

First, there was the quick but easy 6 mile run, shower, last minute packing, and a snack before heading to the air port. My flight was out at 7:40.

Then, there was the 2 hour uneventful flight to the Twin Cities. Those are the best kind of flights. The baggage reclaim process was a little more difficult that expected. Delta has plenty carrousels but not many US Air.

This was followed by a 15 minute ride to the hotel which was great. There were two other female marathoners in the van. PRs and expected times were already being tossed around – like to 2:40 and 2:42 – fast, fast, fast.

At the hotel, they already had my room ready which was great. No waiting around was needed.

After unpacking, it was time to pick up my number and venture up to the hospitality suite which was fantastic. Lots of runners came by which gave me a chance to meet some of the other Masters runners.

One of the guys runs 130 miles per week and run in the 2:20s for a marathon. Shaking my head and asking how did he do it? Simple, he explained. He doesn't have a full time job. Ah, some of the perks of doing what you love and being really good at it.

Then, it was off to the Expo where I met up with Caitlin and her parents.

The expo was really nice. There were plenty of exhibitors and my "goodie" bag was full of samples on just the first pass.

After that, it was back to the room and rest for a few hours before dinner.

Dinner was at a little place down the street that Mike found. It was one of the dinners where setting back and just listen as other people tell their running stories or just talk running in general - Mike's family, Caitlin and her parents. What most people would call a perfect way to spend an evening.

By the way, this was my first time meeting Caitlin's parents and it was easy to see they were big into running. Now, it is easy to see where Caitlin gets it from.

Before long it was time to head back to the room, where a movie, some relaxation, and hitting the bed were awaiting me – rest, rest, and rest.

 

Heading off to sleep – it was a perfect start to the weekend.

 

Thoughts from the Cool Down Runner