Oh boy!

My training runs are effectively over.  There is nothing more to do but get plenty of sleep, eat a ton of pasta, and hope the weather doesn’t change.

Saturday morning, at about 6am, Joy (sleepy and sluggish) and I (anxious and giddy) will ride our bikes over to the harbor park area.  By 6:45, I’ll be in the starting corrals, nervously fidgeting and checking to make sure I haven’t forgotten something critical like my shorts.  And then at 7, the gun will go off.  Over the next thirty seconds, all anxiety will wash away, and the marathon will be ON.

For those dear, dear friends that would like to come out and cheer me on, thank you!  I can’t tell you how great it is to hear a familiar voice call my name.  I’ve put together a rough timeline so you can try and match up where you’ll be and where I’ll be.  The course map is available at http://www.wisconsinmarathon.com/CourseInfo.html.

7:00 Start by the museums
8:00 Carthage turnaround/mile 7ish
8:20 50th St bridge
8:30 Eichleman Park
8:45 Southport Park
9:20 116th St and 1st Ave
9:45 116th St and 1st Ave
10:30 Southport Park
10:40 Eichleman Park
10:45 FINISH (I hope) by the museums

Of course, I have to admit, that the further I get from 7:00/the start line, the less accurate this chart may be.  If you are trying to spot me, I’ll be in a white/grey/black shirt, black shorts, and my “signature” red bandanna.  You can also call one of our phones (if you’re cool enough to have the number) and get a location update from Joy, as she’ll be chasing me on her bike.  If you do call her, and she doesn’t answer, don’t leave a message.  Remember, she’s riding around, navigating through traffic, spectators, and racers.  Just try again in a little bit.  And make sure you tell her who you are!

So.  Less than 35 hours til the gun.

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