Today I worked the expo for Sunday’s Denver Colfax Marathon. It was held inside Invesco Field where the Broncos play. We’ll also run around the field on race day.
As a race ambassador I was there to answer race questions (What do I do if I crap my pants? How far is a marathon? Will beer be served at mile 19.5 and if so, what kind?). I milled around looking like I knew what I was doing – which was a lie. Although apparently someone thought I knew what I was doing because they interviewed me for the 5 o’clock news. And, then they didn’t air it. Guess I didn’t know so much after all.
If you want to see in-shape people, go to an expo. Out of shape people usually can be found at a buffet in Vegas, although that is stereotyping. I am not a fan of stereotypes, but I will admit they can sometimes be slightly accurate. Today I saw more bulging calf muscles and chiseled runner’s faces than I could count, but I wasn’t really counting.
I picked up my race swag:
This has to be one of my favorite race tees ever.
I’ve gotten many, many race shirts I’ve never worn and probably never will, but this one is an exception. I love the color, the simple graphics, the fit and most of all the length (not too short). I have some race tees that could seriously be mid-riff and worn with Daisy Duke shorts. Not quite my style, although I do frequently get told I look like Jessica Simpson (or maybe they said Marge Simpson). The brand is Leslie Jordan, and I am now a huge fan. Oh, and other great thing? If your size wasn’t right, you could exchange it, right there on the spot.
Next, the race people came up with something brilliant. You get a “runner’s gift” which for women is a silver chain link necklace. On race day, the medal will have a medallion attached to it that you then put on your necklace. Anyone ever heard of this before? I also love how they put your name on the bib!! Then people can yell, “Beth you look like hell, get your ass moving!”
Tomorrow I am taking my whole family back to the expo for the day. Ken and the kids will give out race bibs and packets. The kids said, “We like the way you just signed us up to work without asking.” Yep. Told you I was bossy. I will make it up to them by making them come and watch the marathon for four hours.
So, I told you I was feeling crappy this week. I think my head cold turned into a sinus infection. Started antibiotics yesterday and am hoping for the best. Feeling a bit better today. I know the drugs might mess with my already very sensitive stomach, so race day could be interesting. But I would rather have good energy and a shitty stomach than hit a wall at mile .4.
What’s the best and worst bit of swag you’ve ever gotten from a race? Best is probably the necklace or my mountain goat trophy. Worst was a pair of bright orange huge socks with a turkey on them.
What do you do with old race shirts? I sleep in some, give some to my kids and use some as rags.
Are you racing this weekend? What race & where?
SUAR
