Excitement builds

You get a lot of swag at races. I picked up my bib, the new D-Tag timing thing (i'll have to investigate that further) and my shirt. Also picked up all that stuff you see and more. Stopped by the Clif Bar pacing area and picked up at 3:10, 3:15 and 3:20 pace bands. They have no 3:15 pacer but at least they had bands. One of the pacers featured in a recent Runner's World (Star) article was there.

I also chatted with Bart Yasso, told him I loved his book. He has ideas for two more. That was cool. We both discussed how we hated the bridge around mile 20 (when we leave DC) and also the last 2.5 miles of the marathon run by the Pentagon. Nice to know that experienced runners also hated that.

Also talked to Alan Brookes, the race director of the Toronto Waterfront marathon. We discussed weather and other stuff. Good to see Canadian races plugging themselves at big marathons.

Finally, picked up a MCM jacket! (it's cool) and my customary hat. Yes, I always buy gear at marathons. Not other races, just marathons. Just my thing. Bought a Race Ready shorts, which I swear by cause I can carry gels and things. They're hard to find in Canada and I'm good now since I have three.

Off to go visit a museum for once. I've been here probably 20-plus times in the past 1.5 years and I've only hit like two in my time here. Air and space, I think.

And, by the way, I'm getting excited for this marathon thing. Go figure. Weather is looking promising. Big rain tomorrow but clearing up for Sunday. High of 19C, low of 8C. The blah part is the wind.