Pre-Race

3/4 Danette and I had an amazingly fun drive down to Albany, GA. We chattered non-stop, occasionally missing a turn even with a GPS because we were so engrossed in conversation. We made a half way point pitstop in Atlanta at the Briarscliff Whole Foods to get our favorite pre-race meal, consisting of salmon, sweet potato wedges, and kale advocado salad. To our surprise, this Whole Foods did not have any salmon cooked! Did they forget that we were coming? Did our agent not call them in advance? Luckily a gentleman named Robert came to our rescue and called two salmon upstream for us. He magnificently prepared the salmon in a light teriyaki sauce and presented them to us. We could now continue on to Albany, fish in hand.

At this Whole Foods we were also treated to a free bone scan to check for osteoporosis. Using ultrasound, your foot is checked for bone density. This scan is within 2% of the mainstream DEXA scan. To my surprise, my bone density levels have improved! The impact and pounding of running has increased my bone density levels considerably and I am now almost normal. My previous scan, using the DEXA last year showed that I was already osteopenic. So, this was exciting news to hear. Now Danette, who is somewhat more mature in her age, still had better overall bone density than me, who should be at peak density, but I still had an improvement. The stars seemed to be aligning for a great marathon! All systems are a go!

The last 3 hours to Albany really dragged as we hit traffic in Atlanta. We pulled over for a much needed bathroom stop and gas fuel up. Of course we had to stop at the Marathon fueling station! I always find it fascinating how things just seem to be ever more present when you relate the world to your life. For instance, you get a new car, well you notice your car everywhere. Of course, your car has been in the world without you taking notice, but now, since you have one, you see it! I have noticed the word marathon a lot the last 18 weeks, everywhere from gas stations to the bathroom at the pool where the company 'Marathon' makes a paper towel dispenser.

We made it to Albany in plenty of time for packet pick-up. The expo was unusual and we received our packets without difficulty. To the hotel we went, unloaded us and our salmon, and dined in style with metal forks and our cardboard box plates.

We had arrived!