Yes, this blog post is LATE but better late then never right?! One of our Team TLT4C New Year's resolutions is to share more of our athletes' experiences with race day and training! So...Marine Corps.
Race Expo
Thursday night Benjamin and I went over to the expo right before it closed to grab our shirts and bibs (and I admit, I really wanted a jacket and wanted to make sure they would still have my size). Even though the expo was starting to shut down for the night we were still able to meet up with several running friends, a few that I only knew through a Facebook group, so it was awesome to be able to put faces to Facebook profiles!
The Marine Corps Expo is a big one, and it’s know for long lines. If you’re considering this race I HIGHLY recommend adjusting your travel plans so that you arrive in town Thursday or Friday. Staying off your feet the day before a marathon helps a TON and it'll save you a lot of stress to get the expo part done early.
MCM usually has a very well run expo (the Marines are in charge after all). There is a quick bag check and metal scan on the way in and then you head downstairs to get your packet. The Marines working pick up were friendly and helpful and Benjamin’s Marine snuck us a few extra Chipotle coupons ;)
You go back up stairs to get your shirt and shop the rest of the expo and the official MCM Brooks merchandise shop. Along with the bib pick up line the Brooks line tends to be crazy at the expo (over an hour at some points) so I was thrilled to see no lines at the cash registers! (Told you, plan for an expo visit Thursday or Friday, your feet will thank you).
First Timers Pep Rally
On Friday afternoon we made one more quick trip to the expo and then spent some time with a few Tampa friends before heading to the First Timers Pep Rally. Truly, one of the best parts of this weekend was how much time we got to spend with our Tampa friends. They were my first running family and I’ve missed them so much this year!
We didn’t get to spend a ton of time at the Pep Rally, but I do highly recommend it for your first MCM. It’s a fun night, and it’s great to meet the other runners and hear some BIG names in running share their marathon wisdom before the weekend really gets underway.
NEXT POST: Team Dinner and Race Day! (in the meantime, enjoy photos!)
Race Expo
Thursday night Benjamin and I went over to the expo right before it closed to grab our shirts and bibs (and I admit, I really wanted a jacket and wanted to make sure they would still have my size). Even though the expo was starting to shut down for the night we were still able to meet up with several running friends, a few that I only knew through a Facebook group, so it was awesome to be able to put faces to Facebook profiles!
The Marine Corps Expo is a big one, and it’s know for long lines. If you’re considering this race I HIGHLY recommend adjusting your travel plans so that you arrive in town Thursday or Friday. Staying off your feet the day before a marathon helps a TON and it'll save you a lot of stress to get the expo part done early.
MCM usually has a very well run expo (the Marines are in charge after all). There is a quick bag check and metal scan on the way in and then you head downstairs to get your packet. The Marines working pick up were friendly and helpful and Benjamin’s Marine snuck us a few extra Chipotle coupons ;)
You go back up stairs to get your shirt and shop the rest of the expo and the official MCM Brooks merchandise shop. Along with the bib pick up line the Brooks line tends to be crazy at the expo (over an hour at some points) so I was thrilled to see no lines at the cash registers! (Told you, plan for an expo visit Thursday or Friday, your feet will thank you).
First Timers Pep Rally
On Friday afternoon we made one more quick trip to the expo and then spent some time with a few Tampa friends before heading to the First Timers Pep Rally. Truly, one of the best parts of this weekend was how much time we got to spend with our Tampa friends. They were my first running family and I’ve missed them so much this year!
We didn’t get to spend a ton of time at the Pep Rally, but I do highly recommend it for your first MCM. It’s a fun night, and it’s great to meet the other runners and hear some BIG names in running share their marathon wisdom before the weekend really gets underway.
NEXT POST: Team Dinner and Race Day! (in the meantime, enjoy photos!)