Springfield Arrival, Registry, and T-Shirt Pick Up.

We have arrived!   The trip was pretty smooth actually.   Garmin was such a big help in getting us lost….or rather sending us in the most inappropriate directions.  Sometimes I’m not sure if she/he is a curse or a blessing.   I have to continuously tell myself that it is just a robot and not a human messing with us. 

Other than our Navigator being messed up,   there was not much to talk about or take pictures of  between Springfield, Il and Wellman, Ia.  Other than the bridges.   There were only two.   One crossing the Mississippi and one crossing the Illinois river.    Most of the towns we crisscrossed through were small….Even smaller than ones in Iowa!    I guess Chicago must really tip the scales for the population of the state.

We arrived early as the packet pick up was not meant to begin until 4 pm.   We killed a couple of hours eating noodles and searching the city for Honey Brown beer.  ( yes, I’m down to my last 7 bottles!  Panic!)  Luckily we found a lone 12 pack at a Meyers store.   I’m pretty sure Cheryl manipulated  the Universe for that lone case since we both went over the entire section TWICE and did not see it.    Just before I was about to suggest we try another store,   Cheryl found it right behind me!  I really want her to harness this skill so we can win the lottery someday.   But what fun would that be? 

Anyway,  We visited the Local Sports Authority and found that they have nothing new that Cheryl does not already have.  But by this time it was packet pick up time.   We followed the map and then followed the herd of runners up to the Runners Expo at the Hilton. 

 

Besides the Crowd of participants,    the “Expo” was rather small.   They were giving out free samples of the local beer….which we had to try.  ( It was good!) I guess the finishers will get an entire free beer tomorrow…..we shall see.  

 

 

 

 

There were other booths there  trying to shed light on their small “causes” that might interest people. Some where actual events, while others were purposes, like the runners for a Cure, runners for Christ, runner for Clean Water, and Runners for Buddha!  

 

Ok, I made that last one up.  But who knew you could run for Clean Water?  Now I’m suspicious of the water quality they give at the aid stations for rehydration!  

Back at the room,  Cheryl could not wait to tear into the Shirt and pose.   I’m not particularly impressed with the color or style, but Cheryl says it i a Tech Shirt…. which is actually rather expensive and useful compared to the common cotton T-Shirts you get at these events.   We shall see if she ever wears it. 

So now,   We will try to get some rest and wake up bright and early tomorrow as the race begins at 7:30 in the AM!   It will most likely be cold  since we can feel the cold front blow in behind us from the north.    It will probably be ok since Cheryl tends to like running in the cooler weather,  and Running generates lots of heat over 13.1 miles!  I’m hoping the wind and the rain stay away and everything goes well;  We have fun;  And we get to attend the after party on the lawn of the old capitol.