Greetings from Madison Wisconsin.... Again!

Run Crazy .. I mean Mad Town. 

It seems like only yesterday when we were here last.   When in actuality, it has been a Full Week!   We have been here so often this month, people are beginning to recognize us!   And that is dangerous when Superheros lose their Anonymity.   ( And us too!)

Sun has been Flexing lately.

So why are we in Wisconsin this time?    Why, the Run Mad Town Half Marathon!  ( With an emphasis on the Mad!)  This will be the last race this month and possibly for a while, as summer begins to show off its heat muscle.  So, after 4 straight weekends of running,  you can see why ending with a race that is crazy would seem fitting.

Lots of People.

This is a rather popular race.  Lots of folks sign up for it and we have done it several times ourselves.   Aside from the time of year,  most of the route is similar to other races in the area... so nothing new or foreign here.   Even the expo is slightly larger than the last several races we have attended.

Clouds are Welcome.

Small Expo.  Follow the signs....

That being said,  it was a rather small expo.   Cheryl had to follow the signs so we could find it on the basement level.  I should also note that the weather can't seem to make up its mind yet.   It is currently 83 degrees outside, but might be in the 50's with a chance of rain tomorrow morning.  Cooler is better for the runners.  Last year,  the weather was sunny and hot.   Not the best for a PR or any time in a Half Marathon.

Only had to hit the AC a few times. 

The other check in was a little more
aggressive. 

But at least the ride here was cool and overcast.   The sun did managed to elevate the temps enough for us to push the air conditioning button on Subie.

Finding the bib. 

Checking out the Bib. 

While at the expo,  we found the Volunteer Check in.  (As opposed to the Mandatory Check in....)  Cheryl picked up her Bib and scoped out several of the vendors for a new tank top/bib holder.   We also noted that there would be prizes at this race.

Finding the Tank Top for the Bib.

Cheryl's name should be here....

Being a larger race,  the prize money reflects the effort.   I guess it is an ill omen for Cheryl's name to be cut off of the Lexus Car.   I should have been right about here....

Cheryl's name should be HERE....

But the Checks for the Female winners are still up in the air.   I think you have to set your goals higher if you ever want to achieve anything. 

Writing my Motivational
Sign for Cheryl 

I think this will provide the
Inspiration that matters...

While waiting for Cheryl to look at all the stuff,  I decided to join several of the kids in writing my own "Inspirational Quote" to keep Cheryl motivated.   Inspirational quotes are so sappy and cringe-worthy.   My message  is Bright, Vibrant, and Straight to the Point.  ( I chose blue to really make the message pop out!)    I think she will find it highly motivating during the race.

Buying Beer and Cheese. 

Buying Food. 

After the Expo,  we visited our favorite shops for beer, cheese, and some lunch.   Cheryl was feeling the heat and the lack of sugar after a long ride and a delayed fueling..er.  Eating.   Even with some Kale salad,  Watermelon, and a cookie,  she was still hungry.   And that is not a good thing to be before a Half Marathon.

So off to get some Frozen Custard.

Buying Custard. 

Micheal's is A famous little shop here ( featured on Food Network, I hear.)  And Cheryl has been wanting to try it out ever since she noticed it  a few years ago.   It was supposed to be the "Celebratory Meal" after the race, but I guess they are closed tomorrow until around 11:00 AM.  So either we would have to wait for them, or miss it entirely.   Her solution?   Try it now!

Cheryl with  the Custard in her hand...

As seen on TV...  Food Network, that is.

The prices are a little high, but not for custard.   And the sundae was good, so I would visit it again.   Maybe next time we will not have to share one.   I'm sure Cheryl would approve.

Another festival at the same
time? 

I should also note that this weekend is "BRAT FEST".   Everyone here is after those Brats.  And although the Brats would go nicely with the Beer and Cheese,  I'm thinking 2 out of three is not bad. Plus, the crowd and the entrance fees are huge!

Too many people!  Too high of Prices...   Did I mention too
many people? 

 For the price, we could buy several 6 packs of beer and a dozen Brats.  And avoid the huge crowd.   Running Mad Town is going to push my "People Tolerance Threshold" already. 

Perhaps with a strong tail wind...
Cheryl might excede expectations! 

Well,  that is all from this end.  Tomorrow, with a little luck and a huge tail wind, we will hopefully have some great news to share after the race is completed.   Of course,  only if the weather does not rise above "Surface of the Sun" status.  Wish us luck!