Des Moines Half Marathon Expo and Packet Pickup.

Cheryl sticks her tongue out at the
conventional wisdom. 

Only half the distance and half the
work, right? 

They say that running a race the weekend after you complete a marathon is suicidal.   That is why Cheryl has to do it.   Not because she has a death wish or anything.   Rather, it is because she is out to prove them wrong!    Probably the same reason Eve ate that Apple....  ( Or Mushroom,   but the theory is still out on that one.)   But I digress.

Finding the Expo.

We are currently at Des Moines waiting for the Half Marathon to begin tomorrow.   Being only a couple hours away, travel was not too challenging.  A little windy.   But clear sunny skies and a brisk 50 degrees.   If the temps hold,  it may be another great day to run.   And Cheryl is counting on it. 

Packet Pick-up

Picking up the Jacket. 

She will not be trying for a PR ( Which she set here three years ago.)   But she will be trying to enjoy as much of the autumn running season as she can.   Des Moines is one of the last races before the Holiday season kicks off.  It is supposed to be fun. 

Checking out the Rest of the Expo.

While I study the Map.

As for me,  I will probably not drive myself crazy trying to see her all over the city.   Last time I hung out by the start/finish and things went just fine.   We drove around to the potential spectator spots, and it was not as easy as Bemidji.  And since this is a halfer, not competitive, and basically a "relaxing" run to celebrate the Marathon last week,  I don't need to hand Cheryl diet coke at the half way mark.   Yeah!

More clothes?  

Photo op in front of the Big Poster.

We hung around the expo for a little while, but, with only a half hour on the meter, we decided to cut it short.   There were  no "special celebrities this year.( at least to our knowledge).   So no movie to watch, no books to sign, no speeches or pep talks to sleep through.  There were lots of goodies to sample. ( the honey waffle people had a good display.) but otherwise, we did a scan and headed out.  

Why is she pointing?

At someone's name?

After combat shopping at a few stores,  we finally made it to our hotel and are currently trying to regain our calm levels.   Tomorrow will be cold and windy but should warm up to current levels...after the race is over.
  

Cheryl's name made it to the poster.

With a little luck,  Cheryl will bring home another half marathon medal to add to the collection.   We will blog about that when it happens.   Thanks for stopping in.