Feb 23 The Boston Marathon Jacket Revealed --- Boston 2012

Finally the day that I have been waiting for arrived.  The big question burning in almost every Boston Marathoner's mind other than how big really are the "hills of Newton" and "Heartbreak Hill", is, what color scheme will Adidas be using for the marathon coats and merchandise.  The answer to this burning question came in an email yesterday.  The 2012 color scheme is orange/red and black.  Orange/Red and black?  Thats what I said.  Hmmm, I'm going to look like a pumpkin wearing my coat.  This is always the fun part, opening the emails from Adidas as they try to entice you to purchase every product which displays "Boston Marathon 2012".  I have to admit, that the first year I ran this race, I purchased a lot of souvenirs.  A real lot.  So much so, that I was glad we took the train home because we didn't have to pay for an extra piece of luggage.  Last year, not so much.  I bought the coveted coat and a few running shirts.  It is truly amazing all of the things that you can buy.  From stuffed teddy bears wearing Boston t-shirts, to Boston Beer Mugs for carbo loading, to rings, necklaces and shoes.  The best part about taking a peek at merchandise early is that you can get an idea of what you want to buy when you get there.  And, of course you can avoid the rush and buy your coat before you even step on the plane.  But, thats not for me.  It has to be purchased at the Expo and hang in my hotel closet until after I cross the finish line.  One of the things that I did notice about this year's coat is that they went back to embroidering the logo on the front and back of the jacket.  Last year in an effort to cut costs and increase profits, Adidas went to a screen print for these two emblems on the coat. Same price as the year before, just made and looked a lot cheaper.  The runners at the Expo were upset and let Adidas know what they thought about the jacket.  So, this year, the cost of the jacket is $10 more but I will gladly pay extra for the nice clean look the embroidery gives it.  The color isn't too bad.  I am sure that after Marathon Monday, it will be very easy to spot runners of this esteemed race as we wander through the streets of Bean Town.

If you've been to one marathon expo then you've been to them all.  Not true when it comes to Boston. When you get there, you know that you have arrived.  It is the coolest feeling to look around at all the other people there and know that they speak the same language of "hard work and commitment" as you.  There are vendors selling the usual shoes, shorts and trinkets, t-shirt vendors, charity groups, pacer tables and of course the course preview film that runs about every 15 minutes.  Famed runners take you through every mile of the course  and it is every hard to find a seat for any of the showings.  I love to watch it.  It really gets me pumped up for the race.  I even video taped it so that I can forever look back and relive this historical path to greatness.  The wall of good wishes is fun to write on and read.  You have to get there early to find some space to leave your message and of course, you have to get the complimentary poster with all the names of the runners for this year's race on it.  The writing is small and honestly I have never been able to find my name on the posters from the previous years, but it is a cool keepsake and like I said, its FREE (while supplies last)!!!!!!

So as I continue my workouts, I will ponder what I am going to purchase this year and when I go to sleep at night, I will run the course in my sleep and count the days until I am able to hit the road when it counts!

Today's Workout

Planned:  4 Miles

Completed:

4 Miles

Update on Nike Plus Challenge - Run Around The Earth:

Started the day in 2,665th place.  After my run this morning, I moved up to 2,642.  I moved up 13 spots. Yippee!!!!!!!!

2642 up 13