I like this weather.

Look: I woke up late and it still wasn't a bajillion degrees outside! If I were to normally wake up this late (well this was even after my run), it would be at least 90 with at least 70% humidity. Today it was only 80 after my run AND breakfast! This is awesome. Well except for the fact that if I wake up late, I always get side stitches. Like every single time. I have no clue why.

My four mile run got cut short after a very long, slow, painful mile (think snail speed). I will try to go back out this afternoon to finish my run, but I thought this weather was so worth sharing!

Update on my break: I am back.  The last month has been the craziest month ever.  I had a guest at my house for two weeks which was absolutely fantastic (playing tourist in your own town is great- you should try it, I learned so much about the place I have always lived), but it also took up so much of my time and then with school starting I have had no time! I really am going to try to post at least once every week.  I think Saturdays will be my definite days so check out my blog early Saturday afternoons, and I should have a post!

Update on training: like I said, it has been crazy around here the last month.  I have been running, but not as much as I should have been.  Good thing my race isn't until December! I am so excited to be back training again! Oh serious running, how I have missed you!

Shoes: I ordered the Brooks Ghost 5s on clearance on the Brooks website.  I love them.  I took a leap of faith ordering a new pair of shoes online, but I have the Brooks Launch which I love, I was just looking for something with a little bit more support for longer runs.  I have only run 4 miles in them so far (I just got them), but I love them!  I will do a more formal review in a little bit after I have logged a few more miles in them.

Fitness Friday and a GIVEAWAY!!!

I am super lucky to have this giveaway from the great people at the Color Run.  I am so excited to be able to present y'all with such an awesome giveaway as my very first giveaway.  I have never done the Color Run as I am planning to run my first in March, but I will give you all the details!!!

The Color Run is also known as the happiest 5K on the entire planet.  That is pretty exciting!



It is a 5K run where you get covered in colored powder at each kilometer.  The Color Run has two "rules:"

1. Wear white at the starting line.

2. Finish plastered in color.

Another thing I already love about the Color Run is the charity connection.  Even though the Color Run is a for-profit organization, it has an emphasis on charity. In each city, The Color Run partners with a charity.  The partnerships happen in different capacities, but it is great knowing that you run for a cause!  It just makes running that much better!

Nervous about being covered in color? Don't be, none of these people look worried.  They are all ecstatic to be running covered in color!! I can't wait to try this!

This event isn't only for runners.  According to the Color Run FAQ, "you can run, walk, crawl, or cartwheel if you wish." So there is no excuse not to enter this giveaway and do the Color Run!

What are you waiting for? Enter the giveaway!!! You will receive one Color Run entry to the city of your choice!

View cities here.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

***I was offered two free entries for this post- one for myself, and one for a giveaway.  All opinions are my own.***

Check out http://www.talkless-saymore.com for her #fitnessfriday.

August Goals

I literally just wrote July 32nd on something, then realized that didn't exist and it was AUGUST (one of my favoritest months)!!!  So, a goal setting post for YOU (and me) was necessary.

In the January issue of Runner's World, there was a resolution guide, but it was unique.  It gave you goals each month to help improve your overall running.  Much more manageable than the goal of "getting better this year."  After all, goals should be SMART:

Okay, I will stop boring you now.  I just had to put a little bit of geeky-ness in there.  But for real, you shouldn't set a super broad goal without setting smaller steps in there.

Anyway, I have kind of forgotten about it, but I saw that another blogger was doing some August goals, so I decided to dig out the old Runner's World (well the website actually), and commit to the August goal.

The broad goal of August, as defined by Runner's World, is "Rediscover your Mojo."  They must really be geniuses because this was just what I was needing!

No, I need to rediscover it.

There are five specific parts to the August goal of rediscovering your mojo:

1. 

Head for the trails, where the shade will often be more plentiful than it is on a road. Plus, technical trails require concentration, which means you’ll be mentally engaged with your footing—not with the heat or your remaining mileage.  We have some trails around here, but not too many.  Maybe I will try the beach too? It kind of defeats the purpose of the shade, but I could do it early morning.

2. Schedule the workouts you like to do: If you really like hill repeats or despise tempo runs, run accordingly. “It may not be perfect physiologically,” says Leivers, “but if it’s a workout you’re excited for, you’re more likely to actually do it.”

I start official half-marathon training the third week of August, but I will try to do some fun things between now and then.  I really like hill repeats.  They are hard, but I like them (I have no clue why).  I also really like tempo runs because I feel legit.  I mean I get to run fast.  Who doesn't like that? I am not a huge fan of long runs, but I am beginning to like them more (which is a good thing because they are pretty important to a half-marathon buildup).  Spoiler alert: September's goal is mastering the long run, so I am pretty excited about that.  Why haven't I been doing these goals the whole year?

The only hill in Charleston.  Well pretty much the only one.

3. Revisit—or set new—both short- and long-term goals. “Give yourself four-week, three-month, and six-month goals,” says Baker. “Once your goals are out of your head and on paper, they are closer to happening.” 

4-Week Goal: Be consistent in half training.  I want to only have missed two runs for the scheduled runs of the month.  Unless something terrible happens, then I will adjust.

Three-Month Goal: By November 1st, I want to have blogged twice a week every week.  I know, not really running related, but it will keep me reliable for my training.

Six-Month Goal: Sub-2:00 half marathon.  That is technically a 4.5 month goal because I want it to happen by the end of the year at Kiawah.  And if it doesn't happen then, you can bet I will be signing up for the Charleston 1/2 Marathon in January.  But only as a last resort.  I have heard the course isn't that great.

Well actually 1:59:99

4. Sign up for a short-for-you race—could be a 5-K, could be a trail half-marathon. “The immediate satisfaction you feel from crossing a finish line can kick-start the rest of your training,” says Underhill.

I am running the ALS HOPE Race 5K in September so kind of delayed, but it will be fun and it is for a great cause.  Check out runs for ALS in your area.  They are for an AWESOME CAUSE!

5. Finally, if you’re on the should-I-go fence, mentally fast forward to later that day. “I always know I’ll feel worse if I haven’t run,” says Jessica Hofheimer, a running coach and Pilates instructor in Reston, Virginia. “I’ll be disappointed in myself, so it’s worth it just to try. Plus, there’s nothing like the feeling of being done with a run.” 

I probably should go.

It's cute.

Hi there! Runner's World Run Streak

Yes, I am still here.  Yes, I have been running (kind of).  No, I have not been blogging! I am back though!

Anyway, more on my first ever running streak!  Officially, I completed 35 days because I couldn't run until July 4th (I had to go out of town on June 30), but I ran every single day!!!! I took the week out of town as a rest week, and boy were my legs ready.  My brain was very confused when it did not have to find time to run on July 1st!  I ran every single day of June! Crazy!  I went into the streak knowing that I would not be able to finish it the last few days, but I am still very happy with my results!  It was definitely the motivation I needed to run frequently, even during the hot summer months.  I will absolutely do this again, especially if there is a race I need to rebound from, whether it be a race that didn't go so well (I am looking at you Diva's Half Marathon) or if I just need some motivation to keep running after my goal races.

How I felt some days!

Did I think it drastically improved my training? / Do I think I should do this more often?
Not exactly.  While I was running everyday, some of my runs got replaced with one-milers just because I was tired- so my mileage was kept about the same, it was just spread out over the week with no rest days.  I am glad I did this, however, because I am going to follow the Hanson's Half-Marathon plan so upping the number of days running was useful.

I should be making Olympic teams in no time!

Rain Rain Go Away and Rambling

Will it ever stop raining?!  This is getting pretty ridiculous.  Everyday that I have wanted to go on a decent run I have been stopped by the rain!  Today I really wanted to get about an hour of running in, but I only did a mile because it was thundering and lightninging.  <---- That is a word.  I promise.  Good news: when you are running and trying not to get struck by lightning and/ or wet you run a LOT faster, even especially on an easy run.

Boo!

Before anyone goes safety-conscious on the whole lightning thing, I did count between lightning and thunder before I left the house and it was 25 sec apart.  The recommended time is 30 seconds, according to Rob Fowler, so I thought I was ok.  More good news: I didn't even see lightning on my run!

I suppose I could have gotten on the elliptical when I got home, but I was hungry!!!  Speaking of which, I might start WIAW (What I ate Wednesday) soon, but today's eating was at the opposite end of anything I want to share, and my stomach can feel it now.  Think pizza, mac 'n cheese, soda.  I am pretty sure the only veggies I ate all day were pea puffs from Trader Joe's and I am pretty sure those have about the same nutritional value as a potato chip.  I feel super sluggish now.  Lesson learned: if you want to work out, you must eat nutritiously!


Enough ramblings from me: [runner] Texas Senator Wendy Davis can talk for 13 hours on the same topic!  Regardless of political opinion, that is impressive.  The Mizunos must have helped!

Nice Mizunos

Race-Day Essentials + Fitness Friday

I am doing a link-up with The Rushing Herd.  She asked What's in YOUR race bag?

I am also more of an over-preparer with the mentality better safe than sorry.  I am just going to tell you what is actually in my car when I go to the race.  I will spare you the details of what I bring for an away race.

1. Two Pairs of Running Shoes
I always bring an extra pair.  What if the sole of one of my shoes snaps in half when I put it on?

2. My Nike+ GPS Watch
I log my training on the Nike+ website so having a way to input the info is vital.  Some people swear by "running naked"- without technology, but this is the one piece I need.  If I want to run by effort, I just change the settings so I only see time elapsed or the time of day, but I always want to see my results AFTER my run!

3. Running Clothes- obviously
I prefer something looser (a singlet type tank) on top and something more fitted on the bottom (I usually wear spandex shorts or capris).  I got some Oiselle Rogas today and I am in love!  I kind of wanted to go for a run when I got them, but I couldn't.

4. Various Food
I like bringing some food and water/ Nuun to snack on before and after the race.  I usually pack an apple, some Nuun, and some pretzels or other starch.

5. Towel and Change of Clothes
I don't want to drive back in gross clothes! Enough said.

6. iPod (for longer races)
I only use my iPod on long runs and during longer races where I need some sort of distraction.  I have to wear it in an armband- I CANNOT carry it.  It drives me crazy.

7. Applesauce and other fuel for longer races.

8. Band-Aids in case blisters develop.  (Haven't had any problems with my new shoes!)

9. Extra Hair Stuff- ponytail holders and headbands.  I keep my hair simple on race day- high-ish ponytail and a hard plastic headband to keep the hair out of my face.

10. Hat and Sunglasses- I have a hat that I really like that I wear most races to keep the sun out of my face.  If it is really bright outside, I tote along my sunglasses that are obviously not made for running.  Any suggestions on some relatively inexpensive running sunglasses?

11. Hand Sanitizer- I am not really scared of germs, but it is nice to have after applying sunscreen and before driving back to not make your hands feel so gross.

12. RoadID

13. Extra Safety Pins- I don't want the race to run out.

14. Chacos- Got to have something comfy to put on after the race.

Would you rather?

This is a series of "Would you rather?" questions that I found on Olive to Run and I thought they would be perfect so y'all could get to know me better as a runner.

1. Would you rather run a 5K or a marathon?

I have never run a marathon before, and I probably won't run one for at least two more years, but I prefer longer distances any day.  I am definitely not a natural runner, but I have had much more success increasing my endurance rather than my speed.  I would definitely pick a half-marathon, which I have run, over a 5K.

I would love to run a race in DC one day.

2. Would you rather run in the heat of summer or the icy winter?

I like the warm summer much more than the cold winter.  My success in fall races over spring races can attest to this because I despise training in the cold so I have a much more substantial training base from the summer than from the winter.

3. Would you rather have new running shoes or a new running outfit?

I would much rather have a new pair of running shoes.  I am pretty picky about my running clothes, but if absolutely necessary, I would go for a run in (gasp) a cotton t-shirt and plain old athletic shorts.  Shoes are what keep me safe from injury and I use the same pair over many runs in a row so I would prefer a new pair of shoes over running clothes.

My running shoes from oldest ---> newest.  There are a couple of  pairs missing.  I think they one of those pairs is in my car!? The ones on the right I only have 40 miles on, but I really like my new Brooks Launch shoes so far.

4. Would you rather run alone or in a group?

I would rather run alone.  My long runs can sometimes get lonely, but I like being able to move around the time and pace of runs (although it would help to have somebody to hold me accountable).  I do love the race atmosphere with a bajillion people around me though.

5. Would you rather run next to someone in a race who tries to talk to you constantly or someone who breathes heavy and grunts?

I would rather have someone talk to me.  I love talking, especially during long races.  During my first half marathon, I don't even remember 5 of the miles because I was talking to someone.

6. Would you rather run a race because of the convenience (location, price, travel) or the swag?

I love me some swag, but ultimately if a race is convenient I am more likely to do it.  I would love to run some major half-marathons and eventually marathons (I love big races), but they are just so far away that it isn't realistic, however I am hoping to travel to go run the Princess Half-Marathon at Disney in February.

Mickey and Minnie Mouse

7. Would you rather run a race with a group of friends or by yourself?

I would rather run it by myself.  I wouldn't mind sharing the race weekend with friends, but I want to run the actual race by myself.  I also would not mind running with a friend if they needed support (pacing, moral support, ect.), but I don't want to run a goal race with other people.

8. Would you rather run a PR but result in an injury or finish strong and miss a PR?

I would take finishing strong without a PR because there will be other races to run to get that PR, but I don't want to have to sit out of running for an extended period of time.

I would love to have had a PR that day, but I was sick so I didn't want to push it  (and I don't think I could have pushed it much more).

9. Would you rather eat a big meal the night before or a big meal after a race?

Big meal after a race.  I will eat a pretty good amount the night before a race, but I am careful not to eat too much so I don't run into GI problems (no pun intended).  After a race, I will eat EVERYTHING in sight.  On the way back from my last half-marathon, I just wanted to stop at every food establishment between the race and my house where my grandmother was making shrimp and grits.

10. Would you rather be chased by a swarm of bees or a pack of dogs?

I would rather be chased by a pack of dogs.  Big dogs, for the most part, don't scare me.  I have grown up with one so, unless unusually vicious, I would rather deal with dogs.  Bee stings are painful.  Enough said.

The dog on my left is ancient, but I love her to death.  I don't think she will be doing much chasing.  The one on the right will probably chase you, but won't attack you.

Runner's World Summer Challenge #RWRunStreak

39 days of running from Memorial Day to Labor Day.  Sign me up.  I am going to run at least one mile  everyday from now until Labor Day! It will be hard in this heat, but I am excited because I have always wanted to do a running streak.

I am pretty excited about this because this is my first "streak."  Today I did three miles, but it had a hill in it so it counts as a "super 3-miler" to someone from flat land.  I ran the bridge and it was PACKED. Mental note to self: never run the bridge on a holiday/ Saturday!

There are still a few more hours in the day if anybody wants to join me!  :)

Favorite Things Friday

1. Stacy's Cinnamon Sugar Pita Chips- they bring a flavor party to my mouth! YUM!  You should try them out some time because they are definitely one of my favorite snack foods.


2. Pita Chips with Roasted Red Pepper Hummus- both were on sale this week at Harris Teeter, so of course I had to buy some.  It is so good!

3. Chobani Flips- I had my first one this week.  It was the Key Lime Crumble, and it tasted just like Key Lime Pie.  I can't wait to try the others because I have heard that the almond and chocolate one is very good.

4. Long Days- morning and evening runs in the light!!!

5. Nuun- I got my first box today, and it is perfect.  I was so excited that I drank my first bottle while swimming/ running today only 15 minutes after I received the box.  I ordered pink lemonade, and it is yummy without being overly sweet so I can drink it while I am working out and not want to gag.

Diva's Half-Marathon Recap

So I decided it is time to post this because all of the other bloggers have their race recaps up from last weekend, so I should finish mine from the 28th of April.

I ran the Diva's Half-Marathon in North Myrtle Beach.  I went up to Myrtle Beach on Saturday afternoon (the race was on Sunday).  Saturday I went to go get my packet at the expo.  The expo was mediocre.   It was well organized, but it was small.  I guess I am just spoiled by the Bridge Run expo in my hometown so other expos seem like a disappointment.  I got my packet, walked around for a few minutes, but then I left to go visit a couple of stores at the outlets and then go get some pasta.

So they had a bit of a shirt problem.  The shirts were supposed to be women's sizes, but they ended up being more like kids sizes.  I got a small because I was worried about how small the women's sizes would be, and it barely covers my belly button and it is quite tight.  Luckily, they had a system to get the shirts replaced and I should be getting mine in a few weeks.

My bib.

I woke up race morning late so we rushed to the start line (not a good way to start a race morning).  I did not have time to stretch so I felt that at mile 4.  The entire race was tight which I think was primarily because of me forgetting the night before, and then not having enough time race morning.  I learned that stretching during a race takes up a lot of valuable minutes.  No good.  I also woke up not feeling much better from the nasty cold I had been suffering all week.  I tried to keep a positive attitude on race morning, but between being late and sick, I wasn't expecting much out of the race.

Miles 1-6 were okay.  It was just running.  Nothing too exciting.  The course wasn't too exciting and I knew I had a long race ahead of me.

Miles 7-9 were where things got tough.  I really felt the effects of not properly stretching and I also had some nutrition issues.

Mile 10 was rough.  I was definitely starting to get sore.  That was not good.  I also became extremely unmotivated and was just searching for my parents just to get some sort of motivation.  I definitely started to feel the effects of being sick- I could barely breath through my nose and my energy was zapped.  I think I need to work on my nutrition strategy some too.  Any suggestions?

I don't really remember where that was, but I am pretty sure that was a fake smile.

Miles 11-13 felt sooooo long.  There was nothing I could seem to do to make them go by faster.

Finally, after what seemed like an eternity, I finished in 2:18:56.  I was disappointed in my time after spending so much time and effort to prepare for it only to be sick on race day, but at the end of the day I am still proud that I finished my second half-marathon.  I have a lot of races ahead of me.  I am super excited about Kiawah.  

Overall, I would recommend this race to someone who lives close and just wants to do a run on a flat and fast course, but there wasn't really anything too exciting.  One thing that I loved about this race was the enthusiastic spectators.  There were a lot of people with really funny signs that made me laugh even through my mile 10 crash.  One thing that I didn't like so much is that the 5K runners and walkers shared the course for part of it, and at the time I was hitting the part of the course that we shared, there were a lot of 5K walkers and half-marathon runners in a relatively small area.

I better go to sleep so I can wake up to run a 5K tomorrow.  I don't really have any expectations for it.  It is mostly just a race to gauge where my current 5K time is to set a goal for the fall, but I do love races- big and small, long and short.  They are what keeps me running- even the ones that I didn't do well in give me motivation to do better in the next race.

Upcoming Races

This weekend I am going to run a 5K to try to get a base time for my goal 5K in the fall.   I have not run a 5K in a year and a half so I really need an idea of how fast I can run a 5K.  I am hoping to run a fast 5K in the fall to improve my speed (in hopes of a sub 2:00 half).  I have no idea where to even start with speed-work, but thankfully I am a subscriber to Runner's World.


My summer training plans are to keep my running going (especially building a good long-run base), and to complete lots of cross-training in the pool to try and beat the heat!
My fall training plans are to train for my sub 2:00 half-marathon finish.  I will be attempting speed-work (ugh) and of course- lots of miles (yea)!

This fall I am going to attempt to run a speedy 5K.  I have been focusing on distance for a long time, and I am excited to see how fast I can run when I actually train for speed.


I am officially registered for the Kiawah Half-Marathon in December.  I am super excited about this because I am sure that the seven months I have to train for this are going to go well and I will finally have a sub 2:00 finish!

Race recap tomorrow for the Diva's Half-Marathon in Myrtle Beach!

Run for Boston

So this week has been crazy, but good news for y'all: I have scheduled posts for this week! As in, they are in the little scheduler feature that Blogspot has!

On Sunday, April 21st, I did the Charleston Run for Boston.  It was an amazing event that was very uniting.  Runners from all over the tri-county area came out.  It all started with the organizer doing a group run with some of her friends, and it turned out to have (600-1000?) runners running it.  It was crazy awesome.  Of course I forgot to bring my phone to take pictures, but luckily some of the organizers of the Charleston Marathon were able to take some pictures.

The organizer talking to the runners before the race.

Runners finishing the race.  Most everybody that finished stayed at the finish line until every single person finished the run.

Runners cheering on finishers at the finish.

The course was a 5K, but I had an 8 mile run scheduled so I ran 4 miles right before the start, the race, and a mile after the race.  Great run!

Survey

It is Fitness Friday so what better than a running survey from Running Kellometers?!

1. Best Run- probably the Run for Boston in Charleston that I did.  It was really good to see runners unite after such a horrific tragedy.

2. Three words that describe my running: fun, communal, enjoyable.  I try to keep my running fun, even though waking up at 6:30 on a Saturday for a long run is not always fun at that moment.  One of my favorite parts of running is the sense of a running community.  Getting to know runners at races and other running events is one of the biggest motivators for me.  I also really try to keep it enjoyable because otherwise I wouldn't be able to stay consistent.

3. My go-to running outfit.  This is a hard one because I really don't have a "go-to" running outfit because the weather changes so quickly and strangely here.  Really, there is not a better way to describe our weather than strange.  I really like running in a pair of capris and a tank top (loose-fitting, not tight).

4. Quirky habit while running: I do my long runs in multiple short out-and-backs/ loops rather than one big loop/ out-and-back because I think it makes the run feel shorter, even though listening to this I would think it would make it feel longer.  It also eliminates the need for me to carry fuel.  I can just store it at my house!

5. Morning/ Mid-Day/ Evening?  It depends.  When it is light outside early, I will run in the morning, but now when it is light in the afternoon, I will run in the afternoon.  

6. I won't run outside when... there is a lighting/thunder storm.  It probably just isn't a good idea.

7. Worst injury- and how I got over it: thankfully, none yet.  Knock on wood.

8. I felt most like a badass runner when... I ran 9 miles in the rain.  I really did feel like a true runner at that point.  It was like an initiation.

9. Potential running goal for 2013: run a sub-2:00 half-marathon.  Whether at this race on Sunday or in December, I will crush it.  I was feeling pretty confident about it for this weekend until I got sick.  Hopefully I will feel better by Sunday.

10. Next race is... on Sunday!  The Diva's Half-Marathon in Myrtle Beach! I am super excited because I just love racing.  Big or small.  Long or short.  I love racing!

Bridge Run Recap

Let's just start of by saying this was not the best race I have ever run, but a lot of good came out of it.

I ended up finishing in just over 56 minutes.  6 minutes off of my goal time, but that is okay.  I was not pleased by the time, but the race itself was fantastic.  The weather was great- not too hot and not too cold, and most importantly it was not windy.  (I have run the bridge some years where the wind made it impossible).  

My warm-up was great, but I noticed that my legs were a little sore (whoops- that is what I get for trying to race a race in the middle of half-marathon training).

I am terrible at taking race pics (I typically don't carry my phone in races) so here is one from The Chart Group.  As you can see, there are a lot of people who run the bridge run (a little under 40,000 finishers).

I did the first two miles at my race pace goal, and everything was fine and dandy until I started up the bridge.  This is where I knew that I was in trouble.  I have been doing a little bit of hill work (aka once a week I run the bridge), but all of my other training is on flat land (there is not another hill in Charleston besides the bridge).  The third mile up the bridge was hard and slow, but I made it up running and I was happy about that.  It was also difficult because in a race with 40,000 other people, and only two lanes going up the bridge, it was a bit congested which made the mile even slower.  I was so excited to reach the top of the bridge because it meant downhill running, however my quads were not as excited as my lungs were.  Miles 5 and 6 were so-so.  I was tired, but I pushed through them (thank you long runs during half-marathon training).

A lot of good did come out of this race.  First of all, it was a good workout with the hills and the speed (but not speed going up the hills :).  Secondly, it got me really motivated.  My half training was becoming really tiring and boring, but the race got me excited about running again- I had gone too long without a race :).  Those two things are more important than my finishing time because my ultimate goal is the half-marathon!

One more thing, only 20 days until my half-marathon!!! This is crazy 

Expo Recap!

So the Bridge Run was today (race report to follow).

The expo was open Thursday and Friday.  I opted to go on Thursday because it is much less busy.  I also decided to volunteer at the packet pickup later in the day.  I went early on Thursday because I was trying to find some running shoes, but the selection was not that great so I decided to keep looking.

I picked up my number, my dad's number, and my brother-in-law's number first.

my bib

I then went and picked up the rest of the packet.

drawstring bag, USB with race info, restaurant coupon, Aleve, bib, and towel

The towel is going in my workout room on my bib wall!

I then lolly-gagged around the expo.  I went to the TrySports booth, but they only had Newtons which I have heard are great and the whole midfoot-strike thing, but I don't know if I am ready to go that radical yet.  I then looked at another booth, but I think I just need to go to the running store and have time, and not have to worry about keeping up with packets, ect.  I went and got some samples from Bi-Lo (having a big grocery store as a sponsor is great).  They also had Front Porch Ice Cream Samples which were really good.

I then volunteered at the expo.  I handed out packets.  They were already pre-stuffed with the towel, coupon, USB, and Aleve.  The runners handed us their bib, we got their t-shirt, and put it all in the packet.  The process worked really well and I was glad to volunteer in a race and still be able to run in it.

a box full of packets

I was slightly disappointed in the selection of the expo, but I had a good time and it was fun to be around so many other runners to share experiences.