If the game has not yet begun, the pre-game is now in full swing. I just returned from the Media kickoff where we heard from some of the organizers and met local officials who play such an important role in inviting events such as Rock'n'Roll San Antonio to town. There's no doubt this is a mammoth effort, impossible without the behind the scenes organization. I am sure I speak for every runner when I say thank you for the foundation laid for Sunday morning's race.
We also heard a few words from several of the elite runners who will be at the head of the pack. Interesting to me was the talk of needing heroes, or role models, for those who are coming new into the sport of distance running. My generation still looks to the example of Frank Shorter or Bill Rogers. Their influence must have been pretty good when you look around and see all the
Masters Running which is going on these days. Truthfully, though, I expect that whatever your age, if you are a runner, you also see Ryan Hall and Meb Keflezighi as sources of inspiration. Sunday, here in San Antonio, a few more role models will emerge.
Speaking of role models, I think as I ran last year's race I was moved equally by the size of the field and the thousands of San Antonians and visitors to SA who lined the route and cheered the near endless parade of runners. Most moving was the military veteran who ran so bravely on a prosthetic limb. If you need a role model, look no further than the numerous everyman/everywoman competitors who will be well behind the elite runners on Sunday.
The Expo itself was interesting and Friday was definitely the day to be there. There was no standing in line to get the bib number, tshirt and goody bag, nor were there any lines at the porta-potties already in place at the finish line. The Expo will be crawling tomorrow and patience will be a virtue. Also, as all race veterans know, bring plenty of patience to the lines for the toilets on Sunday. Keep the pre-race breakfast simple and avoid that second or third cup of coffee.
Good luck to all and welcome to San Antonio.
The Expo itself was interesting and Friday was definitely the day to be there. There was no standing in line to get the bib number, tshirt and goody bag, nor were there any lines at the porta-potties already in place at the finish line. The Expo will be crawling tomorrow and patience will be a virtue. Also, as all race veterans know, bring plenty of patience to the lines for the toilets on Sunday. Keep the pre-race breakfast simple and avoid that second or third cup of coffee.
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