San Francisco Marathon '08 - Registration

The stereotypical California attitude is "laid back". Perhaps when we registered for the race back in January, the "laid back" attitude became pervasive through our training and the race? We have never been so relaxed, nonchalant before the starter's pistol and finish. Was this a good thing?

Typically, I begin packing clothes a day before which, I kid you not, escalates to a four hour activity of packing, over-packing and eliminating clothing combinations. In record time, I threw my clothes in the suit case deciding to purchase a running jersey at the Marathon Expo. The work week must have drained me of all decision-making capabilities or cars, yet my bags were packed and ready.

The next morning we drove the two hours to Phoenix and the flight back from the gate and right onto the runway and we were airborne. For Christmas, I bought my wife an Ipod Nano which turns out to be a traveling life-saver as we downloaded a couple of flicks for the flight. With an y-splitter for earphones we were each able to watch the movie and the flight seemed to end just as we took-off. If you travel, I recommend the I-pod shuffle as it seems to do everything, including balance a checkbook.

In San Francisco, we planned to travel by public transportation as it seemed to go everywhere we needed to be. Once proud of my public transportation abilities in Chicago, it took me a few moments to gather my bearing and decipher the BART map. By the way, we arrived in Oakland and took the Bart to Union Square which went without a hitch, except for a minor map reading mishap when on the ground.

Soon we arrived at the Sir Francaise Drake Hotel located on Powell Street and a block and half from Union Square. The room was quaint with the necessities and managed to find enough places for our clothes. The staff was pleasant and accommodating. After the race, I looked forward to having a celebratory martini in the lobby bar which seemed to be bustling with guests.

As planned, we immediately took a cab to Marathon Expo for our bibs, swag and shop for deals. I, of course, was seeking a running shirt and debating about carrying my belt with water bottle or purchasing a belt only. Why change from my training?

Not knowing the address but only the pier number, 29 as I recall, along Embaradero Street, choosing to take a cab was a wise idea. "Look for a 'Marathon' sign or tents," I told the cabbie. Sure enough, the expo was held in tents upon the pier.
Previously, I read submissions from other participants complaining about walking through vendors to get to the registration, but I didn't mind as I love getting swag and finding deals. After registering, we hit the vending booths - hard!

Taste testing gels and bars sometimes yields surprises and standbys. My wife was amazed by one bar, then finally looked-up at the banner to find it to be Cliff Bars, "Of course, they're Cliff Bars! They're always good!"











Then of course, "She Scores with Skorts!" My god, like 'moths to a flame' she was drawn to her new obsession -- skorts! I must admit, I think the wife looks much better running in skorts than shorts. In fact, alot of women look better in skorts. In short, I like women in skorts (skirts, too!).

Whereas, I was seeking the ultimate running jersey to match my shoes! Wearyournumber.com, a newer company that transfers your bib, race number and a short, custom message to a running jersey. Skeptical at first that the transfer was rubberized t-shirt image from the days of the 70's and 80's, after witnessing the process and feeling a product, we were both sold! In fact, we were so impressed that we will always purchase this product at every race that is available! No more pins and the fabric proved to be light weight, wicking and breathable. Truly impressed.


With swag, bibs, jersey, skorts, running belts, sports drinks, official running race jacket and commemorative t-shirts in hand (by the way, they have a kick-ass, technical race t-shirt too!), we walked and walked and walked uphill back to the hotel to spread-out our booty upon the bed and hope for a good race, but first, a night out in an Italian San Francisco restaurant!