Banner at Union Square
The night before the marathon was a really cool experience. The Nike team and Team in Training staff made Marathon Eve extra special. From the expo to the dinner, it all was so thoughtfully planned out and executed.
Matt and I were in a rush to get to the Team in Training Inspiration Dinner so we quickly ran through the Nike expo at Union Square to pick up my bib, but it would have been cool to spend more time there. From what I could see, there were apparel stands, smoothie making bicycles, running form analyses, and more treats from Paul Mitchell and Neutrogena.
Carb loaders.
The Team in Training Inspiration Dinner that was held at the very neat Moscone Center on Howard Street. I didn’t really know what to expect from the dinner, but once we got close to our destination we heard tons of cheering and clapping. Starting at the door and leading all of the way down the stairs to the reception room were lines of TNT alumni, coaches, mentors, and staff, with noise makers, cowbells, whistles, and signs, clapping and cheering for all of the TNT members (YouTube Team in Training Inspiration Dinner Nike Women’s to get the full effect). Throughout the training process, our coaches and mentors would always thank us for participating, but I never really registered this notion or internalized this because I was more thankful for them for turning me into a legit runner. But at that moment, I realized, that I had raised over $2500.00 to help find a cure for cancer and that was totally tear-inducing. Matt said it reminded him a lot of Penn State’s Thon. It was hard to keep it together.
Do I look legit?
Once I pulled it together, I got to see my Team that I hadn’t trained with since August and enjoy a carb-filled dinner. There were a variety of motivational speakers and very talented athletes that provided us with last minute advice. They stressed that it would very hard for the runners to sleep because of all of the adrenaline, but to just lay in your bed with your eyes closed, even if you can’t sleep to rest.
When we got back home, I finally got to try on my TNT tank and put my bib on my shirt. I felt like a superhero in my purple TNT tank! Once all of my lucky clothes were laid out (Lucky hat from my brother that I’ve trained in the whole time, favorite green shorts, Th0rlo socks, purple watch, etc), I had one last carb-loaded cookie and luckily passed out. 
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