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I could have emailed everyone, but I'll start a public thread in case there are some others that might want to join us next month. Running the full, half, or 5k at present, we have tomwhite, Heidy4eyes, Mr4eyes, Munchkn and Mr. Munch, piejones, Opie, and Wick51. LittlerockJim and wife Vicki are probables, and Vista is trying to work out a scheduling conflict so he can also participate. Tomwhite might not be running as he has a professional obligation that weekend, but he's committed to attend the social festivities. I'm a bit iffy on the running myself, since I'm grossly undertrained, but I have the duties of being responsible for the course setup for the marathon, so I'll be around all weekend regardless. If anybody else feels the overwhelming desire to join us here in Knoxvegas, please jump in.<br><br>
As far as race news, the courses got remeasured last weekend and the final course maps should be on the marathon website in the next week or so I hope. The courses are generally the same as last year, but we had to make a few changes to avoid some minor construction issues. The University is also in the process of remodeling the visitor dressing rooms on the north end of the stadium. We'll still be able to have the finish inside the stadium, but we had to alter the route so we could enter the stadium from a different gate than in the past. I remind you to look up at the Jumbotron to catch yourself as finish. When the crowd starts jeering, I mean cheering, and you are looking around for snipers, I mean family and friends, it's hard to remember to look UP.<br><br>
Last year, most of us met up at the expo, and then later we had a group dinner at Downtown Grill and Brewery. It's conveniently located, roomy, and has a diverse menu to accomodate everyone's tastes. The nachos were piled high, the beer was cold, and we went all directons on the types of food ordered. One traditonal soul even went the pre-race carb loading pasta route (go Munchkn.) We did have the misfortune of getting stuck in an upstairs corner area with the ambiance of a smoke filled cow barn. This year, no matter where we choose to meet, I'm not making the reservation in the name of Tom White. That should get us better seating. And, since Tennessee has finally seen fit to go smoke free in our public restaurants (except bars that are exclusively over 21), the issue of smoke from the bar area is no longer a problem. If everyone is in favor, we can try a repeat of dinner at Downtown Grill. If anyone wants to try another spot, we can do that too. There are plenty of good restaurants in the convenient areas of downtown/old city/university/riverfront. I'll make sure any place we choose can handle the group on a Saturday night. As the event draws near and everyone finalizes their plans, I'll get a general head count to see how many spouses, friends, family, personal trainers, massage therapists, shrinks, etc., that you'll be traveling with.<br><br>
I don't keep up with the old CR site, or with RunningAhead, so feel free to pass along info to anyone at those sites that might be coming. Some of you might be planning other outings on the weekend, such as trips to the mountains and National Park or a visit with Dolly, so if you need any info just give me a shout. The same is true if you need info on routes for training runs, or if you need a pre-race tour of the course. We're a full service operation.<br><br>
After dinner on Sat. night, there is a movie complex next to the Downtown Grill if anyone needs post dinner entertainment, or there is a BB King concert that night just down the street at a wonderful venue. Probably should get tickets early for that (Tennessee Theatre.) Plenty of other live music at spots all around that area or you can wander around on Market Square, or browse some outdoor gear at Mast General Store (where a bag of popcorn is still 25 cents) just a couple of doors from the Grill.<br><br>
I think I have an email address for everyone and I'll try and let you know any updated news/weather as we draw close. Looking forward to seeing some familiar faces, and meeting some new ones.<br><br>
pie
As far as race news, the courses got remeasured last weekend and the final course maps should be on the marathon website in the next week or so I hope. The courses are generally the same as last year, but we had to make a few changes to avoid some minor construction issues. The University is also in the process of remodeling the visitor dressing rooms on the north end of the stadium. We'll still be able to have the finish inside the stadium, but we had to alter the route so we could enter the stadium from a different gate than in the past. I remind you to look up at the Jumbotron to catch yourself as finish. When the crowd starts jeering, I mean cheering, and you are looking around for snipers, I mean family and friends, it's hard to remember to look UP.<br><br>
Last year, most of us met up at the expo, and then later we had a group dinner at Downtown Grill and Brewery. It's conveniently located, roomy, and has a diverse menu to accomodate everyone's tastes. The nachos were piled high, the beer was cold, and we went all directons on the types of food ordered. One traditonal soul even went the pre-race carb loading pasta route (go Munchkn.) We did have the misfortune of getting stuck in an upstairs corner area with the ambiance of a smoke filled cow barn. This year, no matter where we choose to meet, I'm not making the reservation in the name of Tom White. That should get us better seating. And, since Tennessee has finally seen fit to go smoke free in our public restaurants (except bars that are exclusively over 21), the issue of smoke from the bar area is no longer a problem. If everyone is in favor, we can try a repeat of dinner at Downtown Grill. If anyone wants to try another spot, we can do that too. There are plenty of good restaurants in the convenient areas of downtown/old city/university/riverfront. I'll make sure any place we choose can handle the group on a Saturday night. As the event draws near and everyone finalizes their plans, I'll get a general head count to see how many spouses, friends, family, personal trainers, massage therapists, shrinks, etc., that you'll be traveling with.<br><br>
I don't keep up with the old CR site, or with RunningAhead, so feel free to pass along info to anyone at those sites that might be coming. Some of you might be planning other outings on the weekend, such as trips to the mountains and National Park or a visit with Dolly, so if you need any info just give me a shout. The same is true if you need info on routes for training runs, or if you need a pre-race tour of the course. We're a full service operation.<br><br>
After dinner on Sat. night, there is a movie complex next to the Downtown Grill if anyone needs post dinner entertainment, or there is a BB King concert that night just down the street at a wonderful venue. Probably should get tickets early for that (Tennessee Theatre.) Plenty of other live music at spots all around that area or you can wander around on Market Square, or browse some outdoor gear at Mast General Store (where a bag of popcorn is still 25 cents) just a couple of doors from the Grill.<br><br>
I think I have an email address for everyone and I'll try and let you know any updated news/weather as we draw close. Looking forward to seeing some familiar faces, and meeting some new ones.<br><br>
pie
