I left the house WAY early to catch my flight and actually got to Detroit hours before George, but I didn't mind...I slept in a chair near the fountain while waiting. Once he got there we had a little hassle finding each other as we were in different terminals and didn't realize it initially, but that issue solved we were on our way. A quick conversation in the car while headed to the expo and we both had the same thought....don't expect much, it's probably just a small expo, mainly packet pickup... It was set up awkwardly - you had to walk all the way through the expo to the back of the room to get your packet, then back through to exit. From a marketing perspective it made you pass each vendor twice, but it just didn't seem to flow well. However, the expo itself was GREAT! We had a blast! We met many wonderful people, ran into some Rock N Roll racers and friends, and even registered for a few give aways (and later found out we each won a free entry to the 2012 Capital City Half Marathon in Ohio - a state I've yet to do!). All in all we both agreed the expo was very nice and much better than expected.
After the expo and dinner we made our way to George's friend Eric's house. He was at work and we ended up crashing before he got home, but I had the opportunity to meet him well before dawn as we all drug ourselves out of bed and headed to the start line. Regardless of how the race panned out I was lucky enough to have enjoyed a day at the expo with a great friend and to have met an incredible new friend!
The race was much larger than we expected and the crowd was huge, the energy was high and before we knew it we were on our way! As I started I heard the dreaded sounds of someone falling behind me...start lines are incredibly crowded and the sound of tumbling could well signal you are about to become part of the pile but you can't look back to check or you risk hitting those in front of you and causing your own pile up. I winched and continued running away from the sound, trying to find an opening to give me a little space. When I finally had the opportunity to peek behind me I had just enough time to do a quick step to avoid having my heel clipped by the woman literally rolling on the ground. She wasn't seriously injured and there were plenty of people involved and helping so I plodded on. As we approached the Ambassador Bridge I felt a mix of excitement and dread...that's a long, steady, high climb - but running through customs and into Canada was kinda cool. (I forgot to mention you HAVE to have a passport for this race and they check them at the expo before giving you your bib!) I'm pretty decent at hills and don't typically mind them (expect in Vermont where they never ended!)...but this climb took quite a bit out of me. I was determined to run the entire thing despite the number of people walking up the bridge. The bridge narrowed a bit and the climb continued, into the darkness (still hadn't dawned yet) towards the lights beckoning at the top of the bridge.
The crowds in Canada were very welcoming and cheered us all on, clapping just as much for those carrying the stars and stripes as those running under their own flag. As we ran along the waterfront I was struck by the large park, neat sculptures, and breath taking views of Detroit across the water.
As we wound our way back through Detroit I tried to take in the sites. This time the view across the water was Canada and I found it amusing to be peering across the same water in the opposite direction while running. Though again I have no idea why! I grew up on an island, so it's not like that's an unusual concept! It did add to the run though! All to soon we hit the split and the half crowd shouted well wishes to those tackling the full as they peeled off for their additional miles and we approached the finish. I knew I hadn't been training as I should and I had no expectations for time in today's event but finished in a decent 2:18:21. I was, however, struck with just how nice the medal was. This will likely remain one of my favorite medals! It's very heavy, the medal itself is interesting and captures Detroit, while the landyard is by far one of the nicest on any of my medals and really captures the feel of the race - incorporating both countries flags as well as "13.1".
After a picture I headed to the finish line party...passing LONG lines at the free massage tents lining the finisher's area. When I entered the park I poked around, checking out what was there, but mostly sweets and treats...nothing I wanted to eat after 13.1 miles! Then I noticed another set of massage tents in the after party with a very short line, so I figure what the heck...George was running the full anyway, so he'd be a bit! I got in line. While waiting I texted Eric to let him know I was finished and where I was. While he made his way there I enjoyed a full body massage that was quite thorough compared to what I was expecting. After my massage and once reunited with Eric we made our way back to the start/finish line area. There was a little deli on the side of the road and we went in for breakfast. We enjoyed egg sandwiches/wraps while getting to know each other. Until I saw a red mohawk pass by the window! We had already paid and were chatting so we hopped up and headed to the finish to congratuate our friend! After meeting up with George and taking lots of pictures we headed back to the "Conquered" afterparty.
After we'd exhausted all of the finish line festivities we headed back to the car and headed to the airport. I had enough time for a shower in the Delta Skyclub lounge and then it was off to my gate. While waiting to board a group of runners appeared and we began talking while waitng for the plane...more new running friends (these fairly local), a great race, a fun afterparty, even a massage...all in all, completing Michigan was a great experience!
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