When You're NOT Running 26.2 Miles...

I managed to do other things a few other things in the Windy City besides run through the city streets. I tried really hard to post frequently while I was traveling but there were so many hiccups along the way (including Internet connectivity issues at the hotel....in 2015!!! I know right?!). I wanted to get the race recap posted (you can read that HERE if you haven't already), so now it's time to share some highlights from the rest of the trip.

I got to Chicago on the Friday before the race after a very long travel day. And on Saturday morning my parents (who also flew to Chicago on Friday), Kai and I made our way to the Chicago marathon race expo...

The Expo was huge with ALOT of vendors. We got there before it got really crowded so I got my race bib and packet rather quickly...

We also had time to "booth browse" and start working on motivational signs for the race...

The rest of the day was pretty uneventful (as it should be the day before a major race).

After the race we did a few things around the city...

And I was finally able to eat at my favorite Chicago restaurant...

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On another note, the week before the marathon I received an amazing gift...

Someone got me this gift certificate and it was delivered to my email!!!

I asked all the "usual suspects" in my family and they have all denied doing it. So I don't know who to thank for it, but I am truly grateful and appreciative because it is so generous and thoughtful. Thanks to my mystery benefactor I was able to order all the digital images from the marathon. Here are some of my favorites...

Did you buy your first marathon race day pics? Or get any of the commemorative items?

Do you do any site seeing when you travel to other cities for races?

What's your favorite post-race meal or place to eat?