(See the picture above?!) This was the "scene" just outside Bloomingdale's. There were young dudes painted in gold, wearing very TINY gold Speedos, throwing "snow" in the air. It was quite a show.
After lunch, it was off to Nike Village/Expotique to check in & get our Bib #'s, race packets, etc. There was SO much going on! They've increased the number of runners, walkers etc. to 20,000...making this the WORLD'S LARGEST WOMEN'S MARATHON!! Then it was off to Niketown to check out all the fabulous Nike Marathon clothing - WONDERFUL!! The coolest part was the way Nike put EVERY PARTICIPANT'S name on a screen/film on the bottom floor window. Everyone has a blast looking for their name. Mom found hers - it was a little too high to get a close up, but she got a picture. For the 2nd year in a row, my last name was in the crease-ARG! It was crazy shopping with almost all the other participants (maybe not all, but it was PACKED).
We quickly headed back to the hotel to "gussy" up for Top Fundraiser VIP reception. Mom, Sherry Furseth & I were eligible for raising over $7500 each. It was in the Starlight Room of the Sir Francis Drake Hotel. Lovely setting, and if it weren't for the fog, we could have seen the whole city. They offered a nice dinner and a brief, but emotional program. A 35 year-old woman shared her recent battle with Leukemia (diagnosed in March, remission in May). It was so moving to hear her discuss her journey...and to hear her announce that she's in remission!!!
Then, the AMAZING news. The 140 Top Fundraisers in the room had raised $1.4 MILLION dollars this year!! WOW!! The Top Fundraiser raised $58,000!! The #2 fundraiser raised around $16,000 - but her company MATCHED her donation - bring her to $33,000! We were all curious to know what incredible company she worked for!! We had a great time, chatting with Sherry and her parents, Jerry and Betty Ann too. Then it was back to the hotel!
Mom & Honey headed up the room, while Sherry & I joined some of the team for the Tshirt decorating party. I think that's when I got a case of the "silly". Kristi Warren & I just became deliriously silly. Finally, it was time to get some rest. But it was only 10:30pm (pacific time).
This morning we slept in til all of 7am. Had some roomservice oatmeal - not bad. We're enjoying a leisurely morning, but we're about to head out for a little more sight seeing & window shopping. Back to Nike Village to get our iPods engraved!
We have our Pasta Party tonight - with all TNT participants. This is always very emotional. It's hard to believe that by this time tomorrow, we'll be close to the finish line!! WOW!! I don't mean to overuse that word - but WOW!!
Love to you all!
J & C
2 comments:
OOoohhh, I love Gold Men. Were they straight?
Congrats to you two. It was awesome to "participate" with you, i am so proud at all you accomplished!
Post a Comment