Eugene Expo & Dinner

 I have so many pics and things to share that I'm breaking this up a little.  Also, it might prevent you all from being bored out of your minds.  Needless to say, I was excited about this weekend.  I couldn't wait to get to the EXPO on Saturday.  We had a bit of a drive (3+ hours).

I almost missed a pic of this on the way down.  

After arriving in Eugene and finally finding a parking spot we ran walked a couple blocks up to the EXPO. I was more than relieved to see our names up on the wall.  They didn't check ID's or anything.  Once I had my packet and shirt I relaxed a little.
I hadn't shared some other race weekend hotel drama with you yet.  2 weeks ago I received a phone call from the Hilton letting me know that due to an error they had overbooked and our hotel room was no longer ours.  So sorry, but good luck finding another hotel.  I about died.  I booked it 3 months ago.  I love the fact that they waited so long to contact me.  After 2 days of phone calls I finally found us a room....another 30 minutes south of Eugene in Cottage Grove.  I was so thankful to just have a place that I knew I'd make it all work come race weekend.

Jason actually went to talk to the manager while I explored a bit.  I just happened to look to my right and there was Kim.  I was so excited.  Jason made his way back in time to be our photographer.  We all continued to check out the EXPO.  We eventually found a quick snack, explored a farmer's market, and made the best discovery of all ~ Voodoo Doughnut.

How great is this sign?  We waited about 15 minutes in line and picked out a few we knew the girls would like.  Bringing home doughnuts gets you bonus parent points.

 We drove around Eugene and discovered Mazzi's was actually on the race route.  We got there first and decided to head in and get settled.  Thanks to Kim for setting up a great blogger get together.  We ended up with 13 in our group.

 Rhonda & Biker Boy

 Beth & Amy

 Laurie & Her Husband

 S & Kim

Jason & I

 Julie & Small Town Runner

Check out her Boston Jacket.  I'm so jealous :)

 My dinner ~ Ravioli & Fettuccine

 Jason's Calzone

Before it was over we ate some amazing vegan snicker doodle cupcakes, thanks to Biker Boy, and were gifted with some special treats.  More on that later.

 We all wore name tags.  Jason proudly displayed his "No Blog" status.

Our group photo after eating way too much.  The whole night was great.  This is becoming one of my favorite parts of race weekend.  Not just the food but getting to meet and talk to fellow running bloggers who are such a huge inspiration and support to me.

After we left we headed straight to find our hotel.  Luckily, Kim got us an extra parking pass at their hotel for the next morning.  I was beyond thankful.  I had been stressing about race day morning since I got the cancelled hotel call.  Thank you,  Kim!!!!

To be continued.....