Blog

By: P3Runner Adrian Crouch

The Pittsburgh Health & Fitness Expo is where reality sets in for most runners. You can feel the excitement of race weekend fill the air as you reach downtown and make your way to the David L. Lawrence Convention Center.

So, the ribbon is cut, and the expo is open to the public. It can be overwhelming, especially for a first timer. It's a huge area with dozens of booths, so where does one start?

In the upcoming days before race weekend, an email will be sent out by P3R explaining how to look up your assigned bib number. This number is very important as it will make things much smoother for both you and the volunteers when it comes time to pick up your race packet. When you're in the packet pickup area, there will be multiple booths organized by both race distance (event) and bib number. It's essential to grab what is necessary for race day BEFORE anything else!

Before leaving the participant area, make sure you have all of your goodies before making your way to the vendors. It can cause unnecessary congestion if you have to go back as many people will be steadily coming through all day.

Okay, now onto the extras!

It's a great idea to have a game plan when tackling the expo. I like to make a list of things I may be looking for because it's very easy to get caught up in the excitement and spend too much time on your feet. The flooring is concrete, so be mindful of this! You may not realize the damage that's been done until the next day. Keep your legs as fresh as possible!

Set a budget! There have been countless times where I didn't realize how much I spent at an event until I got home. Plus, while there may be some good deals, there are also plenty of things that you can purchase elsewhere in the future. I like to ask myself if this is something that is easily accessible (or a deal that can't be beat) at a later time. If not, I’ll go for it! And if you're looking for an event specific item, do not hesitate. Sizes and styles sell out FAST!

While you may be going crazy and purchasing new gear or nutrition, one thing I can’t stress enough is NOTHING NEW ON RACE DAY(as tempting as it may be)! Race day is not a time to realize that an article of clothing may run the wrong way or that a gel, gummy, etc. doesn’t agree with your digestive system. You’ve worked too hard to jeopardize your race over something that could’ve been prevented.

Last but not least, HAVE FUN! Be sure to find your name on the wall of names. It was one of my favorite things to do when I ran my first full marathon. Also, take advantage of the various photo ops! Capture those memories. This is your moment! Cherish it.

PS. Before heading home, do a double-check and make sure you have your race bib(s)! Also, be sure that your bib has the appropriate markings. If you’re running the STEEL Challenge, there will be a sticker or marking that says so. This is your key to receiving the STEEL Challenge medal at the finish line on Sunday!