Marathon Expo

I felt better today, and I vouch never to eat cheese and drink milk again before race day. I do suspect that because I was so jetlagged and consuming such fatty food, my stomach wasn’t able to handle that fatty goodness...

Anyhoo, we went to the Olympic Stadium to collect our bibs today. 

The 1928 Olympic Stadium was erected during the depression era, and it does reflect the depressing times. But the sun washed away all the dreariness. Outside the stadium there was the iamsterdam sign…apparently the Amsterdam city council have placed a few of those around town to boost tourism. There's a neat history behind the letters here: http://amsterdamfaq.com/1/amsterdam or just google.

Barricades with the blue marathon banner...

2 more days to go!!

The stadium in its former Olympic glory...

The expo was quite nice. It wasn't large, but good sized to see the latest in training gear. for example, I got to see Brooks' new GTS15 before they hit the store officially on Monday 20th October (I wasn't able to try though, as the Dutch have large feet and don't stock smaller than a 7...).


Well and because they have large feet and large bodies, I was able to bag some bargains. Runner's World Netherlands had a stand there where they were trying to get rid of their old stock. Those stock include some nice Pearl Izumi running gear (I bought some shorts, leggings, and a couple of tops - all 50% off!) and I also saw some older model Brooks which were also half price.

Bib collection place

It's a superhero theme this year - I don't really get it. It's a euro thing I guess...

The new Mizuno Rider 18 - can't try them on because they don't stock my size...

Runner's World stand - grab a bargain!

Loving the bargains

Apparently, if you purchase a pair of Mizuno Wave Rider 18 you will get a free pair of these orange plushy clogs...

At the bargain stand, the lady who was helping me said they were really keen to get rid of their smaller sized shoes - "they are nice shoes but no one can fit into them!" Until I came along of course...

I went there early so there were no queues to collect my bib. I was very excited and so was the dude that gave me the bib. "WOW you are from Australia? That is a LOOONNGG way to come for a run!"

It is a nice expo - it has all the basic running brands. Cosy. I know the Majors would have bigger Expos, but this one is neat and sweet. Just like Amsterdam.

Blow up superman dude mascot