Two down... A Couple More to Go

Now that I've been informed I'm going to Nashville solo, I've been making travel plans.

Step One: Register for the race. Yes, I finally did it Saturday.

Step Two: Get a hotel. Check. Did that just now. That was not easy. Most of the close hotels were booked, leaving me with the airport hotels. I don't mind airport hotels and luckily there is a marathon shuttle to and fro one of the airport hotels and the start/finish, so I don't have to rent a car. I just have to figure out how to get to the expo. But I found a nice hotel and they utilize AAA discounts, so it's not bad priced at all (under the circumstances). No pool, but they have a tub and cable, so I'm a happy camper. I don't think they have a restaurant, which means I'll be hunting and foraging for my food. I am, however, less than a mile from the airport, so I'm sure there's food everywhere, and if all else fails, Domino's delivers. Originally I was going to stay one night (and fly back to Houston after the race), but I changed my mind. What's another night? At least this way I'm not going to be rushed and I can check a bag instead of having a carry-on. And I can bring back race souvenirs.

Step Three: Flight. I was going to drive, hopefully with someone else, but everyone (Erin, Andy, my mom) bailed on me and the idea of driving alone really doesn't bother me, but I'd have to leave Nashville right after the marathon in order to be back in town for tech rehearsal Sunday night. My overnight would be in Baton Rouge, and the drive from Nashville to Baton Rouge after the race would not be a fun one. I'd probably fall asleep at the wheel and cause a firey car crash. So, I'm going to get a flight. Happily, from my less-than-stellar flight through Southwest to New York last October (the one in which we had to land suddenly in Little Rock due to "the airflow valve for one of the two pressurization systems was stuck partially closed... the system was unable to supply a comfortable level of pressurized air into the cabin..."), I was the recipient for two "Tokens of Luv" totalling $100 on any Southwest flight. I found a good deal and will be able to get a flight for less than $200. I just have to buy my ticket at the counter, so guess who's going to the airport Sunday to get a ticket?

Step Four: Minor details. Tickets for the shuttle to and from the race. Figuring out how to get to and from the expo. Getting a ride to and from the airport (I think my mom's got this one). Saving money for the trip.

Plus, I'm going to Baton Rouge/New Orleans two weekends before that for the Crescent City Classic. Sigh. I'm traveling a lot again in one month. I'm not going anywhere in May.

But I'm going to enjoy the hell out of both places!

Cheers!