So first off to say I've been around for a while as its a very busy time at work, so I've been a bit rubbish at updating my training log.
Not that I have a lot to add at the moment as I've been totally off plan for two weeks now.
I finally got to see a physio this morning and had a really productive session including one pretty painful sports massage. Unfortunately he has confirmed that I have torn my calf (soleus medial calf tear). Luckily as I've not run much it looks like its already healing and he thinks I could be healed for Dopey if I'm sensible.
Ugh, that's tough! Hoping for a speedy recovery and that you will be able to do Dopey.
I now have a loads of questions
Here to help!
where to go first at the expo (why are the shirts and bibs in different places?)
Shirts and bibs are in the same building. Once the map comes out it'll be easier to explain. But you'll go into the specific building for a certain bib:
HP Field House = Goofy and Dopey bib and shirt pickup
Champion Stadium = 5k, 10k, and Kids bib and shirt pickup
Visa Athletic Center = HM and M bib and shirt pickup
After you get the bib, in the same building at a different table, you'll get the shirt.
As for which to do first, since you have race retreat you should have a fairly relaxed experience as long as you take advantage of the full hour. I'd do Field House or VAC first. The Champion Stadium is open air and super easy with usually no lines.
How do you get into the expo early and race retreat (I have bought the package but only have a confirmation number).
I believe last year they sent you a wristband in the mail. At a minimum have the confirmation # printed out with you.
Should I get a bus or the monorail from the hotel on the half and marathon day?
I think either is fine. I prefer the bus.
What is a this mini-wave?
So each race consists of multiple corrals. For instance, the HM has 8 corrals (A, B, C, D, E, F, G and H). When you arrive you'll line up in your corral (they tend to open ~1 hour prior to race start). Now once the race starts you'll move closer and closer to the start line as each corral ahead is sent off. Let's say you're in corral E. You line up at the front of corral E. Ahead of you, you will see corral D leave off from the start. Then the race marshals will stop you and hold you at the start. Then they will let off corral E. Now after a few hundred people in corral E, they will stop people again. Maybe 1/4 of corral E will leave together. They'll wait a minute, and then release more of corral E, then wait, and more. These are the mini-waves. So corral E is your assignment, but not all of corral E will be released at the same moment. The further ahead in corral E you are, the sooner you start relative to time of day.
Do I go to the front of the corral?
That's a personal preference. If you're worried about sweeping time, then it's advisable to be as close to the front of your corral as possible. If you're worried about an initial rush of people or not being able to maintain a similar pace to those you've been corralled with, then line further back.
Where do I buy the margaritas from?
@FFigawi knows best!
Will I get stopped at the airport if I bring open packets of Tailwind with me!
Put it in your checked luggage. Last I read, they were screening food items at some airports. Don't know what would happen with open Tailwind.