Jenn on the Run: 2013 10Oct13 - Pre-Melbourne Marathon Trip

Melbourne Marathon trip was the next even after my pole competition.

Only 3 weeks to properly trained for it.

I had a hard time finding a place to stay near the starting line (Batman Ave) & finishing area at Melbourne Cricket Ground.

Mantra on Jolimont was too expensive.

And reviews on the East Melbourne accommodation wasn't tat great either such Magnolia Court.

So, I took the risk & booked us the EconoLodge City Square in the city.

Still walking distance to the venue, plus the review seemed better than Magnolia.

Everyone kept saying they had difficulty finding the location.

But the signage is so big along the main Swanston street.

I had requested for a double bedroom that is on the higher floors & facing the back.

The front faces the busy street of Swanston where trams would run.

Bedroom has a queen size been with and foldout sofa bed.

Bathroom was alright. Many had complained that it was old & chipping. Well, it is a lodge/motel.

However, the shower hot/cold faucets was tricky.

U have to twist the cold on first until water comes out, then only twist the hot to balance the temperature.

Towards the toilet is the closet & coffee/tea area with toaster, microwave & fridge.

Oh, found bread in the fridge for our usage. As it...

Met up with my bro residing in Melbourne.

He's not sleepy. That's his smug look =p

I was craving for taiwanese delicacy that I can't find in Adelaide.

Starchy meesuah, fried chicken (u can find in Adelaide) & oyster omelette.

Then we took a stroll to MCG for the Melbourne Marathon expo.

err..kinda sad.

But due to my weakness to expo, I spend $120 for a pair of Compressport compression shorts =(

In view, i could see the Rod Laver Arena where Australia Open is held annually.

To those like me confused about about where this Carpark A to dropoff your warm clothing on race day, its actually near the flyover near the participant shirt collection tent.

Weekend gathering at the Federation Square.

Hot sun with chilly wind.

Can't tell to wear the jacket or skip it,

Actually, we were considering on cycling to the starting line however we didn't know how long it would take.

So i took it out for a test run (in the end, we walked to the starting line instead).

Went to Pelliegrini's for Fri night dinner.

Supposed to meet Chin Chin but she ran into trouble with her train.

Food was the basic italian menu which was pretty good.

Kindly expensive. Front part of the shop were bar seats while the back in the kitchen was table (so i read).

We ate like 30mins, then left. Went for a last foot reflexology massage at Vigorous Thai Massage.

KS wasn't happy with it coz the masseur didn't have strength (no men masseur there)

We had frequent party ppl walking past and making gestures at us when they walk past.

Amazed though on the sound proofing inside the shop.

It was the Zombie walk weekend.

We went to the one in Adelaide last year.

It was sooo stupid. You think that zombie's were taking over the city but its the human's with their handphones & cameras stopping the traffic instead.

The scary ppl couldn't even move!