Saturday, July 09, 2011

Live It Up Like It's the Weekend

So I know I don't normally update on the weekends, but Logan left four hours ago and I'm already bored out of mind.  Who am I suppose to make pancakes for right now?  I could make Goliath his PBcakes, but if I did I'd end up eating a whole stack by me onsie.  Does this mean I am codependent?  Probably.  I am ok with it.  You guys will get me through the next 11 days right? 

Yesterday was a pretty busy day...and if you're gonna conquer a busy day you better start it right.  With a sugary carby bagel. Right? I feel like yes, yes I am right.  Tell me I'm wrong and I will show you my mean face.


I worked packet pick up for Rock the Crossroads.  We have about 1,000 runners!  That's a grand brave souls ready to brave the heat for a 5k. Winners!  Working a race is such a different perspective.  Running attracts the most diverse group of people.  I love it.  It's so universal.  
Anyone can do it.  Come one, Come all: All races, all ages, all genders, all shapes and sizes.  You CAN run.



People are funny creatures though.  I could tell who was picking up their packets the second they walked in to the mall.  I could tell who races regularly.  I could tell who was nervous just to pick up their packet.  I could tell who was the douchey guy on the trail who doesn't wave.  It made me think about all the times I've picked up a packet, and how I come off.  I have come up with a list of categories most runners fall in to, of course this is all for fun, none of it's serious-so don't be offended, and won't apply to everyone:

1) Vet Runner:  They show up to packet pick up in an old race tee.  They don't need safety pins.  They know the race director, because they saw him last week...and the week before...and the week before.

2) Older First Time Racer: They have a deer in the headlights look.  They are not afraid to ask you questions like "Do people wear the race t-shirt to the race?" "What's a bib?" They need safety pins.
3) Young First Time Racer: They have a front of bravery.  They are too afraid to ask questions, google is their best friend.  They secretly grab and hoard safety pins.

4) Races for fun: They pick up 11 packets for friends and family.  Grab a handful of safety pins.
5) Races for glory: They pick up 1 packer, theirs.  They make sure the shirt is perfect.  They take it out, put up to their chest.  Make sure the seams are good and the screen printing is perfect.  Ask to trade for different sizes six times. The shirt is their prize! They don't need safety pins, they have a bib belt.
5) Races for satisfaction: They show up after work, grab their packet and maybe a friend's.  Grab enough safety pins, exchange pleasantries and ask about parking, the weather and post-race events.  
7) Elite Runner: They arrive, don't even need to provide a name.  Take the goods and leave with out a word, other than "thanks!"



Are you thinking: OMG SHE JUDGED ME ON MY SAFETY PINS!?!? Yes, yes I did but please know this: Regardless of where you fall, you're  runner.  We are all the same and yet so different.  I love each and every one of these people who get out there, put themselves on the line and put one foot in front of another. 

Otherwise, I wouldn't be here.  I wouldn't be blogging or volunteering. I love running and I love runners.  All of them, yes even the douchey ones.

After five hours on my feet serving the runners of KC, I got fitted for new shoes. Goodness, how I love the smell of new shoes...and new shorts...and shot blocks. 






WHAT KIND OF RACER ARE YOU?
WHAT KIND OF SHOES DO YOU RUN IN?
WHAT KIND OF BAGEL AND CREAM CHEESE DO YOUR PREFER?


10 comments:

Holly @ The Runny Egg said...

I'm a "racer for satisfaction" -- I know the routine of the packet pickup but I would never not get safety pins :) You can never have enough!

Bagels -- I love Everything bagels because I love the salt!

Julia said...

@Holly: I love the errthang bagel! MMM GARLIC! I said that sooo many times yesterday :"Grab safety pins, you can never have too many!!"

Deanna said...

Blueberry bagels with butter. I'm an odd one.

Not a runner, YET, but hope to become one soon!

Michelle said...

I think I'm a races for satisfaction. I race for me and even though I've done a ton of races I still get nervous at the start line and excited for packet pick up. :)

I just got home from my long run (in my mizuno wave inspires) and am now needing an everything bagel with scallion cream cheese. thank goodness i'm only kissing my dog today! :)

Michelle said...

I think I'm a races for satisfaction. I race for me and even though I've done a ton of races I still get nervous at the start line and excited for packet pick up. :)

I just got home from my long run (in my mizuno wave inspires) and am now needing an everything bagel with scallion cream cheese. thank goodness i'm only kissing my dog today! :)

Michelle said...

I think I'm a races for satisfaction. I race for me and even though I've done a ton of races I still get nervous at the start line and excited for packet pick up. :)

I just got home from my long run (in my mizuno wave inspires) and am now needing an everything bagel with scallion cream cheese. thank goodness i'm only kissing my dog today! :)

Michelle said...

Bah! I didn't mean to spam your comments! I'm so sorry! Feel free to delete!

Julia said...

haha Michelle, no wories! Tell me about your long run!!

Michelle said...

It was glorious... until CVS was out of the 99 cent waters and it was so early that everything was closed and I only had one dollar so I ran six miles without water. :) Lesson learned I guess!!

Adie said...

And I thought I was strange for loving the smell of new shoes! Glad I'm not alone in that :) Speaking of, it's probably time I start shopping around! I'm currently running in Nike Bowermans, which I love, but I'm inching up to the mileage limit.

I definitely fit in the "races for satisfaction" category - I always grab safety pins! You can never have enough.

If I could eat an everything bagel with plain (whipped) cream cheese and lox every day of my life, I would be a happy, happy girl!