This is the advice that sage runners tell newbies like me. Of course, I am here at the Start Line of the 5K race this morning checking out the conditions and all those sage runners do not look like they are here for fun! They have their game face on, compression sleeves, shirts with their last name on it. Bright colors, new shoes that are slightly broken in. They are getting warmups in. The named runners are already at the front corral staring their competition down.
One of the “named” runners looks like the offspring of a threesome between a cheetah, giraffe and a black panther. I said, have fun today! If looks could kill!
The band is already shredding some cover song of a 70s band that I do not remember.
The 50 porta potties are all full, a bunch of runners are pushing a Volvo up hill, or are they stretching their calves? The San Diego runners club has their pacing crews out carrying signs. Everyone is going through some morning stretching ritual, and well wishers are here telling their loved one to do their best.
The 5K start line is all ready, tape is out. Pacer car engine is started. The guitar player is practicing a riff from some Ted Nugent song and I think I just saw a woman puking in the bushes.
Yup, the experienced runner tells me to remember to just have fun. Yeah, that is what they tell themselves too. I am watching Mr. NEON. He has tied and retied those laces on the $300 pair of running shoes 5 times now. No offense Neon, but my money is on the quiet skinny kid sitting one bench over here with a Kenyan country flag on his shirt.
Well they are ready. All lined up now. Everyone looks nervous. Some people dressed in costume. Some hardly wearing anything at all. This will be me tomorrow, but with 30,000 more people.
I guess this is smart. Getting the nervous gitters out of the start line angst by watching the 5K kick off. A little girl, sitting in a running stroller at the front of the line is all smiles. Her Dad is going to push her along the race. I guess that girl is the one that understands the notion of just having fun today.
The excitement, the music, the chattering of thousands of people. Downtown San Diego. Oh, yeah. Fun.
Guy Reams
1 Day Left to 1st Marathon
