Race Day

So Saturday I ran my first road race. Let me share a couple of things that I learned and will hopefully take with me if I dare do it again:

1. Don't judge a runner by their shape or age. There were some curves, 7 and 80 year old's who kicked my trash. And on the flip side, I also passed a slightly younger, skinny mini with an I-pod strapped to her arm on the second half of the course.
   
2. MP3 strapped to arm does not = speedy runner.
3. People wearing those short mini running shorts and have extremely muscular legs = speedy runners.
   
4. You should probably try and run at least once within the month leading up to your race.
5. You should probably try and run the full distance of your race at least once in 5 years leading up to your race.
6. Getting stretched by a professional HURTS. (I should have payed more attention to what was going on on the mats - I thought they were giving massages).
   
7. Long Island clam chowder is tomato based and not cream based.
8. Power bars and power drinks make me want to power vomit. (Gatorade is fine though)
9. Trust your friends who suggest taking off your sweater before the race and live with the cold for a few minutes. You will warm up.
   
10. Pin your number to your t-shirt underneath and not your sweater if you decide not to listen to your friends.
    
11. Double knot your shoes. (I ran probably 1km with my shoe untied not wanting to stop)
12. Running and drinking is messy and almost pointless.
    
13. Littering your drink station cup on the ground feels awkward (I hate littering and strongly dislike people who litter - harsh I know).
14. I'm still stubborn and competitive and won't stop no matter what. (Marathon would be different).
    
15. Crossing a finish line with a better time than expected feels exhausting....but great!
    

Trying to get psyched before the race. Where's "Jock Rock" when you need it?

Best dressed award goes to the old man in the shiny 70's basketball uniform.
(pretty sure he beat me)

See #3. This guy finished the 4km in just over 12min.
He lapped me on a two lap course.

See #1

"I think I can! I think I can!"

Happy to finally take off my sweater and also fighting the urge to puke and faint.

One of the most random street names I've come across.
Saw it on the drive home and suddenly got the munchies.