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Wednesday, July 04, 2007

Independence Day 5K

Short version of the race:

Time: 29:22 Not a PR, but not too shabby.

Long version of the race:

I got up at 5:15 am in order to have a cup of coffee and enjoy a Cliff bar for breakfast before heading out the door at 6 for the race. I arrived at the festivties at 6:30 and figured 30 minutes before a 7 am start time would be plenty of time to register, get my bib, get my chip, and get to the start line. And while it was plenty of time, I ran into a snag.

As I was standing in line, registration form and money in hand, they ran out of numbers. No more bibs, no more chips, end of the line. Now, I wasn't the only one left standing there in line sans the necessities, and I would've been more understanding if the woman behind the registration table hadn't been such a be-atch. She starts loudly announcing: "You snooze, you lose, people. You should've registered ahead of time. Registration is closed!"

"You snooze, you lose"!?

If race day registration is open, they need to be prepared. Sorry, bitch, I did not snooze (note the time I got out of my sweet, sweet bed), so "fuck you" b/c I'm running a fucking race today. Crumpling up my registration form and tossing it in the trash, I tucked my $20 in my short's pocket and headed for the start line without a bib or chip. I figured I wouldn't be official, but I could still go by the race clock and that was close enough (besides, I've never had a chip time that was drastically different from the clock time).

The start was crowded -- clearly this race was more popular than anticipated -- and in the first tenth of a mile, it was hard to break away from the group. Plus, as can be imagined (it is a holiday today), racers were primarily families with kids. For those of you who know me, or have read this blog long enough, you know that I have nothing against kids (in fact, one fine day I hope to have a few ankle-biters of my own); however, I do NOT like kids in races. Typically, they are unpredicatable: they swerve in and out of traffic, and slow down, speed up, or stop without warning or consideration of those around them. So, I spent the first half mile dodging the little beasts before I was able to break into my own stride.

Time at mile 1: 9:25. Excellent. I was on target for my intended pace. Time at mile 2: 18:40. Again, excellent. But then the sun started to rise and the heat/humidity really began to get to me (I could see it affecting others around me as well). You see, at 5:15 when I rose this morning, it was a cool 75 degrees out -- but it was 90% humidity. That adds at least 10 degrees to the temp, and by 7:20, my guess is that it was easily in the upper 80s -- and sweat is NOT evaporating in that kind of humidity. Sticky, very sticky.

So, I could feel myself slowing in the final mile, and while I was not disappointed by a finishing time of 29:22, it now seems so obvious why my 5K PR was a November race.

After I crossed the finish line, I grabbed my water, and headed out to my car (I'm not really the sort to hang out at after-race activities, especially since I was by myself this morning -- hubby opted to sleep in on his holiday). But, I couldn't find my car. I don't know if it was post-run amnesia or what, but everything looked the same to me. After wandering around the parking lot for nearly 10 minutes, I finally got my bearings (spotted a Starbucks I was certain I had walked past on my way in) and located my car. Plus, the fact that I had managed to not lock myself out of it was an extra bonus.

All in all, it was a fine race, but I guess if I choose to run it again next year I'll have to remember to pre-register so I can "officially" run it.

22 comments:

Erin said...

Awesome job Jess! I would have told that lady to fuck herself too.

We got up and biked today and it was a struggle. My body ached from head to toe and today, my feet, legs, and hands fell asleep before the 3 mile mark. Normally it happens in the last couple miles. I am off to search the world wide web to figure out what I need to adjust to fix it.

If anyone has any biking tips for relieving that tingling sensation that isn't so sensational, please share!

Alison said...

What a bitch! (The volunteer, not you.) You did the right thing. I was bummed that I didn't get to run my local 4th of July 5K because I'm trying to stay off my knee for a couple days - but there's always next year.

L*I*S*A said...

It's a PR in my book! Congrats on a great race.

Marcy said...

You rock!!! I probably would've started crying and went back to the car (well not cry, but just would've went home LOL)

I hear you on the hell children. Some parents just don't know when the appropriate time is to let them out of their dog cages, and race time is just not one of them :P LOL

Wes said...

Nice job on the race! The registration lady was definitely fostering good will and contentment for future races... Beyotch!!!

Anonymous said...

Good Job Jess. I guess you are turning into a morning person after all. Now you can give that extra 20 bucks to me.

MNFirefly said...

Oh...my....gawd! What a BITCH! I am sorry but I have to agree with you and they should have been prepared. I know that some of the race - especially on Thanksgiving - than this race. Great time even if it was not official.

Anonymous said...

Glad you ran anyway! Nice job on the race.

Anonymous said...

Nice work on the race! I am impressed that you ran regardless of that lady's attitude. I must admit, I probably would have headed back to my car after the lack of numbers, so I am even more impressed!

Randy - Maniac #788 said...

Great run Jess!!!

What a bummer about the bibs and chips, never heard of that happening before.

J~Mom said...

Great job on the race!! You are a better woman then I to get up on a holiday to race like that! :>)

Scott McMurtrey said...

sorry sister, but the lady's right. you snooze - you lose. so you are a loser in my book.

great run though (for a loser)! ;)

Anonymous said...

Congrats on a PR - it always feels good to hit a milestone!

Junie B said...

way to go Jess!!!!!!!!!!!

David said...

That's awesome, Jess! Were they looking for your chip at the finish? They will be all confused trying to figure out who you are in the event pictures, not wearing a bib. That's the coolest race report ever!

Avery said...

Nice job although I tend to call kids crumb snatchers instead of ankle-biters.

Neese said...

NICE!!! You're the woman today!! great race and way to persevere despite the rude and stupid registration lady. Awesome sub-30 finish time also!

miss petite america said...

i skimmied this post. i've been drinking. but the volujteer was a huge beeeyootch!

Anonymous said...

All I can say is you rock! You should've kicked that biatch's a**!

teacherwoman said...

Nice job on the race, speed demon! Besides the crazy bitch at the registration table!

I hear you on the ankle biters... no necessary in the race and they can be quite the "hazzard"!

keith said...

hellova deal! good job jess! i'm glad you decided to buck the system...

i dislike kids in races, too. i love the races that provide a 1 mile fun run or something for the little ones and let the adults do their thing...but then again i've seen adults that can be just as swervy and irritating.

all those little irritations are great to remind you of the big picture when it comes down to it. think of it as training for your attitude.

Mendy said...

Way cool race report, Jess, no matter if you had an official bib or not. You kept your money and still ran a PR.

Sounds like that volunteer was PMS'ing big time, and shouldn't be "volunteering" for an event that actually requires some friendliness. Oh well...

Great job on that 5K!!!