![]() Race season is upon is almost upon us!!!! I get giddy just thinking about it. It’s time for extra yoga classes, drinking 3 liters of water per day, cool down days in the pool or just scenic walks and (most importantly) the race after-parties. The other 11 races I completed this year were just warm-ups compared to what’s to come. Although I thoroughly enjoy pitter-pattering on the pavement. (AKA Running), I consider myself a recreational runner. I enjoy running just to feel the breeze in my hair and the fresh air in my lungs. I love, love, love taking in the scenery of Memphis as I run. I am not a competitive runner…I repeat… I AM NOT A COMPETITIVE RUNNER. Therefore, the thought of me getting a medal because I’ve placed in a race is laughable. It’s just not gonna happen. Especially when I’m running against some purely amazing Memphis runners who run an average of pace of a 4.6 min mile…during a half marathon!!!!! I just can’t compete with that! But that doesn’t mean that I didn’t work as hard or train as hard as those RoadRunners (beepbeep). I showed up to the race, I ran and I FINISHED. I put forth my best effort and most times I actually beat my personal best. And just like those light speed runners, I would like a little recognition. Earlier this year I ran an entire series. I was present and pushed myself for the 3K, 5K, 8K and the 10K. I ran thru mud and damp woods. I ran down ravines and pulled myself out of creeks using a rope. And all I received was a t-shirt. I paid, I participated and all I got was a t-shirt!!!!!!!!! WITW!!! #cakeofmisery You see, with most single-race runs, you get a minimal of a t-shirt, a bib and a certificate with your time printed on it. Those are basic minimums to any race in Memphis. With a series race, a race that includes multiple race days, you get a little more. You usually get some neat swag and invitation to an exclusive after-party. But this wasn’t the case with this series. Oh no, not at all. They did not have after-parties after each race for this series, so I was really looking forward to the culminating party. Thus far, I have only received a t-shirt for completing 4 races. When I heard that the culminating party would be at a brewery, I was overjoyed. A t-shirt and free beer!!!!! Now that’s how you show appreciation for your recreational runners. Even though I didn’t win anything, I was looking forward to the free beer and fellowship. I was floored when I found out that the beer wasn’t free. #cakeofmiserywithsprinkles You read right!!!!! They had an after-party for series racers, but the beer wasn’t free. I knew something was up when the runners who did win received their trophy and left. At first, i thought it was odd. But hey, more beer for me. But when I found out the beer wasn’t free, I left too. Now I can hear those over-over-achievers yapping their gums about participation rewards. “Back in my day, kids didn’t get trophies and stuff for just being on the team. You only got a trophy if you actually won something. They’re making kids these days too soft.” Well….#1. I ain’t no damn kid. #2. I’m not on a damn team. I ran those races with my own 2 legs. #3.I like getting stuff when I work hard. PERIOD! Don’t play down my effort and not acknowledge said effort because I didn’t come out on top! Hell, I wasn’t at the bottom (aka last place) either!!!! GIVE ME A FINISHER’S SOMETHING!!!!! Tshirt+Certificate+Free Beer+After-Party= A Happy Memphis Runner P.S. - Where I run really doesn’t matter, just have beer for me when I finish. #realworkwife
2 Comments
1/27/2020 04:23:24 am
These stuff serve as a validation for yourself; it is your way of checking if you are doing good or not, But the truth is, you don't need all of these stuff for you to know if you have been doing a good job. As long as you were satisfied with what you have done and you know that you did your best, there is nothing you should be worried about. Finishing a marathon is quite hard. That's why you deserve a tap on your back for a job well done! I know that what you had been through was not easy, that's why you must celebrate your victory in any way you can.
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10/27/2022 09:08:46 pm
Leg pull production order national.
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