RTR 2011
Many of us find it hard to commit to running during the colder days and nights of winter. Some of us just plow on through and keep running all year around.
Last November just one week after Ragnar Relay the 2011 Red Top Rumble registration opened, (produced by GUTS, this is one of the best trail races that takes place just north of downtown Atlanta) …only to close in less than 24 hours. My entire crew was out done! A few had secured their race numbers first thing opening day, but the rest of us were very disappointed that we didn’t “get in”.
Well, as things always end up, a couple of us were lucky enough to get last minute numbers thanks to great communication and pure LUCK. This also meant that the few of us were only doing our regular amount of winter running not trail running to get ready for this race. Thank god I have been out regularly running 5 to 6 days a week, but it has all been road running, no trail. I can tell you I still feel the burn a couple of days later.
During this race I was reminded of the many reasons why people race. Some race to set and break personal records, not me. Some race so they can eat anything they want, kinda sorta me but not exactly. Some race to enjoy nature, finish something started, spend time with friends, the great give aways, good food, time in the sunshine…ME ME ME ME MEEEE. With a smile I am out at every race for the regular runners who just love it for any reason besides competition.
I ran my first race in a t-shirt our two person team made up. The green short sleeve tee with “TEAM BEER” on the front and “STOUT 08″ on the back. We received cheers and high fives all the way to the finish line. Now I most likely sport a URBAN RUN CLUB shirt or tons of sweaters, a vest, hat, gloves, and anything else to keep warm during my winter races. One of the best parts of “race day” for me is the time after the race where you wait at the finish line for your buds (unless they are already waiting for you), gather around picnic style and chat about the race, up coming races, or life in general. This is where you really get to share and bond with your crew.
Finally the conversation goes off course and you get to the nitty gritty of race ins and outs…this is where you learn key tools like; just don’t look down, be graceful with your diet pre-race, and at all cost avoid the Honey Buckets!
*THIS ONLY FOR THE GROWN UPS, SORRY LITTLES, I LOVE U BUT…
What are you waiting for? Get out your calender. Choose some race(s), sign up, finish and do your best, for yourself. Feel great about slow trotting, fast-o-matic, or however you choose to race. Just get your buns out there.
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