Race Day Preparations

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Added: Tue. Oct 13, 2009 11:31pm
Posted in: Writing

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A true athlete knows that proper preparation before a big event is very important, and I am certainly no exception. The day before the “big race” in Nashville I opened a drawer, grabbed some clothes and a hat, shoes, and socks – I was ready. The next morning, I was pumped!! I rolled out of bed at 3:45 am, and glanced at myself in the bathroom mirror while still wearing my pajamas. I knew I was one lean, mean walking/running machine! I threw on the following:

            Psychedelic leggings (yellow, orange, lavender, green, pink, etc. – left over from the ‘80s)

            Navy blue shorts

            Lavender shirt

            Red hat

            Brown walking sandals

            Knee-hi white socks.

I completed my ensemble by packing a large trash bag to use as a poncho in case of rain.

 

I arrived at the course early, as all serious athletes do, ate the free food, and then walked down the street to Starbucks where I drank lattes and read the New York Times while I waited for the race to begin. I glanced outside periodically and occasionally I saw other athletes running in place and doing stretching exercises, etc. I thought, “What dummies! Don’t they realize that as soon as the race starts they will be using and abusing every part of their bodies – why are they starting now?”  I considered getting up and going outside to tell them they should stop wasting all their energy, but I always try to mind my own business; plus, it was warm and cozy in Starbucks – I knew I’d be a fool to leave before I had to, and NOBODY was going to get my chair!!

 

Because I am a true athlete, I make sure I walk the walk (no pun intended) and talk the talk. Here’s an example: I started chatting with a guy during the race who asked me what my thoughts are on the upcoming marathon in Scottsdale. I said, “It’s ‘gonna be n-i-c-e-e-e.” He said, “nice? The race is being protested because residents are complaining about the streets being closed.” My response: “Whoa, what a bummer.” He quickly drifted away – I don’t know why; I thought I was holding up my side of the conversation (somewhat). 

 

About a mile later, I looked at my reflection in a storefront window and thought: “Holy cow! Who is that?” I then had a horrible thought: What are the other athletes seeing when they look at me? a (late) middle-aged woman prancing down the street in her Halloween costume? Not long after that, I approached the finish line. I threw my arms up in victory and had this thought: What I see when I look at me is a 30-year-old trapped in a 40-year-old body (okay, a 50-year-old body, at the most), and that’s what counts!! I accepted my medal with grace and dignity. I then promptly grabbed the free donuts and cookies (I left the bananas and the apples for the others) – after all, I know what is best for me, even if I don’t know what the h— is going on in Scottsdale.