Running and Laughing through the Golden State
Running and Laughing through the Golden State
When the pandemic started, I posted Exercisers You’ll See During Social Distancing. Now that fall is finally here; it’s time for the type of runners you’ll see when out and about this fall. It’s different in 2020 due to the lack of major marathons, but that doesn’t mean you won’t see fall exercisers out and about (hopefully social distancing).
As we enter the summer months, it’s guaranteed you’ll see more runners and characters on the road. Now with social distancing and gyms closed, many people have taken up the sport. Whether you know the runner, or don’t, you’ll begin to recognize many faces. Maybe you even fall into one of these categories (I know I do).
This follows suit from Exercisers You’ll See During Social Distancing. Take it with a grain of salt.
Luckily for the US, exercise is permitted right now. With most everything shut down, exercise and outdoor activity seems like one thing we can control. YAY, as long as your safe and stay 6 feet apart, exercise is great for both the body and mind. (This is a running blog after all, so you don’t have to tell me that twice).
I was looking forward to this race all week. The race benefited the Elks Lodge and was to raise money to rebuild their bathrooms. I was hoping they would go “all-out” with the theme and they did.
My parents own a house on the Eastern Shore of Va near Onancock. Dad and I spent the night up there. The race started at 8, and we got there around 7:15. When we got there, there weren’t too many people.
We registered and picked up our T-shirt’s and stared at the awards: plungers. I didn’t think the race could get better.
Plus the Plunger Awards!
By 7 am, it was already in the 80s. After racing the day before and with the heat, my goal was to run around 7:15 per mile.
We lined up at the race was off right at 8 am. It was a small race and immediately found myself as the first woman. I ran the entire race alone, which was fine. I had two goals: to win a plunger and to work hard but not injure myself.
I crossed the first mile right at 7:15. I felt like I was working hard but not overworking.
The second mile went through downtown Accomac and did a u-turn and headed back towards Front Street. For a small race, the course was better marked than many bigger races I’ve done.
I hit the second mile in 7:18 which I was happy with.
The final mile headed back on front street and towards the finish. There was no shade, and it was hot. You can also see the finish line about half a mile away! I thought I was never going to get there.
When I got to the finish, I was surprised to find I got to break a tape. Not just any tape, but a tape made of toilet paper.
I don’t think any other tape will beat that. I crossed in 21:50 and got a plunger trophy.
My goal was to run hard but not get injured and I did that. It felt more like a workout than anything, but I’m happy with my effort and I’ve even more thrilled with how much fun the race was.
I hope they continue to do the race because they were committed to the theme. Finally, have you subscribed to the LOLZletter? It’s a free newsletter that comes out each Monday. In the newsletter, I share running industry trends and things relevant to the sport.
Questions for you:
What’s the funniest race you’ve done?
What’s the smallest race you’ve done?
It may be hard to remember, but there are people in the world that don’t run! It’s a weird concept, but it exists.
The life of runners and non-runners is drastically different. I can remember a time I didn’t run and can relate to all of these. Non-runners are cool people too, you know! The differences between runners and non-runners can be drastic.
Non-runners: Non-runners save money for a lot of different things: happy hour, the newest technology or even a great wardrobe. Look at those ultra-chic sunglasses…glamorous. Whatever it is, they put away money to do the enjoyable “fun things.”
Runners: We save money for new shoes, new workout clothes, and of course races. Don’t forget saving for the latest GPS watch. The smaller the watch, the more money it is. Without these things, we can’t do what we love! Right? Who runs without a GPS Watch? Barbarians, that’s who! When we show up to brunch in an old ratty pair of running leggings…you know why!
Non-runners: Non-runners know how to make their features look great. They might spend an hour preparing for the day and look flawless every single day. They have time to hit every last detail, all while looking through the best wrinkle cream reviews to boot. Each outfit is perfect. Every makeup application is perfect.
Runners: Runners have mastered the ability to shower and put on makeup within 10 minutes. Did that runner just workout on the treadmill or are those fashionable leggings? The lines are blurred, and the world may never know…Good thing fashion has evolved into a lot more comfort.
Non-Runners: Non-runners can go hours without eating. Forget to pack a snack? That’s fine, they just hit up the vending machine and are ready to go. Life doesn’t revolve around snacking and being rungry all of the time. If a meeting goes late, oh well!
Runners: Our non-running friends know us as the vending machine to go. We have more snacks in our bags than a vending machine. Are you craving an apple or a chocolate bar? We have both. Runners are never without snacks because you never know when the stomach will start talking. When Runger hits, you have approximately 5 minutes to get us to the nearest food supply, or you will see rage that you have never seen before.
Non-Runners: Sleep until appropriate, wake up, get ready for work, and arrive to work on time. Spend work time doing work, get lunch, or relax, and eat packed lunch. Leave at the appropriate time, do an hour of exercise for overall health, or whatever, come home. Eat dinner, relax and go to bed.
Runners: Wake up at 4 am to get a run in. Shower, get ready for work, drink coffee in the shower, and get to work on time. When lunch hits, either tank a “runch” or running lunch,” or just gobble down lunch at the desk. Do more work, go home, get a second run in, or if you’re starving, eat, relax and go to bed.
Non-Runners: After the work week is over, non-runners often catch up with friends by going out for happy hour or dinner. They have a few drinks, dance and let loose. Most of Saturday and Sunday is spent relaxing and catching up on other hobbies.
Runners: Runners look forward to the weekend too! It’s either race weekend or long run weekend! Either way, we are waking up earlier than a weekday. We spend Friday night cuddled up in PJs, watching a movie and in bed sleeping before 9.
Non-Runners: Non-runners wake up anywhere between 8 and noon. After a well-rested sleep, they meet friends at a neighborhood breakfast spot. It doesn’t matter if it’s crowded because nonrunners are just waking up and going out to eat. They aren’t starving yet. Of course, our non-running friends look gorgeous and spent a few extra minutes getting ready for brunch. Heck, they might even fill up on mimosas beforehand! No wonder they are so happy waiting hours for a table!
Runners: On the weekend, runners wake up well before the weekday. We get our long runs in, and before we know it, it’s time to eat, and we are just trying to make it there on time. There is nothing more cringe-worthy than waiting for brunch after a long run. A messy bun, somewhat fashionable workout clothing and an old pair of sneakers are our signature brunch look.
Finally, have you subscribed to the LOLZletter? It’s a free newsletter that comes out each Monday. In the newsletter, I share running industry trends and things relevant to the sport.
What is something you do that your “non-running” friends might not understand?
What are you some differences between runners and non-runners you’ve come across?