This Saturday, I'm running my first ever (other than Mile Fun Runs as a kid) race - the Beer & Bagel Run. It's a 4ish mile off-road run at an awesome, local county park. The girl I'm running with and I have already agreed some walking is totally acceptable. We ran last weekend and did well together. I walk a little more than her but I think she was good with it. I've been out at the park hiking several times over the years so I know the area. We decided to go out to dinner at the sponsoring bar the night before to pick up our packets. That way we didn't have to worry as much about getting there and dealing with getting packets as well as the parking. Put it all together and I didn't think I was worried about this race.
My dreams last night say otherwise. Last night I dreamed about a race. It wasn't an off-road one at Jester Park. The race I dreamed of was more Urban Jungle. We were running through parking garages, school gyms (during volleyball practice), and so on. (Actually, I think it would be a pretty cool run.) Anyway, all my issues during the dream run were with other people. They were getting in my way, slowing me down, and basically being complete jack@$$*$.
So, I'm worried about the sheer numbers of people who are running this Saturday. I didn't have to deal with this during the Fight for Air Power Climb. They spaced us out and passing (or being passed) was fairly rare and meant you and one other person on that run of stairs. The emails that I've gotten from the event sponsors are stressing getting there early and carpooling because of space. They've also said to leave the Bentley at home because there will be parking on the grass. I happen to know just how much grass parking space there is - TONS. That made me a bit bit nervous. Then I got an email with my bib number - 2486. I registered pretty early. How many people are going to be at this thing?!?!?!?
Deep breath, take it at my speed, and screw anyone who thinks otherwise. I'll be polite to others and not cold-cock them (had to do that to someone in my dream which I'd never do in real life). I'm going to have to get used to this if I'm going to run more and more.
Wish me luck this weekend! I'll be the one wearing the herd of turtles stampeding through peanut butter shirt with the painted like a turtle shell roasting pan on my back.