Race Day

I ran a race today. I don't think that I have run any races at all since my obligatory track and field days at Twin Spruce Junior High School, and that has definitely been a while ago.

I decided to get out for some fresh air and exercise before heading home this evening. In the middle of my regular route was a small stage with speakers and runners starting and finishing some sort of event. Not a super-avid runner, I was not keen to continue on the path with a number of seriously athletic sorts, so I stood to watch for a bit. I noticed all kinds of participants -- old ones, young ones, serious ones, silly ones, small ones, big ones, short ones, tall ones, green ones, purple ones. Okay, maybe not green or purple ones, but you get an idea of the variety. I decided to ask one of the Estonian runners who had finished what was happening. The three guys I asked did not speak English well, and my Estonian has a long way to develop before I can begin fruitful conversations with strangers to get such information. Through action and mime, I understood that the race was open to the public and only a 4k. There were promotional fliers from my bank everywhere; I thought at least I knew what one of the sponsors was about, even if I didn't appreciate the goal of the event.

So, I joined in. It was fun. It was an Estonian race I didn't understand, and that seems at least interesting. I think I like running with people (as long as they are not scary and I am not running from them!); it's motivating. I did not get a blue ribbon, but I felt cool when I crossed the line coming back (applause, please!).