Jill: The First Race

According to dictionary.com definition #4, a race is

any contest or competition, especially to achieve superiority

With that in mind, I hesitate to even use the word "race" when referring to any event that members of this club may participate in. Our goals for running in any race-type event are simple: to finish, to not be last, and to enjoy ourselves as we use the time during the race to plan our post-race dinner and drinks.

In keeping with Club Rule #2, two members chose the first official race for the club while finishing off their 3rd bottle of wine. So, we are proud to announce our attendance at the Jingle Bell 5k Run/Walk.



There are several awesome reasons to do this particular race. First, participants are encouraged to dress up in their festive holiday best. Any race with any type of costume element is for us. Who needs to worry about special running gear or setting a new personal time record when we get to wear bells, antlers, and elf hats?!



The second awesome thing about this race is the start time of 10:00 a.m. Anyone who knows anything about running knows that races tend to start ridiculously early. I don't know why this is true but it is. And it sucks. Big time. I don't know who thinks that all runners are morning people but let me assure you that this is not the case. At this point, all club members are teachers and a few of us have kids. Let me tell you, the last thing we want to do is to get up before dawn to go for a run. Those races that start at 6, 7, and 8 a.m. put a serious damper on our weekend drinking and sleeping plans. Most of the time you're only feeling really awake by the time the stupid race is over. And if there's no costumes, what's the point?

The third awesome thing about this race is that it benefits the Arthritis Foundation. So the entry fee that could have been used for a round of drinks or two is going to a good cause. We may complain about running but we love us some charity!

The only thing that would make this race even better is if it was being held on a tropical island. Yes, I hate the cold, so the December 10th in Ohio race date is going to suck. Guess I'll have to warm up afterward with a Bailey's and Hot Chocolate. I suppose I'll survive.