Marathon Peeps

this morning was the houston half marathon and marathon. in conjuction, they also have a 5K. 30,000 people participated in one of the events. i didn't sign up in time for the half marathon, so i just forgot about it. i'm a member of a small triathlon group and they wanted to sign up for a team competition. they needed someone to run the 5K so i jumped in. i love the short races....got up early....ran....showered...still made it to sunday school and church.

anyhow, there are great people interactions at these events....my breakdown of the different categories of people:

-THE NEWBIES--you can see their glazed looks...the masses of people pass by them and they continue to remain rooted in one spot. they also struggle to put on their timing chip, but pretend that they know what they are doing (i have been there).

-THE OVER CONFIDENT--either they have super skin tight spandex (and they shouldn't) or they keep pushing through to get towards the front of the starting line. i'm guessing that they aren't setting the course records...instead i might be tripping over them at the start.

-THE UNATHLETIC--now, that might be harsh and i didn't know exactly how else to phrase it. i think anyone that is there for any distance is great...but i want them to do it safely! there were a number of people that were trying to stretch...trying is the key word...and then one young girl basically had her leg wrapped around her head. maybe she should try gymnastics!

-THE ELITE--i just look at them in shock and awe...2 ethiopians won the marathon this year, both setting course records. they are amazing...yet, at the same time, i wouldn't want all that pressure on me!