Ran and survived the Human RaceAll in, I like last year's race better. There was only one bottleneck compared to the many last year but that doesn't count for anything to me since bottlenecks just mean I can walk without feeling guilty. The volunteers/motivators were extremely quiet this year. The only motivator that stood out was the one at the 9km mark and she wasn't even half as good as those last year. Remember I said I felt overwhelmed when the motivators cheered us along the last 1km, none of that these year thus none of that feeling either. There were fewer photographers which translates to (this is a little embarrassing to say) less incentive to run but I reckon I still ran a good 5km or so. The shirt isn't as nice. The route isn't as scenic - we ran round the carparks at the national stadium for a good 4 to 5km. The post-race concert was.. let's just say it's nothing worth paying attention to. The only time we focused on the stage was when they threw some free Nike shirts after the race but we didn't get any (Sarah almost got one).
I noticed that there was a good proportion of non-runners like me and I wonder why. I wonder if this happens in other running events since I haven't participated in anything else. I know I did it because I like collecting event shirts (I'm proud to admit that I worked for all my event tees.). I choose to continue on the Nike Run out of so many 10km running events because I like the thought that there is a charity component in the event. Sometimes the event doesn't work as a direct fund-raiser (i.e. part of the collections are donated) but serves as a platform to raise awareness. Well, if that's the case, so be it. I still feel like it's a doubly good deal because I can play a part in that and get my tee and water bottle. Maybe it's for these same reasons they joined too?
I also realised why I hate running and can't see myself doing it regularly (I'm trying to change this). It's not quite due to the stamina, it's partly due to laziness (as opposed to swimming, you can stop whenever you want even in mid-stride), but it's mostly due to the heat that builds up in my system when I run. While that means lots of perspiration which means the flushing out of toxins, I don't want to be hot, I'd rather be cool.
Okay lousy joke.
This year's wasn't great but this is my annual running affair and I plan to continue the 'tradition' though I must admit the thought 'Why the crap did I put myself through this torture again?!' did cross my mind halfway through the run today.
