Feelin' Fine: Back in a Bib

 

The bibs are back, and I couldn't be happier!

Not everyone will share in the joy many runners are feeling. I get that. It's kind of a luxury we may have taken for granted prior to Covid. 

But, alas, races are (slowly) making a comeback, and I'm pretty jacked. 

I've done three races, so far, this spring. All have gone well and all have been fun. Even with the necessary Covid protocol and safety measures in place, crossing the start lines (and finish lines) left me relishing my reunion with racing.

Here are a few of my early return-to-racing takeaways: 

The start lines are still exhilarating!

Granted those start lines looked different from what I'd been accustomed to. All of them had us spread out, instead of the usual shoulder-to-shoulder thing.  Most of those lined up, though, were eager to cross the start line and run to their heart's content. After all, a less crowded start line beats not having a start line at all.

 

The Covid protocol/safety measures did not infringe on the racing experience. 

At least for the three races I did, we did not have to wear a mask while running. We had to wear them prior to crossing the start line, and then immediately after finishing the race. As for the water stations, there were fewer than in "normal" times. There also were pre-filled cups that we had to grab ourselves (instead of having the cups handed to us). The staggered start times actually made that first mile much easier to navigate since there were fewer people to weave around and through. 

The added warmth of a mask/face covering was nice for the pre-race.

By now, most of us are used to having our mouths and noses covered. In the Midwest, our temps are still more cold than warm, so that little extra cover was a perk prior to race time.

It (almost) felt like the past year had not happened.

So many race day things felt just like they'd always felt. The excitement of pinning on the race bib. The dynamic stretches (as the GPS signal registered on my watch). The travel to get to the race site (and making sure I'd remembered everything). The exchange of encouraging words among strangers. And all the feels of running with others running nearby. Passing and getting passed. I think I had a giddy smile on my face for the duration.

 
The thrill of crossing the finish line felt awesome.

Spotting the finish line, as I was making my way through the final mile, was just as euphoric...even without the usual finish line fanfare of the crowd. Since the field of runners was so spread out, there's a bit of mystery as to who was actually running. There could have been a few (or several) in my age group who started way ahead of me (or way behind).  None of my races had award presentations, so everything was based on chip timing (not gun time), and all awards were to be mailed to the recipients. Myself, I kind of like not knowing such information until after the fact.

Bottom line, I'm happy to have my live races back! I feel quite fortunate to have gotten to experience three races this spring already. I don't have much else on the calendar at the moment, but will be starting my training for the Air Force Marathon in June. That race isn't until September 18th, but there's also the DAM to DSM 20K happening on September 4th (just as my taper commences). Already, things seem to be falling into a nice schedule LOL. Unlike regular years, though, there won't be as many races through the summer...and that's alright. Running perseveres, even when the races are on hold. 

In case you missed them:

Leprechaun Chase (March 6th, Omaha, NE)

Chocoholic Frolic 5K (March 27, Iowa City, IA)

Drake Road Races Half Marathon (April 18th, Des Moines, IA)

Have you done any spring races so far? If so, did the Covid safety measures affect your race experience? Have you registered for any summer or fall races?

I'm linking this with Michelle, Renee, Darlene, Jenn and Zenaida for the Fit Five Friday Link-up.

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