Sandbaggers:
You know them. They say they can't, but do, and do well. They cry lame, they lag behind, they feign weakness, inexperience, or lack of stamina; until it matters, then pull ahead with the power of a locomotive. They are the people who try to catch you during the race but fail over and over again, until there's a crowd. Then they pass you with a smile and a nod. Damn you, Sandbaggers. Stop making us feel good about ourselves until the finish line is in sight, when you drop your facetious bag and gallop by stomping our misguided pride into the ground.
Costumers:
It's becoming more and more common in the racing world, well, at least in the world where I race. As we gather at the starting line you look around and take in the spandex tights, running shorts, wicking shirts, and an adult wearing a banana costume...? And a ninja? A banana ninja? It isn't October. It isn't Halloween; but that doesn't stop these costumed crusaders from breaking from tradition and running in full costumed gear. It does make the races more lively and fun, seeing these ridiculous people racing among everyone else, until Banana Ninja passes you.
Old Friends:
Typically I like to comment on the funny and/or annoying people I meet along the way; but recently I was reminded of another category... friends. Thanks, TJ, for reminding me of a bonus to this Aggressiveness: getting together with people we have not seen in a long time. Racing has allowed me to meet up with several friends from my past, people whom I have not seen since high school which was waaayyyyy back then. It reminds us that time and space may separate us, but history and shared experiences still bond us. It reminds us that, although our paths have diverged long ago, our commonalities and endeavors will bring us together. It reminds us that through the hustle and bustle of life we still manage to find little pieces of joy and happiness spent with old friends. Except for friends who are faster than me. That's just annoying and not at all funny.
Costumers:
It's becoming more and more common in the racing world, well, at least in the world where I race. As we gather at the starting line you look around and take in the spandex tights, running shorts, wicking shirts, and an adult wearing a banana costume...? And a ninja? A banana ninja? It isn't October. It isn't Halloween; but that doesn't stop these costumed crusaders from breaking from tradition and running in full costumed gear. It does make the races more lively and fun, seeing these ridiculous people racing among everyone else, until Banana Ninja passes you.
Old Friends:
Typically I like to comment on the funny and/or annoying people I meet along the way; but recently I was reminded of another category... friends. Thanks, TJ, for reminding me of a bonus to this Aggressiveness: getting together with people we have not seen in a long time. Racing has allowed me to meet up with several friends from my past, people whom I have not seen since high school which was waaayyyyy back then. It reminds us that time and space may separate us, but history and shared experiences still bond us. It reminds us that, although our paths have diverged long ago, our commonalities and endeavors will bring us together. It reminds us that through the hustle and bustle of life we still manage to find little pieces of joy and happiness spent with old friends. Except for friends who are faster than me. That's just annoying and not at all funny.
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