What the results will not tell you

In twenty plus years of racing, one thing is for certain, everyone goes right to the results at the end of a race. However that is not what makes an event. Yesterday at the Humdinger I noticed so many things that the results will never tell you, before, during and after the race that made this day so much fun. Such as:
The top-notch orginization that was just great. Fast, efficient and just ran well.
The offer of a place to stay, and good beer,  when I travel to events. Thanks Otto, that is appreciated.
Seeing friends and fellow racers after a long winter break.
People coming to the event in groups to participate, as opposed to by themselves.
The camraderie of friends talking about what lies ahead.
The efforts of the organizers in holding a race after mother nature made it difficult.
The spirit of runners dressed in costume.
Said runners sprinting the first half mile.
The sound of heavy breathing because people are pushing their personal limits.
The sportsmanship of competitors allowing passing in tight quarters.
The sheer joy of running very slow, and very fast.
The respect you earn and give to a stranger.
A hearty and very tasty post-race bowl of chilli.
The hoots of laughter as people slide to the finish.
Seeing the sense of accomplishment in people's faces as they finish.
Watching family and friends greet a finisher and sharing in their accomplishment.
Overhearing everyone talking about how cool the race was.
The pride seeing people receive their hard earned awards.

An event is so much more than me, my time and place, yes it is very important to me. However sometimes it takes a different perspective to see and understand what it is that I really enjoy about racing. 


There were so many things the results will never show that make racing, and The Humdinger in particular, such a great experience. Ultimately, when we race, we race for all of these reasons.
That is why I enjoyed The Humdinger.
I will be back in 2011.
See you at the Robbins run.
Hebe