Yesterday I received a present in the mail from the good folks of the Cleveland Marathon (you know, that little race I'm running in less than five weeks GAAAAAHHHHH). It was a cute little stretchy black beanie-style cap with "Rite Aid Cleveland Marathon & Half Marathon 2009" stitched on the front. I got it because I registered early for the race. Score one for being an overeager beaver! (aka "total dork.")
I wore it this morning for my five-miler.
Now, in some circles, this is considered a serious breach of running etiquette. Some people believe you should not wear race garb before a race you will be running nor should you wear race garb for a race you have never run (for example, I would never consider wearing a Boston Marathon jacket, cool and awesome as it may be, until I have actually run Boston1).
But I couldn't resist the lure of my free beanie (freebie? freanie?). As luck would have it, this morning's weather was ideal for such headgear: chilly and damp2. So I slipped it on (excellent 'fro containment properties!) and headed out, feeling very sprightly and stylish indeed, and loped my way to 5.23 miles at an 8:16 pace.
No one saw me committing this pre-race faux pas, I swear. My secret is safe with me (and you guys, so don't tell anyone, OK? OK).
1: Which I will be doing in 2010, or 2011 in the event of unforseen disaster. And then you bet your ass I'm getting a BAA jacket and I'm going to wear it everywhere, even to weddings. And funerals. And other inappropriate places.
2: Good thing I went out before dawn, because it's now POURING.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
Posts
8 comments:
I think that race-garb-before-race rule only applies to shirts. And you didn't actually "pay" for the hat, nor was it part of the standard entry fee. So I think you're off the hook.
:D
I think the race garb etiquette thing is hooey. Its a hat. Wear it an enjoy it and if the running snobs says you can't? Spit Gatorade at them. :)
pfffft!! you would really jinx your marathon? now it's certain your kids are going to get you sick 3 days before the big race.
CJ-- KIDS? HAHAHA...clearly you don't know me that well yet...nope, no kids in my house, unless they're the kind with fur and four paws. :)
I can't wear anything race related before the race...silly and superstitious I know, but so are playoff beards and wearing the same t-shirt for every one of your team's games during the NCAA tournament (no washes or you could rinse away the good mojo).
I slipped it on (excellent 'fro containment properties!)That being the case, you MUST wear this beanie at all times because otherwise Your Angry Monster 'Fro-zilla might go on a rampage and DESTROY TOKYO!1!
Breaching runner etiquette is a small price and we're all more than willing to pay it to keep us safe from your TERRORIST HAIR!1!
Wearing your Boston jacket to weddings, funerals and other inappropriate places, that rocks. ROTFL. I luv it.
8:16 = loping?? Ah, I pray to see the day...
Post a Comment