Runners Don't Let Rain Get in Their BEER!

What are runners thinking? They sacrifice their body and their time as they pound their joints at the gym or on hot asphalt until they reach this climax called Race Day. Could all the relentless training and pain endured REALLY be worth it?  

The O’Fallon Firecracker 5k/10k shot off of on July 4th at 7am in Rascals Stadium.  Normally on a holiday I wouldn’t be attending a “race day,” but I’m interested in a demographic that’s given the same 24 hrs/day as all of us and yet smoke bombs the excuses we all hold so dear.   Stuff like, “I have to be at work in the morning,” “My back hurts,” “I’m too old,” fill in your own excuse, right? 

What person is willing or even DESIRES to endure blood blisters and certain exhaustion in the early hours before most of us have our contacts lenses in?    I didn’t see any blood or tears on this Independence Day, but I witnessed LOVE and the sweaty faces of 500+ runners.  Each one crossing the finish line (actually in Rascals Stadium!) with the joy and exhilaration of a loved one coming home from overseas.  

They say love doesn’t last. But I met a married couple that finished the 5k together.   I’m pretty sure with their mutual support and positive attitude they will endure every finish line together stride for stride (as long as he remembers to let her win)!

You want to meet an amazing person, go to a 5k race… BUT DON’T BE SHY.  They are not a casual lot. They kick their own ass everyday in their jobs and in their life, they run in heat, dark of night, snow, rain  and sleet.   And like our beloved U.S. Mail Carriers, they ALWAYS deliver.  

They are cool and attractive, not just physically but they are captivating and clearly trying to make either their own world better or a better place for all of us.   They race against mediocrity and laziness, humbly crossing the bridge into Excellence.   They raise money for the hurt, the weak and those that can’t protect themselves.  I’m proud to sponsor them with my USA Mortgage banner.  One day I may go toe to toe on the starting line against them for undoubtedly a worthy cause, but until that day just consider me a FAN. They are inspired and thus become inspiring.  

Francis Scott Key (not a noted 5k runner- although internet race results were sketchy back then) was inspired when he saw OUR FLAG still waiving in the distance after a crucial battle in American history. He wrote the National Anthem in those VERY MOMENTS.  Life is made of tender and sweet moments like that.    History is made by PEOPLE like that.

One of our local marketing gurus, Michelle Nelson (Back 2 Basics) was there as a runner.  She told me she wanted to make my marketing “kick ass.”  Don’t we all want to “kick ass?”  When someone with 4,954 friends on Facebook tells you she wants YOU to kick ass (and she’s beautiful), you’re kind of forced to stand at attention.  

Another lady had just had a baby and she finished her first 5k since giving birth 2 months ago.  She was positive and upbeat and just so happy to finish and accomplish her goal.  It reminded me of a 5k Sponsor, Fit Mommy’s (same name under Facebook), they help women get their bodies “back” and offer a wide range of health products to help you live and train better.   This new mom and everyone was so happy as they finished the race...collectively and patiently filing into the “Runners Only” area to consume traditional runner fare of bananas and energy drinks.  

Recent times have broadened the post-race menu items to include; cookies, chocolate and even BEER!   Thanks to awesome K’s Grill (Randy and Lisa) for supplying the cerveza for some much needed nutritional replenishment.    

K’s Grill said 2.5 kegs were consumed, part of which I shared in but only for reasons benefitting this article.   Chick Fil-A donated hundreds of kick ass sandwiches for the race, what a great company..just glad it wasn't Sunday...

Other notables in attendance… Sarah, fitness coordinator with YMCA, helped to facilitate with the O’Fallon Chamber to make the event a great success.   Real Estate guru, Will Klein (Keller Williams), actually had a Purchase Contract delivered to him at the race!  I mean, don’t these people ever rest or take a breath (no pun intended)?? 

It’s not work when you love it.  It’s not pain when you embrace it like it has purpose.   It may not have been the goal or intent of the race, but I was reminded today from many of you of a simple message…Love others as He loved us.   

P.s. Special thanks to McBride Homes for not towing my Impala as I parked illegally at your development so I could attend today’s race.  Happy 4th!

Your Friend in Real Estate,

Kyle D. Weaver 636-399-1692,

kyle@kylehaslowrates.com

http://kyletheloanguy.blog.com/