Feel like you've been in a rut Lately? I've been feeling more like my age recently and I’m not really enjoying it, even though I've been sleeping a lot more than usual in these years. Maybe it's because I don't run as much as I used to. School made us run a mile a day at the minimum, but now? I have no task-master cracking the whip over-head threatening me for my own betterment. I guess for some, being healthy was enough of an encouragement. Well, sitting around ain't gonna make me feel better. Luckily it's around that time of year, here in Lakewood.
Today is Lakewood’s 35th annual Run. It's a short ride from the Lakewood Self-Storage Facility so that's convenient. I get there 30 minutes before the run starts, gotta register, walk around the kiosks, warm up. It's nice being up early with the intent to exercise.
The Crowd, The Bibs, and the Wrong Shirt Size
I'll be honest. I wasn't expecting so many people. I thought this was just a small thing some people do once a year like an online meet-up. I guess doing 35 years in a row might just come with some prestige and pride. Thank goodness I came with some time to spare.
Signed in, got a bib, got a shirt, we're good! As we turn away from the counter with the wrong shirt size because they ran out of mediums and larges (this happens a lot at running events) we see a whole host of folk warming up in series to stage instructors. Getting over my mild embarrassment and fear of crowds, I hop in and start stretching with the rest of them. Last thing I want is to pull something and quit the run in front of children.
After a very mild warm-up, and with plenty of time to spare, I have a look around the kiosks. There are plenty of vendors, and I forgot breakfast so I’m kind of hoping for some like snacks: trail mix, granola, juice, I'm desperate.
Oh, thank God! First try and its free samples. I get one, vanilla Raspberry and they over me another. At this point I think to myself “this defeats the purpose”. I stop at one. Nothing Bundt Cake company at it again. They may as well set up a table outside of 24/hour fitness. As cruel as this table is, the people behind the counter were absolutely friendly and happy to be there.
With that 1 cupcake I feel I don't need any more snacks. Besides, we have Costco at home!
They started herding us to the street where I could only hope was a starting line. Man, it was a bit too crowded for my taste but that's what you get when you want to run a public 5k.
Pretty wide swash of people running/walking this one so it doesn't matter how bad I'd do, as long as I don't fall and get trampled.
Zombies, Pacing, and the Vicious Cycle
Before we started running, we all stood for the pledge of allegiance. After that, they let the 10k runners go first with a 10 minute head start. They didn't want us shorter range folk slowing the pros and I appreciate that.
10 minutes later and we are off! Everyone starts off really strong and there's a clear separation between the young and the old. I know I must pace myself but I just keep imagining that zombies are chasing us and all cars in the world stopped. When you think the person behind you is trying to eat you, it sure is inspiring to get in shape.
Even with that in mind, I eventually slow from a run to a jog, to a slow jog, and finally, walking. As people, young and old, pass me up, I start this vicious cycle of getting passed up by someone and as they slow down, I speed up and blow past them as far as I can but inevitably tiring out into a walk only to be passed by the same or different person. As tiring as it was. I was starting to enjoy it.
Half-way through, I was kind of surprised at how wide the gradient was on who slowed down, who's still running, who I passed up and so on. As we thinned out, I stopped passing people as a game and more as trying for a personal best. All the way through the whole 5k, people were encouraging us, passing out water and what not. Really did make me want to run more. If not to just pass one more person.
The Finish Line
After 5 kilometers, the finish line was finally in sight. Music playing, people cheering on the side, and he goal just 100 meters away, I sprinted as hard as I could for the last bit.
I pass the finish line, folk clap and someone hands me a participation medal. After admiring the medal and sprawling out on the ground like a cat for a while, I reunite with family so we can enjoy more of the kiosk before heading home.
“Lo and Behold, here the banners of the LA County Water Resources Department Fly high and true!” Almost every event I go to, these dudes show up in the same water wagon and I’m always grateful. I fill the crushed empty bottle in my pocket, drink some, pour some on my head, and fill up again. Honestly, it's like my personal save point in a game. Thanks, Water Department.
There were people gathering to see the fastest times of each race and age group but I was far too tired and satisfied to stand and watch. I'll just enjoy everything that's on the way to the car, thank you.
The sheriff's Kiosk was too crowded in the morning, but now I could enjoy the old 80's cop car with a clear view. I think it was a Dodge Diplomat but who knows. Conversations are for those who didn't run 5k.
As we approached our parking lot, a truck had a simple sign posted on it saying “You did it, Congratulations”. I think I strangely enjoyed that the most out of everything. I think I'll keep up running at least a couple time a week. Maybe then I'll pass up more folk and imagine not being eaten.
Lakewood Self Storage
At Lakewood Self Storage, we love being a part of a community that shows up for one another, whether it's on the race track or at our facility. Seeing thousands of our neighbors come together for the 35th year in a row reminds us why we love serving this area. We aren't just a place to keep your extra gear; we are your neighbors who are right there in the crowd (and occasionally the "slow jog" lane) alongside you. We take pride in supporting the local events that make Lakewood such a vibrant, active place to live. Next time you're stopping by your unit, tell us your race time or your favorite local event, we'd love to hear how you're staying active in our community!
