Why race?

OK, a final check in before I travel to San Diego.  Today, I had my teeth cleaned.  Riveting right?  well here's my point.  My hygienist runs but doesn't race anymore because of pre-race  jitters.  I wanted to convince her of how fun it is to race so here's my top ten reasons to race. (thanks David Letterman)

10.   This guy...he started the 1998 Honolulu Marathon...from a crane.  Where else but a marathon can you stand under an American Sumo wrestler...with a gun???  Huh?  Where!?

Chad Akebono Rowan (American Sumo Wrestler)

9.  The food.  Let's face it...being able to eat your face off after a long run or race is AWESOME!

8.  Runner's legs.  Girl and boy runners have great legs so... 

seriously, there aren't many legs like Usain's

This woman looks amazing...and fast!    

7.  Buying more running clothes, (because you have to look cute for the  race....)

6.  Friends that meet you at or travel to out of town races.

5.  Finisher medals!!!!

4.  Volunteers and spectators telling you how great you're doing...even when you look like a pile of poop.

3.  Having a focus on something other than life's responsibilities.  "I HAVE to run, there's a race to train for".

2.  Being proud of yourself.

AND THE #1 REASON TO DO A RUNNING RACE....
 
  Crossing the finish line feeling like you came in 1st when it's likely you came in somewhere between 12th and 3,729th.