Monday, December 8, 2014

Could it be the lucky socks?

Could it be that the only key to success of a race is this lucky pair of socks? 

I have this ratty pair of running socks that I got when I ran the Honolulu Marathon, back in 2007. They are the perfect pair of socks, not too thin, not too thick, the perfect height in the back, they don't slip....And, because I have had them so long they conform to my feet nicely. They are nasty, I am the first to admit this, they have pilled and are dirty from many many miles of trail running. I wear them in almost all my races and have completed about 10 full marathons, countless half marathons and one 50K in them. They are my lucky pair of socks. 

Now, I do not know if other race directors do this, but just like baseball players who have their pre-game rituals, I must do certain things or wear certain things to each of the races we produce. Wearing this nasty socks is one of those good luck things. Races seem to go smoother when I wear these magical socks. No explanation for it, they just do. 

The problem I run into is with Run Like the Wind, which in previous years has been a 2 day event. Do I re-wear the same socks two days in a row? Well, yes, yes I did! 

Other pre-race rituals include: 
  • Saying out loud when I leave the office for the last time before a race "I hope I have everything!" 
  • Eating a piece of string cheese on the way to the event, the breakfast of champions
  • Taking a long deep breathe right before I get out of the truck on race morning. 
  • Eating a HUGE meal after the race, usually Greek food, but often times a burger, fries and a milkshake. 
All of this means a successful event, without these things, my day would most likely be disastrous!