OK, for those of you who don't know, this
fun little event (moving party?) is a fundraiser for the NC Children's Hospital. The race is organized and put on by a group of college kids, begins at the NCSU Bell Tower (a Raleigh landmark) runs through Raleigh from the NCSU campus to the Krispy Kreme doughnut shop on Peace Street (another Raleigh landmark) -- two miles -- then back again to the finish at the Bell Tower (and you actually have to run up the Bell Tower steps to finish) for a total of 4 miles. The "challengers" (the most famous -- and the original -- category of runners registering for the race) eat a dozen doughnuts at the Krispy Kreme before running the final two miles. The "casual runners" like
Jeanne,
John, and me, are not obligated to eat any doughnuts but are always given a dozen in the tradition of the event. (Jeanne was smart enough to pack a backpack in her first year of this race -- It took me a year to learn that, so last year's race photos show me motoring along with a box of Krispy Kremes in one hand. This year they were safely stowed in my Dollar Store backpack, so I was still free to move my arms during the last two miles!
) And the "supporters" don't even have to show up and they get a shirt. This year the event raised $20,000 for the hospital -- a new record for what was nothing more than an unheard of campus event a few short years ago. Good work, Wolfpack!
So, at 4AM on Saturday, after yet another late night ferrying my 15-year-olds to-and-from their social engagements, I awoke to a chilly dark bedroom and pulled the covers up to my chin. Last night's forecast called for cloudy skies and temps beginning in the 30's and rising to 32 (heat wave! whoopee!) during the race. I have done nothing since Disney but wait for my blisters to heal, and I had no idea how I'd do today. I
really didn't feel like doing this. Then I thought about WISHers Jeanne and John and how much fun they are, and I told myself to get in the shower and get going!
Pre-race, two kinda funny things happened -- and those of you just beginning your racing careers should take note. On a lark, I wore a tacky little running tutu over my tights and at the race I noticed some man taking my photo. I figured he thought my get-up was funny. Turns out he remembered running (I use that term loosely) the Old Reliable Run with me
almost 10 years ago -- the only time I've ever done it. Now, doesn't that make you want to behave every time you race?
The second thing that happened was a lady (that I had an inkling I knew) came up to me and gave me a big hug -- called me by name (and it wasn't written on my racing bib) -- turns out she was someone I'd met during one of my failed attempts keeping up with the Raleigh Galloway group and I'd "inspired" her (and her walking buddy) to start doing marathons. So, folks, others
are watching. Hey, and with the WISH shirts on, they see you whether they want to or not!!!
So, anyway, it isn't long before I hook up with Jeanne and John and their neighbors (who look like gazelles to me!) and we all chat and pose for photos and pleasantly pass the time away until start time. There are tons of kids (college kids and little kids), strollers, office teams, dog runners/walkers -- it really looked like a lawn party lining up on Hillsborough Street. I took a couple of photos of the cute shirts I saw, but I didn't get a photo of my favorite: the red-and-white international "Do Not Enter" symbol on which someone superimposed the words "Do Nut Eater". So clever!
Of course, there was the obligatory Elvis.
And there was an even larger group of shirtless, body-painted Wolfpack fans running the race this year -- this time spelling out "NCSU Krispy Kreme Challenge 08" -- though I couldn't get them all in the photo!
The race was fun, just like last year. My formerly blistered feet seemed to hold up pretty well. There's still a bit of healing that has to happen, and a lot of toughening of the "new" skin I have now, but I made it through 4 miles just fine. The course was jammed in the back where I was, but no one seemed to mind (when you start with the baby joggers and dogs, you don't really expect smooth sailing the first mile
). On-course entertainment included a rhythm group pounding drums (real and makeshift) and shouting encouragment with -- of course -- a cowbell!!!, a guy on a bike-carriage-thing with a portable sound system, and a few civilians here and there clapping for us. The scene at Krispy Kreme was utter mayhem and it took me forever to find the doughnut table -- no way I could go home to the kids and DH without the doughnuts -- but I finally snatched my box and headed back to the Bell Tower. On my way back, the NCSU Army ROTC group came by me with their leader shouting cadence -- always fun. It was all good.
At the finish, I caught up with speedy John and Jeannne who finished well ahead of me and they insisted I take one of their two boxes of doughnuts -- my kids are forever grateful!!!! Thanks! I had to rush off, but I'm so glad I had my WISHer buddies to get me out of bed. What a wonderful couple -- and what a great group! Another fun race in the books.
out there, but the WISH colors will be out!! 
I love those things.
* Does that mean the rest of us should eat Krispy Kremes in an effort to support our teammates? *hopeful look*
