Cinco de Mayo

This morning I went to Conway to participate in the Toad Suck Daze 5K walk. I could have run. It was permitted. But, I think running is just too much. Too much exercise; too much pain; and too much energy expended. So, I don't run. My philosophy is: I quit running in 1973 and haven't found anyone scary enough to make me run.
But, I do NOT begrudge those who like it and call it fun. I saw a sticker on a vehicle on day that had the number "13.1" in a circle of words: "Because I'm only half crazy." Runners are the folks who keep races like the Toad Suck 5K and 10K going each year. And, they have made some changes over the years. IN the beginning, I suppose the first one to cross the finish line was declared the winner. Then folks wanted to know how fast they completed a race, so a stop watch was added. Now, thanks to computer chips and other technology, said participant gets a little 2" by 3" card or chip that is activated when we step on the pad at the starting line and "stops the recording" when we step on the pad at the finish line. Then our times are perfectly recorded for perpetuity.
Even though everyone knew that we had this great technology for the time measurement, at the beginning they were still bunched up like cattle at feeding time. I stayed near the back of the pack.
I also noticed that runners and walkers appreciate folks who will cheer them on and encourage them to complete the race with dignity - or win (winning is good). I remember the first year that I participated, we got a lot of folks from church to stand at several spots on the race course to cheer the runners/walkers. They dressed up and used pompoms. It was great fun for us participants (dare I say, "racers"). So far we have no racers dressing in costumes (that is a good thing). However, today we did not have so many "cheerleaders" along the route. I did see several people who were directing traffic and helping to keep the race going. Now I realize that it takes a lot of volunteers to get a race happening. The organizers got the computer chips, some city policemen, had the fire department on notice, coverage from KTHV television, one water stop on the 5K race (there may have been another on the 10K), and food, water, and Gatorade at the finish. All of us who registered early paid $20. Shoot I ate that much after the race! Oh, we also got this year's version of the Toad Suck Daze tee-shirt.
When the race started, I walked about ½ mile (or less) when I saw a young man running towards the finish line. He was going to finish a 5K run in less than 20 minutes!
After I finished the race I noticed a lot of racers headed for the free concession stand under the bleachers of the high school football stadium (where we finished). When I caught up with them, I noticed a lot of those slim, lean runners grabbing up the Gatorade, water and fruit. I guess they were trying to replenish lost nutrients. Not me, I went straight for the pizza and water. Then I left the area and went to a donut shop for coffee, donuts, and a ham croissant. Ah, donuts and coffee — the breakfast of mediocre walkers!
During the race I saw some small children walking, too. At first I thought they were participating in the short Toad Trot the organizers planned for children. When I saw some midway through the 5K course, then I knew they were doing more than the Toad Trot. I was reminded of a 5K in Fort Smith in which my two older sons and I participated. I had to carry Bill for the last mile. His little four-year-old legs just couldn't go the distance. It was good to see the children participate. It is one exercise they can almost always do.
Well, now I have completed one goal of walking in 2012. Where have you walked lately?