What is in a number?

My weight was written on my racing bib. I had to walk around like that for 20 minutes before the race. I had to run the race with my weight listed. I may be in need of some therapy after this run.

The Tortoise & Hare 5K is a handicap race. You get your bib, give your age (38), height (64 inches), and get on the scale (I am not posting my weight). They figure everyone's handicap and start the clock counting backward from 20 minutes. This is supposed to level the field by taking into account the limitations of running with more weight on your shorter, old legs. When it gets to your number handicap you start running. My handicap 9:24. So I had a 9 minute headstart over the punks lined up behind me snickering about my weight.

My cheering section was very vocal. Thanks boys! The chants of "Go Mommy Go" really helped me focus on the finish.

I finished in 28:17. Crossed the finish line 28th. And beat those snickering punks.

However, if I had known that your weight was listed on the bib, I wouldn't have gotten out of bed this morning. Hopefully by next year I will have forgotten or lost 20 pounds. On the bright side, I beat my last 5K by 7 seconds. And of the 27 people ahead of me, only 1 had a higher handicap. So, I am pretty good for an old, short, chunky chick.