Just finished the first of 40 races...Cupid's Chase 5K in Syracuse.  This race is sponsored by Community Options, Inc which is a national organization that supports people with disabilities.

SO this is what happened when I walked up to the Pre-Registration table...

The woman finds my name and Bib number and then asks me what size shirt. Then she says, "Available or Unavailable?"  Me: "Huh?" Woman: " Single or Taken?"  Me: " uhhhhh, Taken."  She then hands me a white shirt with 'UNAVAILABLE' written across the back.  I walk away stunned with my scarlet letter.  Apparently, this is where speed dating and running intersect?

After trying to warm up to no success, the race finally starts just after 10 am.  I quickly regret the 2 slices of Varsity pizza, 2 beers, cotton candy and nachos that I shared with my family at the Crunch game last night.  Note to self:  things that seem like a good idea the night before, rarely are the next morning during a 25 degree race right next to a lake.

As we all settle into our comfortable (or uncomfortable) paces, the girl to my left remarks to her friend, "I shouldn't have gone out last night".  I feel ya sister.

The first half was not bad...almost good.  But then, rounding the bend, and coming back...not so good.  Oh, and here is a little tip, if you see a large cheering crowd towards the end of the race, do NOT assume the finish line is right there.  Do NOT then try to sprint to a good finish only to find out there is another 1/2 mile left.  BIG MISTAKE.

All in all, not too bad.  Not my fastest time ever but I did it and I am off to accomplishing my goal !!!