I Love Shiny Things
How and why a finisher's medal kept me going
“I feel like I’m being held together by 2 pieces of duct tape”
This was one of the first things I said to Jenn this past Saturday at 7 AM. I usually sleep pretty well, but the night before I was having some weird stuff going on with my ear. It had felt like it was clogged and, no matter what I did, it wouldn’t clear up. As a result, I ended up getting only three hours of sleep.
Of course, by morning, my ear was hardly bothering me — thanks, body! Any other weekend, I would simply go back to sleep for a bit longer and do a redo of the day when I awoke.
But on this day, I was sitting at my parent’s dining room table in the dark, munching on two pieces of peanut butter toast and staring at my phone. I was awake and in fairly OK spirits, thanks to some ibuprofen and sheer will, enticed by the promise of a shiny medal at my parent’s small town 5k event.
That may sound impressive, like I thought I was going to place in first and get a cool medal, but trust me, I am pretty average as a runner. No, the only reason I knew I was going to get a medal is because it was the 30th year their city had been doing the event and EVERYONE was getting a medal, no matter how fast or slow they finished, to celebrate.
And, since I’m an average runner, I am a sucker for medals — that or I have the mind of a crow and just like shiny things (not sure really!) I love hanging them up next to my desk and looking at them from time to time, proud of the hard work each one represents.
Because each event isn’t just about the main run itself. It’s about all the other times I’d gone for a run before then. Even — and especially — the days I really wasn’t feeling like it. To me, that medal represents a commitment I made to myself to make sure I was in a good enough place physically and mentally to complete an event.
So, what I’m saying is that the medal is pretty cool to me, and I was going to run that day, sleepiness be damned. So I hopped in the backseat of my mom and dad’s car, squished between Jenn (who was also participating today) and my childhood friend, and was whisked away to the starting line, making it with only a few minutes to spare.
It was just enough time for me to make sure my sandals had a snug fit, my music was bumping, and that my watch was ready to record my run. And then, I was off!
Grateful Dead carried me for the first half as their album Terrapin Station was flowing through my headphones. I remember really perking up and feeling myself once one of my favorite tracks, Dancin’ in the Streets, started playing. I kept running, taking in all the sights and sounds and enjoying the beautifully cool weather we were having.
As I continued, I got the occasional compliment from onlookers as they noticed I was wearing sandals instead of shoes (I got 3 total compliments if you’re curious.) Grateful Dead faded away and was replaced by King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard’s I’m In Your Mind Fuzz, giving me the second wind I needed to finish out the last mile.
I kept pushing forward and, before I knew it, I was at the final downhill segment. I ran as fast as I could down that hill and, upon seeing the finish line in sight, tried to keep that pace. I smiled as I crossed the finish line and knew I’d done it! I grabbed my medal and, after eating a quick snack, met up with my friends and family who cheered me on at the end.
We waited up for Jenn and cheered her on too when she finished shortly after. Then, we did what any sane person would do and got some good food before going back home, proud of our accomplishments.
The rest of the day was pretty uneventful. I watched Ratatouille, took a much-needed hour-long nap to Steely Dan, and ate some hamburgers from the grill.
And, since I’ve been home, I can’t help but keep looking at that medal, proud of my determination and learning that day that I was stronger than I thought. Oh and also that I’m grateful it didn’t torrentially rain like one of the previous 5ks there.
What I’ve been listening to this week:
Grateful Dead - Terrapin Station
I mentioned this album in my August music picks and it’s been so good that I’m still listening to it! Last track is a great intro to prog rock too.
King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard - I’m In Your Mind Fuzz
Some lovely psychedelic rock that just keeps on giving throughout the entire album. King Gizzard never disappoints, but this is one of my faves of theirs.
Phoebe Bridgers - Stranger in the Alps
Some moody music for when you just need to sit in your feelings.
Kokonoku - GOODBYENOKUBAY!
Vaporwavey-type music that really keeps the vibes going.
Charli XCX - Brat
Once you hear one of the infectious beats of one track, you’ll be bumpin’ that album over and over again.