friday's favorite things...

...about the Cooper River Bridge Run!

tomorrow is the big day. 40,000 people walking and running across the Ravenel Bridge!

i think this year will be my 9th bridge run and i'm excited to be walking it with my mom!

my favorite things about this fun experience are:

1. the t-shirt. so, funny story from my first bridge run. i was a beginning runner, about 18 years old, and was with a group of friends from college. me ex-boyfriend/but-still-good-friend was with us and made a comment about a woman we saw who was wearing her race shirt on the day of the race. innocently, i asked, "what's wrong with that? i'm wearing my race shirt." silence. i don't think he ever lived that comment down and i never wore a race shirt on race day again.

2. all the people. i realize this is a crazy zoo of an event (trust me, toting a baby downtown to pick up my race packet today was no picnic). but there is such an exciting feeling when you arrive at the start line, people all around, anticipating the countdown, and then the race begins! each year, at some point mid-race, i look ahead to all the heads bobbing up and downs and look back to the crowd of people pushing ahead. such an amazing feeling to be a part of it.

3. the finish line. duh. is the finish line not the most exciting part of every race?

4. the post-race party! thousands of people, milling around marion square, eating, rehydrating, stretching, smiling because the 6.2 mile race is over! free bagels, fruit, muffins, etc...the particpants guiltlessly indulging in the post-race carbs. thanks, bi-lo!

5. the view. absolutely gorgeous. here is a picture i took recently from the mount pleasant pier.