maybe one day...

saturday was a big day. as 300 runners toed the starting line, it was the FIFTH time i got to shout "on your mark, get set, go!" as the race director. and then almost get run over by everyone's enthusiasm.

i started this event as my community service project requirement for my americorps service term. i was only 23 and wanted to cross "plan a 5K" off my bucket list. (seriously, it was on the list). who would have known it would have been the event that changed my life. who would have known that i would still be doing it five years later.

that first 5K taught me to be resourseful. it taught me that i am capable of accomplshing big things. 200 people ran that race and we raised over $5,000. by the end of the day, i knew i wanted to plan events.

this fifth time was no different. last year we added a kids run that we continued this year. seeing 20 kids run their hearts out and get excited over the dollar-store medal i hang around their necks warms my heart. when the 300 runners stampede past me after sounding the starting gun, i get goosebumps.

they are here because of my efforts. i am repsonsible for them having a good time. while this comes with enormous pressure it is something that i thrive on knowing. i want them to walk away feeling like they had a great time, even if their race time wasn't great. i want them to want to come back next year.

and as i ran back and forth organizing volunteers, cheering on the finishers, making sure everyone had water, greeting friends and giving out awards, i couldn't have been happier. to have so many people come out and support Habitat while doing something active and enjoying themselves is immensly gratifying.



this is pretty much how it feels.

 there is a lot of work that goes into three hours that just fly by. it couldn't be done without an awesome committee, generous sponsors and some fabulous volunteer. for them i am so grateful.

when i came home i was reading an article in runner's world magazine about the man who organizes the boston marathon. he and i have a lot in common (of course everything he does is on a way bigger scale, like times 1,000). but we have the same dream of not making it to the starting line and the same feelings on race day.

all i could think while reading is, i want to be him.

who new one bucket list item would inspire a new dream. to work for runDisney planning their races. (i mean running AND disney, could it get more perfect?) maybe one day.