Preparing for the Dash: Then and Now

First, let me start off this entry with a confession-- I love my job!  There, I said it!  I get the opportunity to plan all sorts of fun library programs/ activities, and I seriously enjoy it.  My favorite event to put together as of late has been our family 5K run/walk that we call the Dewey Dash.  But it didn't start out that way...

Last year was our first race, and boy were there a lot of details to sort out!  Even though I had ran quite a few 5Ks, I had never planned an event on such a large scale that depended on so many different things coming together at once.  One thing I knew I couldn't plan for was the weather.  When I woke up at 5:30 that Saturday morning, it was gray and drizzling. Ack!

I was really worried that folks wouldn't bother coming out in the nasty rain and would rather just roll over and sleep in.  I was also worried that the course would be full of mud and puddles and might be hazardous.  In a nutshell-- I was a little freaked out.  My husband did his best to reassure and calm me down (God bless him for always trying), but I was still nervous. 

When I arrived at the library, I was soon greeted by the smiling faces of our race volunteers and library staff members who graciously offered to help out.  They didn't seem worried-- why should I?  I've never been so happy to be a part of a team!  Even though the rain kept falling, the enthusiasm of the race participants and volunteers never waned.  It turned out to be a great event, and I think that everyone had a good time. So this year, when the time came to start planning the Dewey Dash, I felt nothing but excitement.  I have accepted that I may not be able to prepare for every little thing and assure that everything will turn out perfect. But, I can be sure to make it a fun day and a wonderful fundraiser for the library! 

This year's dash will be held Saturday, June 7th (8 a.m. for registration, 9 a.m. for race start)!  You can register now on the Mag7 Race Series website: http://mag7raceseries.com/?event-tags=register-now.  The price is $18 if you register before May 23rd, and you can save 10% by entering the promo code "Mag7Voucher".  You will also be guaranteed a t-shirt!  One cool new thing we've added this year is a costume contest.  You can run or walk the race dressed as your favorite literary character and we'll award prizes for the best overall costume, and the fastest runner & walker in costume. All proceeds from this program benefit the library.  Join us!  I'll be the one with the bullhorn and (hopefully) a calm demeanor.

Happy Reading,

Jennifer