5K Run Sunday: A Survivor's Tale

Awards and Trophy Tables

Runners are a strange, jovial lot.  Devoted, close-knit, loyal to their sport and one another.  The men, even some my age, are also very hot! I'm just sayin'.  The post race breakfast sponsored by the restaurant went extremely well.  You'd think that would be enuf' said, right?  Oh no.

The doslocosguys had set up the awards and trophy tables, the fresh fruit table, and plates the night before.  This means they were still at the restaurant at 2 am, because Karaoke ends at 12 and the bar closes at 1 am.  Ouch!

I arrived at 6:30 and went through the usual routine with a few extra chores for the breakfast.  I prepared 3 pots of coffee just for the staff, I was sure they would need it. And they did.  The restaurant doesn't normally serve breakfast foods, but this day was different. I set up the chafing dishes and when the bagels arrived, began slicing them into quarters. (Kitchen crew took over when they arrived.) Next came the plastic flatware which I displayed in large baskets. 

Kitchen staff arrived at 7, with wait staff hot on their heels. Locosguys arrive at 7:30. Floor mopped one more time and tables polished.  Phone call informs us that the race will be over at 8 am.  We cannot get the place open until 8:30, but that's fine.  Everyone shifts into high gear.  Out comes the bagels, cream cheese, salsa and guacamole. Chafing dishes are heated and French toast, Wings, Chicken and Cheese Quesadillas are ready to go. Bar is ready and the beer is on tap. 

A crowd in bright green jerseys gathers outside and the locosguys are a bit frantic.  As I said in the earlier post, they had never hosted an event like this before, so we were winging it. I was excited and happy with everything we had accomplished and knew in my heart the runners would be happy, too.

Long lines to get to the food tables.

I opened the doors and within a half hour 200+ runners of all ages, shapes, and sizes were chowing down and knocking back beer and sodas.  I was amazed that they all fit inside the place at one time.

I saw (and met) at least 5 future ex-husbands (kidding) in the mix who raved about the food, the atmosphere, and the service. I almost kissed one on the cheek, he was that sweet and handsome. Relax, I resisted; damn it!

locosguys receive awards and beach towels.

With everyone fed, the award ceremony was the only item left on the agenda, during which the doslocosguys were given a standing ovation, and award, and beach towels with the Seashore Striders logo embroidered at one end. The staff was given a round of applause and it was over. It was 10:30 am - an hour before we normally open the restaurant.  It was decided to remain open. All tables, chairs, set-ups, and cocktail menus were back in place in short order - as if nothing had happened only a few minutes ago.

Meanwhile the locosguys surprised the staff with breakfast delivered to the door.  A real treat, since we'd had no time to think about food. Scrambled eggs, bacon, ham, and garlic toast and was still hot. Delicious and much appreciated, as my stomach growled.

A few runners hung around to learn more about the restaurant, check out the menus, and stake out stools at the bar.  A core group of friends stayed with us through lunch and enjoyed the experience.  I enjoyed their company and humor.  As a result, there will be a party of 10 dining with us on Friday night.  Yes, we made new friends and new customers at the same time.

Although we felt as though we had already worked a full shift we had to welcome our regular Sunday lunch crowd so we kicked back into gear and off we went.  The afternoon went quickly because we were very busy, thank G*d.  I can't imagine any one of us hanging on if we were slow.

By shift's end, we had served 177 lunches - on top of the 200+ breakfasts and were exhausted. After a quick AS golden margarita, my stomach began to grumble again, realizing I had not eaten for 7 hours, headed  home to prepare supper - and another cocktail.

Following the meal, I posted my 5 on the Fifth contribution, checked email and went to bed. It's nice to have this day off with nowhere to go.

More later.
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