Run, Rabbit, Run!

The microphones were set, the booths were stocked with some of the finest apparel for men and women, the dressing rooms were brightly lit, the scent of coffee was lingering in the air and the only sound that could be heard was that of laughter and soft treading of the feet... in sneakers of all brands. Adidas. Brooks. Saucony. Asics. New Balance. Mizuno. Zensah. Garmin. Vibram. I had never been so overwhelmed with running apparel exhibitors in one room in my life. For a runner, this was indeed a sight for sore eyes. I was like a kid at a candy store - eyes enlarging with amazement the deeper I set my foot into the dwelling, and all I could think of was, "Man, this is almost as good as  being at Disneyland." And boy, was I right.

It was 8:50 in the morning when I set foot inside the JackRabbit NYC Running Show yesterday, April 22nd.  I had signed up to volunteer as a worker during the show about a week or two ago and I was just as excited to walk around and take a look at everything and listen to the guest speakers, than I was to work. With over 10 guest speakers, over 35 exhibitors, and an edifice filled with inspiration, I felt right at home. There is something to be said about being in an (extremely) large room surrounded by runners of all ages and types, clad in their running sneakers and fit bodies, with their own stories to tell and hearing them speak about past races, upcoming races, what they love to wear when they run, what they've accomplished (or rather, what they would like to accomplish) and more. There is something to be said about these people. They have heart. They are goal oriented and just... blissful. I've seen people with passion in their eyes do things that truly make them feel whole (and not to mention sparkle-eyed shoppers spend tons of money on things that are new in the market) and it just doesn't compare to what I've seen in my 11 years as a runner (or yesterday for that matter). It was such a beautiful sight to see runners carrying around JackRabbit bags filled with gear. And I'm sad to say that I was not one of them, but my heart, too, was happy to see them just as happy as I would have been if I had the opportunity (and the money) to buy some of the finest gear in the industry.

Working the dressing room at this show was quiet the experience. I not only met some pretty amazing and motivated runners, but it filled my heart with joy to see many of these athletes walk out of the dressing rooms with a smile and a, "I'll take this, thank you." I would have to say about 3 or 4 people decided not to buy what they tried on and to me, that says a lot. During the show, I had the privilege to shy away from my station and watch a 25-minute information session by 2004 Olympic Runner, Grant Robison, on good form running. He was one of the most knowledgeable and down to earth people that I was more than excited to watch speak and he gave some real helpful tips on how to make running more comfortable, less painful and most importantly, more enjoyable. So in turn, I will say, Grant Robison : You Rock! Keep up the great work. With your tips, you have made me a better runner already.

Working the JackRabbit Running Show was one of the best 6 hours I have had in a while and if I could do it again, I most definitely would. If you just so happened to miss yesterday's JackRabbit NYC Running Show, don't fret! Today is the 2nd (and last) day where the show WILL go o! It goes on from 10 am - 6 pm and covers another amazing schedule of guest speakers (with various informative topics that are extremely helpful) as well as a layout of exhibitors that, if I may add, will be seling some pretty amazing gear. So head on over (with $10 to enter) and a smile on your face and turn this rainy day into a sunny one!

JackRabbit NYC Running SHow