As this author has mentioned before, running is really very much like a party. A celebration of sorts, complete with costumes, parades, beads, food and drink, much like Mardi Gras. There has even been some nudity, public urination, and, on occasion, some vomit. It happens.

Many runners are anxious to earn their first set of beads. Generally speaking, this requires showing the world their bib! Some first-timers, like Lara, are more modest about showing their bib, wanting to expose themselves only when they feel ready. Others, like Jack, and Brent, enthusiastically flash their bibs, bringing the world along for the entire journey. And even if we have flashed our bib before, each time we do it brings a whole new thrill, as Susan can attest.

Sometimes, we indulge a little too much, as Sean learned when hiking 100K in one day. Or, like Wil, we are faced with other obstacles on the way to the celebration. But we can still celebrate our accomplishments and find pride in the courage it took to decide to join the party. (And we should never be afraid to expand our parade route, looking for new places to celebrate, even if it means being threatened by motorized vehicles.)

No matter what, we work hard to earn our beads.

Being the last one on the parade route, or the last one at the party should be a cherished moment - it means you enjoyed it the most, had the most to eat and drink and were able to meet more people. It means you sucked every last ounce of life out of that party. You made it worth your while. You savored it all.

Savor your running, decide what it means you. Suck the life out of the party that is running.

And remember to never show up empty handed and always say "thank you" for being invited.

See you at next week's Rundown.