Corral WHAT?! Holy smokes, I have [almost] arrived!

So, a while back I signed up for the Bellin 10K Run to be held in Green Bay in a little over a week.  I've run this race a handful of times because I like the energy of the event.  I wouldn't say I am in love with the course for its scenic value or my chances of putting in a smoking performance.  I do like it because it is practically in our backyard and it is the 7th largest 10K in the country (according to Running USA).  It's hard not to get excited when a local race's success goes viral. Last year, there was a record 18,398 participants registered with over 15,000 finishers.  Yeah, it's big.

The only problem with this race, as far as I can see - besides the crowds that is - is the corral system.  Or, more accurately, how I always seem to without fail end up in the nosebleed section of said starting corrals.

Okay, so corral assignment is based on your predicted performance, and - let's face it - I have always been on the slower side.  For example, a couple of years ago, I was one corral ahead of the walkers (in fact, some of them may have passed me as we started out...)

Last year, I moved up a corral or two and ended up starting in Corral 4, I believe.  Although this improved my situation immensely, it still put me heading out over the start line as the winners of the event were finishing up.  In a way, that was nice.  After all, it's not often you get to see the lead runners finishing up when you are participating in the same event.

This year, though, is going to be different.  Check it out....

Just noticed how the 2s in 2012 are doing double duty and also acting as the Ns in Bellin and Run.  Slick!

Corral 2! I have arrived!  Little did I know when I signed up for the race and I proudly put my predicted pace of 8:45 per mile (based on my own recent improved performances) that it would lead to this little bit of elitism.  Okay, okay, I know that I am not elite - OBVIOUSLY - but now that I am starting behind the speedsters, I, at least, shouldn't have to worry about competition from the walkers.  Right? Right?!?

Happy Running!