Bastille Day 5k/8k Run Walk & Block Party

The Bastille Day race reads like annual compensation packages at Wal-​Mart — offering a 5k and an 8k. And like the time Helen Keller entered the moving walkway backwards, a lot of energy is spent to end up exactly where you start. However, veteran runners will appreciate the fact this race is well-​organization, has a scenic lake view, and little or no crowds or drug testing. But runners, wait for the announcer, and not the sound of a gun, to signal the race start. This is a French event after all. If they didn’t fire a gun during WWII, they sure as hell ain’t gonna start now.
As I said, many positive things about this race. Gear check, like Panda Express through your digestive system, was in and out. For signing up, you get a free beer ticket and a T-​shirt with the outline of a curly mustache, similar to what you see on the face of a French man or the armpit of a French woman. Also this was a 75 degree day, so an extra star for that. Some have told me my review shouldn’t be influenced by things that can’t be controlled. To them I say, it’s a good thing that Toyota accelerator pedals or John McCain’s bladder weren’t there.
I had low expectations for the after party, but the band was good and never played «Fara Jaka.» Also, I was under-​enthused about the food because I can’t stand French cuisine. Escargot? Escar-​no! However one vendor sold some killer crepes. I enjoyed a Gnutella one for what the French collectively spend per year on deodorant — $ 6. Ok, that’s my review — off to go shopping at «Bed, Bath, and Beyond», or as it is called in France, «Bed And Beyond.»

Bastille Day Run… how we meet again.
The first time was in 2009. I just had adopted a new cat a couple of hours before, and the only thing I remember pretty clearly was getting sick in a trash can around mile 2.
Yeah…good times…
And speaking of good times, I wonder who came up with the slogan of the race this year (or is it every year? Not sure. I shall «invetigate») but that was a job poorly done in my humble opinion. Not that it’s an easy job, and you surely don’t have to please everyone.
But still.
First of all, using New Orleans motto to promote something as quintessentially French as Bastille Day is a bit of a faux-pas…that’s about as appropriate as drinking Earl Grey on the Fourth of July, eating General Tsao chicken for Cinco de Mayo or giving out chocolate rabbits for Christmas.
But then, think about it for two seconds. Even if you are not an expert in the language, you probably know that «Laissez les bons temps rouler» literally means «Let the good times roll.» Kind of a, um, weird choice to celebrate the opening of one of the bloodiest times of French history. Unless your idea of a «good time» is to make heads roll.
Personally, I think the Queen of Hearts has it best: «OFF WITH THEIR HEADS!!!»
Otherwise, the event itself was rather nice. Small in size, perfectly located for an evening run, free beer, music… good times indeed.
But still.