Hullabaloo: a very noisy and confused situation
I looked at this word and at first thought — what the heck will I write about? I’m not going to get into a situation that was/is most definitely a hullabaloo right now in the States.
Then I read the definition.
Hullabaloo definitely describes a lot of race start lines. It’s why it’s so intimidating for a new runner:
- Where do I go?
- What the heck is a corral & how do I find mine?
- When should I get there?
- Who are all these people?
- I’m just sure they’re all faster & I’ll be last
- Are they looking at me & laughing at my cluelessness?
Sometimes races in general can be a hullabaloo — they can be a hot mess:
- Too few portapotties
- Too much walking to get to the portapotties
- Not enough direction
- Confusion about the start line
- Running out of promised aid
- Running out of promised bling/swag
- Starting late
And then there is the finish line — a most definite hullabaloo filled with music, announcers, the ever ticking clock, screaming spectators — unless you’re very BOTP, and then you may miss out on all the motivation that a great finish line has to offer.
Some runners never race or rarely race because they just can’t deal with all that hullabaloo. Most of us, though, thrive on it — it’s why my best finish times are at races, not in training runs.
I need that hullabaloo to do my best.
Tell me in the comments:
Are you put off by the hullabaloo of racing?
Or do you thrive on the hullabaloo of racing?
How about New Years: enjoy the hullabaloo, or ring it in in the comfort of your own home?
Chocolaterunsjudy 
Hahaha! Love this word. I think I don’t like the hullabaloo of races and it’s probably why I am not drawn to them.
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I think there is definitely room for runners who never race, and those that do. To each their own — and I have several good friends who really don’t enjoy racing, and others that enjoy it way more than I do!
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Great insight! The energy at the starting line usually motivates me, but I usually can’t deal with the finish festivities.
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Interesting. For a shy person, crowds don’t bother me.
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Looks like you and I are on the same wavelength today….
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I’d actually say that we took a slightly different tack on similar themes.
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I love the hullabaloo at the end of a race! Especially if you are lucky enough to be there with other runner friends (and beer helps, too).
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Everything is better with friends
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The hullabaloo of certain races can definitely be energizing and fun. And I do enjoy that from time to time. But, I don’t feel I need it. I’m partial to my nice, quiet, calm runs. It’s very possible that could be more of a mental state of mind than anything else.
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I like both too but then I don’t race anywhere near as often as you! 43 halfs. I can’t even imagine.
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Big races are exciting but I prefer the smaller ones. They are cheaper. I usually do better at them too.
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I’ve been on both sides of the fence with a bigger race vs smaller. I think each one has it’s pros and cons but no doubt you can have fun in both!
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Totally agree, Tricia!
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Hullabaloo for new years eve really depends ! I like going out if it’s a group of good friends. I also love staying in and making a ton of food and celebrating at home :)))
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Pretty much never a hullabaloo for New Years here, I’m a morning person and I do a race the next day (which thankfully doesn’t start til noon, though!).
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For the most part, I don’t mind the hullabaloo. Sometimes, it’s a bit much…when there are SO many clueless lost peeps wandering aimlessly in masses…..But I also recognize there was a time when I was one of those lost peeps. Somehow, despite the craziness, I kept going back for more of the craziness 😉
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Ah yes, clueless runners can definitely be annoying. The ones that really annoy me are the ones that I don’t think are clueless, yet ignore runner etiquette anyway.
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The one-and-only DC Hot Chocolate 15K was one big hullabaloo, and I didn’t even think of it when writing this WW. My husband and I definitely don’t like the hullabaloo associated with New Year’s Eve, preferring to stay in instead and watch the college bowl games.
Thanks for linking up!
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We don’t go out on New Years either-sometimes we go out for an early dinner, because I’m a pumpkin & I’m in bed my normal time. I have s “race” the next day (not chip timed), although thankfully it doesn’t start till noon.
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