I also saw Cowman Shirk running with a Viking Hat with Cowhorns in it and thought, I want to be like him. He really cheered me up. It took me some time to get the guts but finally I took the leap and have been running in costume ever since. I have fun wearing it and seeing kids faces smile. Plus I get lots of positive feedback from adults during the run and that makes it fun for me too.
Endurance sports can be enjoyable.
On the negative side I guess some people think I'm just the Madonna of running, practicing shameless self-promotion and ego gratification. But then racing for self-esteem can be looked at as looking outside one's self for validation. It's temporary and fleeting. Joan Benoit-Samuelson, winner of the first woman's Olympic marathon. There isn't much that doesn't pop up on a long ride or run, it's that time when I get those ideas and solutions for daily living.