Spring break is here and everyone knows what that means: the next big event is quals. If you don't know what quals is, you might as well live under a rock if you're a student at IU. Every year, in preparation for the Little 500 bike race, there is one day that all the teams qualify for the race. Most qualify, but others won't, and whether or not you have a team to cheer on, this day of the year means so much more than just qualifying for the race. With early meet times and heavy celebrating, this day can get pretty rowdy, and the best part is that it's usually around 5:00 in the morning. Here are the 11 thoughts you have during quals:
1. How am I going to wake up so early?
Don't worry, the 4:00am wake up call will most likely come hand in hand with a bunch of screaming, blow horns, megaphones and loud music on speakers. There is no doubt It will still be dark outside and you'll be yawning the entire time you're getting ready.
2. I'm definitely going to need some Starbucks
You wake up an extra 15 minutes early knowing that you'll probably feel half-dead from the night before and you need a little TLC. Starbucks is the perfect solution to a slow morning and you can also use it for chaser in the early morning celebrations.
3. What time do we qual?
You've been so caught up in the day's festivities that you *almost* forgot to get to the track for the qualification!! But wait, what time is it at? Cause It's only 7:00am and I'm gonna need a nap pretty soon.
4. We better qual so we can race in Little 500
Spirits are high and everyones cheering each other on. You can hear other teams from a distance chanting phrases for their team as you try and shout louder, all the while feeling a little nauseous and ready for the sun to come out because you're "freezing."
5. WE QUALLED
Your team qualled and they can FINALLY take a break from all the practices. All the bikers, along with everyone else who's still going strong and ready to celebrate come together and praise the, now qualified, riders. This is what they have been looking forward to all day, so make sure they take it easy.
6. Lunch.
The hours have gone by and your stamina has lowered, but it's finally lunch time and you're definitely ready. Wherever you find yourself on quals, I do pray that the servers make it through the afternoon because you're ready to feast and you're really pumped about it.
7. I need a nap.
The food coma hit and you need to take a break for a second. It's most likely about 2:00pm, so nap time is sure on its way.
8. Oh god, how am I going to make it?
The night is still young and you're still feeling the aftermath from the morning, but you know this is arguably the best day of the year so you need to make the most out of it.
9. Ready for round two!!
You've drank some water, rested, and prepared for the night ahead... What more can you do anyway? It's going to be a great night.
10. This is so fun but I'm slowly dying.
You've made it all day, you're making it all night, and while this has truly been an awesome time, you are definitely ready for some shuteye.
11. I need 3 days to recover from this.
It's Sunday but if you make it to class by Wednesday you've accomplished something extraordinary. That truly was the best day ever, but the headache might not seem so worth it right now.
