THON 2024 is off to a great start with numerous performances and familiar music to keep those in attendance grooving and awake. After hours upon hours of jumping and moving, you might get a bit thirsty. It’s probably a good idea to get over to the water fountain sooner or later to refill that water bottle to keep the party going just a bit longer.

Whether you go alone or with friends, there won’t be a shortage of people you can eavesdrop on for your entertainment. When you’ve been in the same place for so long, conversations start to vary in topics. Here are some highlights from Saturday.

“I’m really craving a pickle.”

There’s nothing wrong with craving a pickle. But at 8:15 in the morning? How about we start with bacon and eggs? Maybe pancakes? Waffles? The other member of the conversation seemed perplexed by this comment and laughed it off before changing the subject.

“Bro, my knees are creakin’ like crazy.”

Standing for hours will do that to you. You can be assured that you are not alone with your knee pains. If you think your pain is bad, imagine the dancers themselves. This is kind of ironic to say as this is being typed while seated on press row with a nice cushioned chair.

“Is there anything the Rock can’t do?”

I’m not sure what sparked this conversation but it was funny to walk into. Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson is indeed talented but there has to be SOMETHING he’s not great at.

“Thank god for meal plan.”

Ah yes, the money that gets magically reloaded into our accounts at the beginning of each semester. Speaking from experience, $12 chicken baskets and $8 CD-sized personal pizzas would be a financial travesty if these food items were coming out of our actual pockets, but because of meal plan money, the blow is softened.

“I can’t feel my anything.”

Mid-day Saturday and people are in the trenches big time. Just know you can and will get through this. It’s a marathon, not a sprint. I hope the water helps your legs recover before you collapse.