- -Corral B is pretty cool, 50 meters from the start line after the rope ladies move us up. It’s almost like being an A.
-The one minute warning gives birth to a ballet of flying shirts as runners shed the extra encumbrances toward the sidelines.
-The music and the crowds are loud, and I love it.
-I take time, as I run through downtown, to look at the city in all its glory.
-I have to pee.
-I skip the next aid station but can’t think about anything else.
-Boy’s Town- Gay cheerleaders in drag. Who woulda’ thunk.
-I stop for a pee. Ahhhh.
-Catch up to the 3:10 pace group. Why do I keep doing that…?
-The route goes through some amazing neighbourhoods. I could live here.
-Halfway. Feelin’ groovy.
-I have to pee again.
-Ahhhh.
-Water station-Mile 16: A Series of Unfortunate Events
- 1. Grab Gatorade and pour out half
2. Grab water and pour into cup
3. Miss
4. Knock a cup of water from a volunteers hand
5. Succeed in the retrieval of the third water cup
6. Toss the water into the cup with too much momentum
7. Watch as Gatorade splashes into eye
8. Continue half blinded until involuntary blinking and tearing stops.
9. Drink remaining fluid
- -I don’t see the 3:10 pace group anymore. Fine.
-Music at Nike Cheer Zones is much too loud.
-I don’t see the Hasher’s beer stop. Despair.
-Pace feels slower now. Probably because my pace is slower Einstein. What, I’m talking to myself now? At least you could say something nice…
-Turn onto Michigan Avenue and the long 2 ½ mile straightaway to downtown.
-Mile 24. Passed by a guy in a banana suit. Despair.
-Final turn towards the finish…@$%*& nice hill people. Thanks.
-Cross the finish line with the support of the spectators. Nice way to finish a race.
-3:17:30
-I look up to see many tables with many beers. Joy!
-Ahhhh…
-Wait ½ hour at gear check because they can’t find my bag. Despair.
-Bag found. Joy!
-Massage tent found. Isaiah has wonderful hands. Thank you.
-Collect my second free beer and sit next to the tent where the elites get to go. I can see through the plastic windows. Plates of fruit, bread, meat, cheese and vegetable.
-I sit wrapped in Mylar, look the other way and eat my goldfish crackers. Mmmmm. Take that Sammy Wanjiru.
