I started out just in front of the walking group, as I'd never raced before. Most of the people took off fast, as it was down hill. So I just let them go, and kept to my pace. By the time we were half way up the first long hill, I had passed maybe a dozen people, and none of them passed me back (and if they did, it was only for a minute or two). After about 3/4 of a mile, I took a 100 yard walk break or so, on a flat leading up to another longer hill. I got passed by a few people, but when I started running again just before the hill, I was well rested and passed them all back before the hill finished. Walking was forced again at one point as a car disregarded the cop that was telling him to wait for some of us to cross the road, but it was only for a few seconds, so not too bad.

The next bit was mostly flat, and while I didn't pass more than 2 people, my pace was good, and I felt pretty good. I also started gaining on my co-worker, who was about 100-150 yards in front of me. I caught him right before another hill, when he stopped to walk. I took another 40 yards to walk with him, and give him a bit of a pep talk. I thought it was the least I could do, since I had called him a sissy until he agreed to run with me. (He's also been dieting and working out, but never had run before. And being 80 lbs less than me, I knew it would be a good challenge to keep up with him) So we ran together for the last 3/4 mile until near the finish.

There was a steep hill about 150 yards before the finish, and as we got to the top of the hill, he said he needed to walk for a few seconds. I was about ready to tell him to HTFU and keep running, but then I thought it would be much more fun to beat him and taunt him at work. So I heard myself tell him "Do what you've got to do" and I pushed it harder for the last bit, and finished, while not at a sprint, with pretty much all I had left.

Hmm, I think the biggest thing was being tired from only having 90 minutes of sleep in the previous 25.5 hours before the race start. I would also liked to have brought a small water bottle with me.

Right after the race, I went to the refreshment area, and had a banana and grabbed a couple of bottles of water. Then I chatted with my co-worker and his wife, who had also run, and beaten the two of us by about 90 seconds. But she teaches aerobics, so I don't think that's too bad, even if she's not a runner. After the snack and water, I did a light jog around the parking lot again, and then stretched, drove home, took a shower and went to bed.


Being fat and out of shape. I know I'm faster than I was at 297, but at 261 (the evening before I went to work) I'm still fat and slow and out of shape.


I didn't stick around for any post race stuff, but they had a handfull of things to do at least. I'll definately do this race again next year if they do it, and the charity is good.