Only a Moment of Self Doubt
It was still dark when we arose for a new round of competition in Tacoma. The forecast was for rain. The pre-dawn sky still dripped and drizzled, but there was an air of improvement.
This was the day that the FeMan had to put it on the line again. Would
'Mr. Shoreline' with his oversized ego be there to challenge him? Would his hands get
cold? So many questions and so few answers.
It was still dark when we arose for a new round of competition in Tacoma. The forecast was for rain. The pre-dawn sky still dripped and drizzled, but there was an air of improvement.
On this race day there was a full car load to go to Tacoma and meet the
challenge: The FeMan, Steve "No Handlebar Tape" Lay, Janet, and two newcomers:
Cheryl and Andrea. In the cold and darkness the crowd gathered and piled into a single car
for the trip to Steilacoom.
It was still dark when we arose for a new round of competition in Tacoma. The forecast was for rain. The pre-dawn sky still dripped and drizzled, but there was an air of improvement.
There was lots of idle, nervous chatter on the trip down. But there was an
underlying sense of things to come and challenges to be met.
It was still dark when we arose for a new round of competition in Tacoma. The forecast was for rain. The pre-dawn sky still dripped and drizzled, but there was an air of improvement.
The Steilacoom High School building was welcoming as were were directed
into the parking area. There was no more rain and the sun's warmth penetrated the clouds.
No cold hands today for The FeMan! Get a number, visit the bathroom, etc., etc. Two laps
around the track to warm up, then back inside to stay warm until race start.
It was still dark when we arose for a new round of competition in Tacoma. The forecast was for rain. The pre-dawn sky still dripped and drizzled, but there was an air of improvement.
As the time neared The FeMan moved outside with the pack. He worked his
way up to the third row from the front and was soon joined by Steve. The 1-minute
countdown arrived very soon and the crowd surged forward. With raised arms, fingers poised
over the 'start' button on hundreds of watches, the athletes were expectant. Twenty,
nineteen, ... counting down to ONE! GO! We were off.
It was still dark when we arose for a new round of competition in Tacoma. The forecast was for rain. The pre-dawn sky still dripped and drizzled, but there was an air of improvement.
There was the excitement of finally starting to run as we wheeled around
the track and up the gravel hill. This was a little slower start than last time. Across
the parking lot and around the corner, watching all the loose gravel so as not to slip.
The 7-11 was in view and we were off.
It was still dark when we arose for a new round of competition in Tacoma. The forecast was for rain. The pre-dawn sky still dripped and drizzled, but there was an air of improvement.
Then it was there.
It was still dark when we arose for a new round of competition in Tacoma. The forecast was for rain. The pre-dawn sky still dripped and drizzled, but there was an air of improvement.
What is this all about? Why am I here? Was it self doubt or just lack of
sleep? The FeMan pushed back those thoughts and settled into an easy run. "Just run
your own race, guy" he said to himself. All the runners were quickly spreading out,
the really fast ones disappearing around the corners.
It was still dark when we arose for a new round of competition in Tacoma. The forecast was for rain. The pre-dawn sky still dripped and drizzled, but there was an air of improvement.
Then those ominous footsteps. Slap, slap, slap. Quick, short steps. The
runner moved on by. It was 'The Man in Black'. Some gray streaks in that hair. Could it be
a competitor to The FeMan? So hard to tell. He moved a hundred meters or so ahead and then
just stayed there.
It was still dark when we arose for a new round of competition in Tacoma. The forecast was for rain. The pre-dawn sky still dripped and drizzled, but there was an air of improvement.
At the water stop, the 2 groups split up with my race group going to the
right. A whole stream of runners went left, but 'The Man in Black' moved right. Another
half mile or so to the turn around. Someone called out "20:20" as The FeMan
circled the cone.
It was still dark when we arose for a new round of competition in Tacoma. The forecast was for rain. The pre-dawn sky still dripped and drizzled, but there was an air of improvement.
"Whoa, baby!" he said under his breath. This was going to be a
real run to finish under 40 minutes. "Now you get to practice digging down,"
were his thoughts. The man with the gold hoop earing had circled the turn around cone just
after The FeMan and was coming up fast. "Pick it up, pick it up."
It was still dark when we arose for a new round of competition in Tacoma. The forecast was for rain. The pre-dawn sky still dripped and drizzled, but there was an air of improvement.
Outgoing runners were streaming past. Those who recognized The FeMan
called out his name. After the third call 'Golden Hoop' said "I'm sticking with you,
Mike. Everyone seems to know you."
It was still dark when we arose for a new round of competition in Tacoma. The forecast was for rain. The pre-dawn sky still dripped and drizzled, but there was an air of improvement.
We ran along in silence for a time, matching our pace. 'The Man in Black'
seemed to be getting closer. The FeMan complained to 'Golden Hoop', "Why doesn't that
guy in black slow up a little?" We continued to inch up on him.
It was still dark when we arose for a new round of competition in Tacoma. The forecast was for rain. The pre-dawn sky still dripped and drizzled, but there was an air of improvement.
At a little over a mile out, 'Golden Hoop' exclaimed "Shit!" and
stopped to re-tie his shoe. 'The Man in Black' was getting closer. As we moved through the
final curves, The FeMan pulled out the old cut the corners trick and surged by. However,
'The Man in Black' was still running a little faster and managed to slightly pull up after
each corner.
It was still dark when we arose for a new round of competition in Tacoma. The forecast was for rain. The pre-dawn sky still dripped and drizzled, but there was an air of improvement.
The FeMan dug a little more as the 7-11 turn appeared ahead. A car pulled
out of the driveway, forcing a jump over the drive divider. (The driver was also the
recipient of an under the breath expletive for such a doofus move.) Around the corner with
slap, slap, slap coming up. A quick glance at his watch showed under 37 minutes on his
watch. It looked like that sub 40 was possible.
It was still dark when we arose for a new round of competition in Tacoma. The forecast was for rain. The pre-dawn sky still dripped and drizzled, but there was an air of improvement.
More slap, slap, slap. "He's going to have to earn this to pass
me," thought The FeMan. Last turn and full speed running down the gravel hill and
onto the track. Once on the track 'The Man in Black' moved by. Another quick watch peek
confirmed a sub 40 was in the works. Around the curve and strong to the finish with a
39:58 clocking. "Cut it thin, you always win."
It was still dark when we arose for a new round of competition in Tacoma. The forecast was for rain. The pre-dawn sky still dripped and drizzled, but there was an air of improvement.
After cup of water, 'The Man in Black' approaced and asked the FeMan's
age. When told, he confirmed that he was indeed an age group competitor. They shook hands
and congratulated each other on a good race.
It was still dark when we arose for a new round of competition in Tacoma. The forecast was for rain. The pre-dawn sky still dripped and drizzled, but there was an air of improvement.
One easy lap around the track to warm down, then a few quick words with
Steve. With the warm showers beckoning, The FeMan headed inside to the warmth of the
building.
It was still dark when we arose for a new round of competition in Tacoma. The forecast was for rain. The pre-dawn sky still dripped and drizzled, but there was an air of improvement.
The FeMan finished this one in second position, but the winner was forced
to earn his victory. Competitive juices refreshed he was ready to do it again and again
and again.........................................
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