Here is what I will remember:

1. Before the race, the staging area is a zoo. Since I was part of Team for Kids, I thought it would be easy to navigate, but the volunteers were not organized, and gave incomplete and conflicting info. As a result, I almost missed my start—I was scheduled to be part of the first of 3 waves. The security guard of my corral said “Closed.” And would not budge. So I did a classic “Look over there..” and then ducked under him, broke free from his late grab,  and into the lineup. Ha!

2. I had developed Achilles tendonitis the week leading to the race. This was new to me, and I didn’t really know how to react, other than to rest as much as I could…  The day before the run, I decided I would go ahead and compete b/c the threat of a RUPTURE was low. Still, it was a chore just walking the 10 blocks to the bus that would bring us to the start. I was able to run with the pace maker for the first half, but then the pain became much greater on the Queensboro Bridge (where the defending champ QUIT!). My pace fell…. but I kept the spirits up, and then finished strong in Central Park. As with a lot of foolish endeavors, a guy’s gotta find that right balance between Craziness and Prudence. For more on that, read that book about Mt. Everest.

I’ll be doing a lot of running as part of my training; look for me, I’ll be wearing shorts and singing along with my handy iPod.

The hitch is: In order to secure entry, I’ve committed to raise $2600 for Team For Kids. I am embracing this opportunity, and have set some time for this weekend to think about the charity and fund raising.

My cousin Chet finished 5th overall, first in division. My aunt finished first in her division. We hitchhiked down the mountain after the awards ceremony (rather than wait on the shuttle bus). Our driver was first in her division as well. A carload of winners!! I felt so out of place..

About the Race

Results

WEATHER
It will be cold, so when the camera scans the crowd, you’ll see folks bundled up and stirring about to stay warm. The implication is that autumn should be cold; Boston is cold; therefore, Boston deserves to play in autumn.

TRADITIONAL COSTUMES
The Red Sox have been around for more than a century, and they have the uniforms to prove it. For all the talk of Yankee pinstripes, the Red Sox also have a storied home uniform. And within Boston, Brahmins are not alone in giving a disproportionate weight to looks and lineage. Everyone in Boston is a snob who instinctively identifies with the BoSox home uniform, especially when the stirrups are worn in the old knee-high style—the fans eat it up and it fuels their confidence. But it’s just a big sock worn by a jerk jock.

BEN AFFLECK
Actor Ben Affleck will be spotted in the stands, probably in a very good seat. He might be interviewed by TBS. Plus, he might be with an actor friend such as Matt Damon. To Boston fans, this is proof that the Lord is smiling on the Sox—the Angels would be wise to hop on the next plane. But Affleck’s presence is even more superficial than uniforms and overcoats. There is nothing daunting about it.

YANKEES’ ONLY TRUE FOE
According to Sox and Yankees fans, the best rivalry in sports is between the … Yankees and Red Sox. An Angel victory would prevent that ‘ideal’ match-up, so the Angels must be prevented from winning. In case the Angels themselves don’t get this, Sox fans will be petitioning all Americans to in turn petition the Angels to quit, as the best thing for the country.

But all of the above is hogwash with nothing to do with pure baseball talent and fielding a team. The Angels have a superb and superior ball club. They will prevail. It might take a fourth game, but the Angels will advance to play the Yankees.