We’ve always been a competitive and
athletic family, so when the 2007 Oktoberfest rolled around, those of us with
accommodating schedules signed up for the 5K Road Race. The morning was way too
early following a hearty Friday night, but we somehow managed to make it to the
starting line in time. Gabe and Greg
were still in high school and therefore in top physical condition, despite
having played a tough road football game 12 hours prior. Paddy was still a collegiate decathlete and
therefore also in top condition. I
(Tony) was less than a year removed from Special Forces training, which set the
stage for a high octane ultra-competitive event…
Unfortunately for me, the running
edge went to the other three boys, regardless of my valiant initial surge to
the front. The not-so-slow yet still
steady pace of the other boys soon overrode my misguided effort and I found
myself at the back of the only pack that mattered that day. I matched their pace, but soon found myself
falling back despite “encouraging” commentary from each Fennimore boy who
passed me. As I lost sight of them over
the last rise which rounded Abbey Hill, I was determined to give a better
effort in the second half of the race.
Down the slope of College St as it
enters town, my legs generated new energy and I looked into the distance for
the other boys. Despite my vantage point at the beginning of a long
straightaway, there was no Fennimores to be seen. Somewhat crushed at the vanishing prospect of
finishing ahead of them, I nevertheless finished my race at a high level in
order to salvage at least a little pride.
As I huffed and puffed my way across the finish line, I looked around
and couldn’t find the boys anywhere. Minutes later, Gabe led Paddy across the
finish with Greg only seconds behind them. After everyone finished catching
their breath, it was determined that these three boys had mistakenly turned
back down Alder St too soon (where we had begun the race) and sprinted to the
finish from the wrong direction, thus adding hundreds of meters to their 5K!
They had to turn back the way they came and muster enough energy to finish 2nd,
3rd and 4th behind the inaugural champion, Yours Truly. After stories were swapped and excuses were
made, some minor bragging ensued, which prompted splashing with ice-cold water
from water bottles, resulting in a high speed chase and water fight around the
field, while exhausted racers gawked in disbelief at the reserves of energy
which were on display. This
“controversial” victory spawned a series of races over the next several years.
The result of this race demonstrates
that strength alone is not enough to win the day; a true warrior must use his
most valuable weapon: his brain. So stay in school, kids!
*Submitted by #14
No comments:
Post a Comment