An evening of extremes

This is my summary of 2013's Corporate Challenge. I know, I said last year was my one and only, but I had to get a better time. 41 minutes should be easy to beat assuming I do not get a foot cramp again. The logistics that had me tied in knots last year (what to wear, what to bring, where to park, how much time to allow) weren't bothering me this year. I was focused on the run and I figured out what to eat and when to eat it. So...it began with stifling heat wearing a black Tshirt standing in the sun on a hot parking lot waiting to ride a yellow school bus. I was sweating before I even arrived at the race. Then came the extreme crowds. We were lined up at the starting line "asses to elbows" as my Dad likes to say. Literally, I could not move an inch without touching someone. Luckily I knew a few of those someones. The music was loud and the announcers were louder. My co-workers were trying to chit chat but I could only smile and nod. Finally the horn blew and the crowd slowly moved forward to begin the race. We passed the start line and started up the slight hill. Suddenly the only sounds were sneakers against pavement and concentrated breathing. Such a contrast to the loud music that it made me uncomfortable and I felt the need to attempt idle chit chat. It went mostly unanswered as we struggled to run uphill in the heat and humidity. Fast forward to the 2nd mile. Alone now. Lots of people but nobody I recognized and plenty of personal space to run...jog...walk...just keep going and stay relaxed so you don't get a foot cramp.  Sirens are heard in the distance. They sound closer. I turn around and see flashing lights!! I jump the curb and continue my slow plodding pace on the grass desperately seeking the 3 mile marker. An ambulance and two fire trucks blare their horns and spew their exhaust in my face before I see it. But when I do, I get a surge of energy and run faster. My legs feel like jello but I can see the finish line. I make it in three minutes less than last year! But I am still alone for the long walk back to our tent where nobody feels like talking. But once we recover and get some beer and food, we settle down for some fun. Then the lightning strikes and the clouds open up. I run for the bus line despite my aching thighs. This must be the "challenge" I think as I spy the relatively short bus line. But as I stand there I notice all the buses are full and the wind picks up and I am soaked and shivering. Yes, shivering when two hours earlier I was melting.   Soaked to the bone, I am happy to get on a bus and get back to my dry van. The storm put on quite a show my whole drive home, but I felt happy to have completed the "Challenge"   It should be renamed "Extreme Opposite Challenge" 

I was hot then cold, crowded then alone, surrounded by noise then quiet. A great memory but a bit surreal.