It's a good thing that James was ahead of me while driving separate cars to the Fremont indoor 10k race. He knew (basically) where we were headed and I (more than basically) had no idea where we were. It had warmed up a bit from the previous day but the roads still had some drifts that I was uncomfortable driving at 125 mph, Jim at the other end of the spectrum had no problem maneuvering his slug bug in this condition. I'm the guy on the freeway that you yell "you drive like you've never seen snow before". Yep, I'm that guy. But just like in many races that we've run together, Jim sees me falling behind and is nice enough to let me catch up, without making me feel like I'm catching up.

We make it to the complex in time to check in at the registration table, introduce ourselves to a few people and check out the facility. We (or I ) didn't have to worry about making it there on time thought, one runner who was a little lost in locating the track had called the race director (Marc) and asked if the start of the 10:15 run could be postponed until he got there. "Not a problem", one huge advantage of such a small field (20 entrants).

The complex looks like a great place for people of all ages and abilities to gather for an seemingly endless array of activities. Running, walking, basketball, ice skating, hockey, etc... Any community would be lucky to have such a place.

Marc asks all the runners to meet upstairs (where the track is located) so he could introduce us to our "lap counters" and go over some basic information. After the briefing Marc does a very informal (just the way I like it) "GO". No gun, no "on your mark", no bells and whistles, just "GO".

I was inclined to be a smart ass and start the race in the wrong direction, but I gave in (as I often do ) to maturity. I run in the same direction as the other cattle, only at a much slower pace. I think the first runner passed me somewhere between "G" and "O". 62 laps yowza.

Jim and I do the obligatory "Go Losers" yell as the race begins, smacking our fists together, all if just to prove that WE ARE MEN and being men, we do men things. Aaaarrgghh!

The first song playing over the speakers was "Where the streets have no name" by U2. I found this quite appropriate since we WERE running on a "street with no name". The song selection from start to finish was GREAT. Beatles, U2, Foo Fighters, AC / DC, to name a few. My only suggestions for next year would be to again start the race with the same song BUT the 2nd song has to be "Gonna fly now" (Theme from Rocky) by Bill Conti. This would be my ONLY criticism of the entire event.

All the runners that will end up in the top 5 pass me as I'm about 3/4 around my 1st lap. My strategy of conserving my energy until the last 35 laps, so I can burst ahead and end up winning, looks like a failed endeavour. I'll "SPILL THE GUTS" (notice the reference Jim?, get it? do you?) on a little known fact about one hazard of the race that only the POKY BLOKES know to be true. Every time you'd run a few feet and then touch the side of the railing- you'd receive a little static shock. All you rabbits wouldn't know this, but now that you know, what will you do with this knowledge? 62 laps x every few feet, that's like being shocked 496 times.

Jim passes me and gives me a "way to go loser". I think I replied "Hey" I can't recall, being tired already. A couple of good things that were noticed about the run: 62 laps indoors (that 10 water stations per mile) , what other race can make that statement. You can't get lost. No wind resistance. You don't have to remember where you parked.

I was feeling really good at about mile 4, especially when I noticed that the field of runners had thinned out. I thought for sure that the rabbits had exhausted their ability of keeping such a break neck speed and that I had a chance of pulling off the miracle of the century by winning this thing. The reality hit me when I noticed that the rabbits weren't exhausted, they had merely finished. Oh to be a rabbit this poky bloke dreams.

As with every pass by, Jim gives me encouragement. I honestly have no idea how such a tall dude can run as fast as he does. Very inspirational. He finishes in 45:09, cools down and then runs a few laps with me. Without Jim, I highly doubt if I'd have any invested interest in running these races. He gets me off my butt.

I finish at 1:09:56. Not great, not even good, but I was there. With friends, other runners, great volunteers. I feel guilty taking such wonderful memories.

We talk to Marc about next years indoor 10k clump and assure him that we and other losers will be there. He told us this was the best event that they've ever held and planned on adding more than just the 2 races that today's event slatted. Superbowl Sunday has a new meaning to this loser. Next year we're bringing the LOSERSQUAD. All this and it was my birthday to boot. 47 and I still feel like a rabbit even if I run like a poky bloke.

Thanks everyone!