Running Bay2Breakers
The rush of the race pulses through your skin and consumes your entire being. You pile onto the street surrounded by skyscrapers, like M&Ms being poured into a gigantic bowl. The energy from the crowds is palpable and contagious, the people watching could fill a thousand pages.
The race itself is a game against another and agaoinst yourself. The magnetic strips on your bib record your start and finish time. The right apps will track your times per mile. It’s up to you to know about the hills and valleys of the course, the temperature during your toughest climbs and how far out the finish lines lies.
Pacing throws your will power and strategy against your ego. The later drives you to accelerate when you have gas left in the tank and begs you bail out when you are at witt’s end. In a big race, you will be faster than many but slower than most.
Ultimately you are accountable only to yourself and to your friends - you tell me what’s worse. We are competitive creatures. I hated coming in second in my friend group, even if only by an instant.
In fact, it’s the idea that I got over it so quickly that reveals so much. A truly competitive man would let the loss consume him and drive him to endless training and eventual victory. Although, may be that’s what I’m doing, just in balance with the other plans: writing, coding, prototyping and girlfriend. So much to do, so little time.
The finish line brings on a rush of intoxicating endorphins and social reinforcement. How did you do, what was your time, do you remember Hayes hill? God, it was hot, wasn’t it. And now it’s so freaking cold by the foggy ocean, because San Francisco is the worst.
Your body chemistry and mind are still in race mode, so the words and emotions come out a mile a minute. Expressions are loud and people are laughing a lot. The natural high requires a larger investment but also pays out dividends. The economics of drinking unfortunately seemed to be an inverse. No upfront cost, but you will pay dearly the next morning.
I will continue to race. I do well enough where it’s fun and it’s a very healthy social activity. May be as I get more competitive about it, the commitment will force me to deleverage against some of the less healthy and productive elements of my life.
