Run for the Cure is an excellent cause. But I am just in it for the prizes. I calculate that there is a sufficient probability of generating a return on my 5,000 yen entry fee and head off Saturday morning for the two loop charity event around the Imperial Palace. Saturday is a splendid autumn day, but I am focused on only one thing - finishing in the top three. You can see the intense competitive tension in these pictures at the starting line.
When the race starts I tuck in behind teammate, UK James, despite the fast sub-3:30 pace - and this puts me in 4th place. Two kilometers into the run I surge past James, making sure to pass him on a hill and with enough speed so as to crush his spirit and leave him demoralized and broken. The two leaders are still way ahead of me at this point, but by 5k I manage to overtake the #2 guy who turns out to be another teammate, Michael.
I struggle through the last 5k never catching site of the number one finisher. I hate to finish second, especially when everyone keeps asking me "Did you win?" "Did you win?"
But one consolation is my time of 35:43 on the crowded course. I am pleased to be only 21 seconds off the fast time I ran in August on a perfect day when I felt good. The other consolation is that all of top 3 finishers win the same prize - 10,000-yen New Balance Shoe voucher and 20,000-yen Adidas store gift certificate.
In this photo a jubilant Kylie, Michael and I celebrate on the victory stand.
