Yep, She's Special...

So there I was at the start line of the First annual NRS 4-miler in
Danvers...to both sides of me stood two women whom had previously out run me. I had raced 4 days prior so I had little expectations.

The gun went off!! I went out slow and so did my competition; in fact, we were all pacing off each other. The first mile went by and I knew someone had to make a move. I saw a corner up ahead, so I pulled up in front to take the lead.

The second mile went by and I had a good 10 second lead. I was feeling good! I was in first place and steadily running a 6:20 pace. When I saw the third mile marker in the distance I had at least a half a minute lead. I was kicking ass!!

Now this is the part that I still can't put behind me-- on this course you run by the timing station and then do another loop to the finish, so my next move can only be stated as complete stupidity! (I like to use the term "Blinded by Excitement"). So there I was, holding my 6:20 pace with no competition in sight.  I had won the race! In the distance I could see the big FINISH spray painted on the pavement. There was a woman handing out little blue ribbons  and crowds on both sides screaming. Hurray, I was done!  That's right, I was done with the 1.4 mile Special Olympics Run. And all my competitors were mentally and physically challenged.

So there I was looking at my little blue ribbon and my brain jumped back into action, or maybe it was the sight of the two woman coming down the hill. I jumped to my feet, said a few bad words and sprinted my little heart out only to win the race with 10 seconds to spare.

I guess if I hadn't won I would not be laughing as I'm writing this, and I sure wouldn't be providing you with this good laugh.  But why I stopped at the special Olympics finish after already seeing the timing system I'll never know--I'd like to say I'm a rookie but I don't think thats going to fly.

-"anonymous"

(aka Layce Alves).