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thanks, and the wager
February 07, 2005
i ended the post about the half marathon with me finishing, because that was the moment that so many things kinda converged in my heart and mind. and, i'm not always so big on the whole "falling action" thing.
part of me wishes that we had all crossed the finish together. on the other hand, i was so glad katie was there 16 seconds ahead of me, ready to congratulate me. and as proud as i felt crossing the finish, i was just as proud to watch janay and tiffany cross, and to cheer them in.
for me, there's no way i could have done this without these guys. they're an impressive collection of women, and of individuals. their humor, encouragement, and drive not only got me through 13 miles saturday, but through my 10 weeks of training that led up to it. more importantly, they've been steady and dependable reference points in my life for the past several months. on so many days of frustration and hopelessness, i was determined to make it to the next tuesday or saturday, seeking release in the run and companionship and even counsel from these new friends.
i'm also thankful to have met so many other people in the training group that i look forward to seeing twice a week, and will be sad to maybe miss now that the final goal is in sight.
fittingly, in the high school football stadium that was the gathering area at the finish last sunday, we ran into the Evil Woman With the Clipboard that i had met on my accidental first foray into this running thing. she's been a great coach, and a lot of fun to be around, and therefore finally deserves to be known by her human name - Frances.
finally, thanks to my friends who have been so supportive.
but we ain't done yet. the original goal was to run the freescale half-marathon on february 13th. my team simply got cocky and decided to do both the freescale and the 3M. we ran the 3M for accomplishment, but several of us want to challenge ourselves more on the freescale.
in addition, janay is using her freescale run to raise money to fight pancreatic cancer.
for me, i finished the 3M in 2:26, averaging 11:12 a mile, which i know is slow, but is actually pretty good for me. so, i'm aiming a bit higher for the freescale (despite having turned my ankle and injuring my wrist simultaneously in my basketball team's thrilling 52-47 victory monday night), and it provides a fun little fundraising opportunity.
Julie's family set up an education fund for her nine year-old daughter Alexis at Wells Fargo bank. donations can be made securely online, or at any Wells Fargo location.
so, i'm taking wagers. see, at a minimum, i want to average under 11 minutes per mile. for a runner like me, cutting 12-15 seconds of time per mile would be quite an accomplishment, considering it wouldn't be as a result of more training, but just running harder, a mere 14 days after my first half-marathon.
on top of that, i'd really like to get to 10:45 per mile, but i'm not very bright, and that's a lot to expect. that's nearly half a minute per mile faster, and over a minute better per mile than when i started this craziness in october.
so, here's what we'll do - place your bets on a time for me to beat. you could say $15 for beating 11:00, or $25 for beating 10:45. if i can beat the time you set, you pay, and alexis wins (and i'll talk some smack). if i fail, then... uhh... well there's the whole humiliation thing, and the endless taunting i'll get for letting down a nine-year old girl. and then i'll have to do something else to raise money or something...
so, place your bets. show me your moxie, and i'll show you mine. give me a good reason to run my ass off.
how to pay up (and you will pay up):
Go to any Wells Fargo Bank, or Wells Fargo Online
Make a deposit into the account for Alexis Rumble.
Kacey Doebler (her aunt) is the representative for the account.
If you have any problems, let me know.
Posted by Rob at February 7, 2005 10:51 AM
Comments
Okay, you talk the talk, but lets raise the stakes here...if you can pull off the 10:45/mile deal, $100 goes into Alexis' account. Run, Forest, Run...
Posted by: Moo at February 7, 2005 10:26 PM
I'll see your $100 and raise you $100. That's 2 bills if Rob can get his lager and lime drinking arse over the finish line in 10:45/mile or less.
Just in case he can't, $50 for 11:00/mile.
Run Boy!
Posted by: Morgan at February 8, 2005 11:00 AM
The pressure is on, Rob!
I have to give props to Morgan for the correct spelling of 'arse'. Nice. Now use the word 'Wanker' in a sentence and I'll be really impressed...
Posted by: Moo at February 8, 2005 01:19 PM
Ummmm.... How about?
Sod off you f**king wanker!
Short, sweet, to the point.
Posted by: Morgan at February 8, 2005 02:34 PM
That was way too easy. Obviously not dealing with an amateur.
Rob, make sure those shoes are broken in...I don't want to hear any damn excuses about blisters and crap!
Posted by: Mara at February 8, 2005 05:02 PM
Ok, Rob! You're on for a $25 donation if you break an 11 minute mile average, and $50 if you beat a 10:45 average. Does that mean I have to keep up with you? :)
and thanks for mentioning my fundraising, you're awesome!
Posted by: Janay at February 9, 2005 10:03 AM
Hello, my sweet.
I can attest to your ability to accomplish this goal (especially with the new Beasts). If you time the port-a-pot breaks right pre-race, don't have any blisters from the still new shoes, and have a good challenging goal, I think you can definitely go faster than 11 or 10:45.
Considering that you crushed my heine last night, how about you beat your coach's time (2:12) for $50? Otherwise, I'll give $25. :)
Run Rob Run! You've got such a great heart.
Frances
Posted by: Frances at February 9, 2005 10:26 AM
Holy cow. We're at $420. There's more coming.
Does anyone have Barry Bonds' phone number?
Posted by: Rob at February 9, 2005 10:38 AM
Ok there Greased Lightnin', I give you $25 dollah (make you holla) for 11 min average and $35 for the 10:45 average. I miss ya Rob and you are doing a wonderful thing for your friend. I am immensely proud of you!!
Posted by: Janey at February 9, 2005 10:47 AM
Hi Rob. What a great thing to do for Alexis! Not being a runner, the times don't have much meaning for me. I'll donate $50 for 11 min average and $100 if you break 10:45. Good luck!
Posted by: Julia (in Dallas) at February 9, 2005 11:13 AM
Err. OK. Well, a friend who wishes to remain anonymous has offered up $500... I know she's an amazingly caring and generous person, who relates to Alexis' situation. I also believe she's just slightly mad, but that's OK. I lost the argument, so she's down for $500... That brings us to $1,055, in just a matter of days...
At this rate, I might break 10:00...
Posted by: Rob at February 10, 2005 11:37 AM
See Rob run. Run, Rob, run.
See Rob run fast. Faster, Rob, faster.
I am in for $25 regardless, and $50 if you hit the 10:45 average.
Can't wait to read about your experience. Good luck!!
Posted by: KarenS at February 11, 2005 09:52 PM
Did you run already? Was it this weekend? Well I'm in for $25 either way..
Posted by: Erika Vasquez at February 14, 2005 12:35 PM