The Race – Chapter 1

Last night was a surprise birthday party for Dani’s brother. He turned 40. It was at a nice local restaurant in a private room and featured an open bar for select drinks. This is dangerous for me. I knowingly lack a few degree’s of self restraint when faced with certain pleasures of life, like free drinks and cheese. It’s a character flaw and I understand this and make a big effort to do my best and be strong.

But I awoke this morning at around 3:26AM with a screaming bladder and something like a jackhammer in my frontal lobe. I emptied the bladder, quieting that ruckus and upon climbing back into bed all the memories from the previous night came crashing back to me. And I was instantly bathed in a terrifying cold sweat.

During the course of many drinks last night I agreed to run a half marathon with Danielle’s brother and one of his best friends. This best friend is an LAPD cop and his wife competes in and runs triathlons and other crazy things. So needless to say, the guy is actually in good shape for a cop. And then there’s Dani’s brother. He scares me. He’s the classic alpha male with a mental fortitude beyond almost anyone I’ve met. To say he is extremely competitive is a vast understatement.

On one hand, these are a couple of great guys to run a race with. Except I think I stated to many, many people, many times that I would “Destroy”, “Decimate”, “Crush”, etc… etc… etc… them. Eesh. What an a-hole I am. Now, if I don’t do that, I am a REAL A-hole. Like, way more of an A-hole than I have already made myself.

Actually I have been seriously thinking of running a race of some sort. I’ve been wanting to get into better shape and thought maybe a concrete physical goal would provide the external motivation I needed. I guess I sure conjured up some motivation last night. The race is in April. A half marathon. 13 miles. I’m gonna stop writing now and go run. Hangover be dammed…

- Staley out.