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Published: April 4th 2007
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Superfriends!
Yeah, that's me in the green... And, I thought my latest adventure to Richmond, VA was all about completing my longest race ever - Ukrop's Monument Ave 10k... hardly an adventure considering my success running the Shamrock Shuffle 8k in Chicago the previous weekend.
Pre-race, I had other worries. We all agreed beforehand to dress as superheroes. That meant purchasing or borrowing adult-sized costumes. At first, I chose to be Spiderman, but feared I'd faint if I were to run while covering myself with a skintight outfit from head-to-toe. I ended up exchanging costume ideas with another friend so I could "dress up" as the Incredible Hulk. As the Hulk, all I had to do was buy a few containers of greenery from the local costume shop and I'd be all set, right? Well, if you consider the tradeoff of running bare-chested with non-water-resistant paint and a less-than-optimal physique, then I was right after all. Mind you, the only time I've ever really been bare-chested in public is poolside or at the beach!
So, Saturday morning arrives. It started chilly, especially for one wearing nothing but shorts and sneakers... and body paint. Spiderman also had another hidden (in real life, well-known) talent of being
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Yes, there really was a race... artistically-inclined. He sculpted and shadowed muscle outlines with some of the black makeup I had so that I appeared to be more muscular than, well, Shrek. All was going to be well after all...
...the race started... we ran as a team, we did well as a team, and then the temperature became considerably warmer and, as my trademark, I began sweating profusely. Well, after mile 4, my (Shrek) ears stopped sticking and I knew the body paint was beginning to run. I thought briefly about breaking away from the group for the finish line or at least putting on the green t-shirt I had clenched the whole way, but then I conceded by realizing it was the spirit of the event that mattered and I continued to run shirtless, much to the delight of my stalkers.
We were cheered on by frat houses, yuppies, mommies, and co-eds along Monument Ave. After the first couple of water stations, I was no longer thirsty, but every time one of those coeds called out, "Hulk, you need a drink...", I felt obligated to come to my fans... and briefly considered staying behind... a couple of them, though young, were pretty
"33"
Vietnamese beer cute! Of course, I was mocked by a few as well. Refer to my Shrek ears... one young lady called me Ogre. That's fine, but talk about calling the kettle black. By far, Spiderman and Wonder Woman were the most popular ones in the gang. Superman was interviewed by the Richmond Times-Dispatch before and after the race. Our biggest honors were having our pre-game ritual and racetime running frequently interrupted by strangers asking us to pose for them. For one day, I felt like Paris Hilton! We didn't win the costume category prize, but we all had fun nonetheless. And, hey, we all finished with our pride intact!
After going our separate ways that afternoon (Superman and I ran an additional 3-4 miles at our regular pace to get that complete workout), most of us re-grouped at dinner at Mekong, a Vietnamese restaurant on W Broad St, where they had a surprising large selection of beer from around the world. Of course, I opted for the native beer, a bottle of "33". Having run most of the day, I was famished and my food order was justified - bi cuon (shredded pork in fresh lumpia), pho tai (rare sliced
Group pose
"Hey, do you mind if we take your picture?" beef w/noodles in soup), and a grilled chicken and beef platter. I was supposed to use the rice wrapper to make my own Viet-style fajita, but tired of the effort. I felt like I was trying to pitch a tent in quicksand. That aside, the food was great.
Afterwards, we headed over to Popkin Tavern, a cool, popular hangout also on W Broad St. With its large open space, people-watching crowd, and billiard tables, it was no surprise we had a great time. While most of the gang played pool, I caught up with old friends and met new people and quenched my thirst with some fine pints of Smithwick's.
In summary, I had a great time visiting friends in Richmond and catching up. Next time, I'll consider dressing up as the Flash. Hopefully, I can visit them again before next year's 10k. Are we on YouTube yet?
And, hey, can you guys find my stalkers and see if any of them are interested in giving me a sponge bath? I still have some black liner on my back. My arms are only so long...
Cheers!
Manny
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John Sicat
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MANNY, MANNY, MANNY!!!
Yo Money Man...truly a memorable run and a great weekend! Soon you'll be an honorary Richmonder!