A work trip to Boston would normally be a good thing, especially on the 4th July, but in my heart I knew it wasn’t going to be like that. Previous experience told me that I’d just sit around, either working or shopping, and continually eat some super-unhealthy (but super-tasty) food in a dank hotel. This time I decided that I should force myself to run a bit, to offset all the food and sitting around, so I managed to find a race out in the ‘burbs of Boston to keep me interested: The Dedham Four On The 4th. A four mile road race round the houses in Dedham. It’s more of a fun run than a serious race, intended mainly as a fundraiser for young cancer patient, and scheduled for the 4th of July so it encouraged any patriotic locals to get involved and raise some good money for a good cause. The race itself was an undulating course round some empty streets in Dedham, mostly made up of quiet roads through cliché American suburbia – wooden houses, with porch, American flags, white picket fences, SUV in driveway, key parties, Tupperware….and all that jazz. Very pleasant indeed, not as hilly or as off-road as I’d like, but it did have a free beer tent at the end…and a free BBQ, so I was more than happy.
The race started quite quickly, and the heat was pretty unbearable, but I pushed on knowing there’d be beer at the end. A few fast lads disappeared almost immediately, and I sat amongst a group of about four. I’m normally much further behind than this so I was pleasantly surprised. I sat on the shoulder of a lad for most of the way round and in the last mile threw-in everything I had, just to see if it’d make a difference – I managed to get ahead but only slightly, and sneaked across the line in 5th position. Not first place, but I did, however, manage to secure the unofficial prizes of “First runner into beer tent”, “First runner to finish pint”, “First runner to finish second pint”, “First runner to finish third pint”. The race started at 9am, and by 10am I’d run the race, tanked three beers and eaten two burgers. This may be a PB. So much for being healthy. Anyway, I also got the prize for 2nd MV30(?), and won a 6 pack in the raffle. This coupled with two free pint glasses made the day a very rewarding one. Fantastic organisation, great cause, great marshals, great food, great beer, and generally a grand day out. Many thanks to my kind American hosts!