Big Fat Ass 100 K

Only four people showed up for the 6 AM start of the Big Fat Ass 100K last Sunday at Brockton Oval in Vancouver’s beautiful Stanley Park.  Perhaps the torrential rains of the previous few days made people decide that staying in bed was a much more sensible way to start the day.  The four starters, Ellie, Baldwin, Gilles and Karl set out together.  Baldwin soon implemented his planned strategy of running one mile followed by a short walk.  The remaining three continued at a fairly brisk pace set by Ellie, a 4:35 finisher of the New Year’s Fat Ass 50K.  Gilles and Karl, in spite of knowing that the pace was a little too fast, were not going to allow a GIRL to run away from two MACHO MEN.  At Spanish banks a lovely Angel of Mercy in the form of Gilles' wife Lucinda met the three runners.  She provided much needed aid and continued to do so at various points along the course for the rest of the day.  Many, many thanks Lucinda.  The punishing pace continued through Pacific Spirit Park to the turn-around and all the way back to Brockton Point.  The first 50K were completed in a little over 5:23.

After a 15-minute break to refresh and change shoes Gilles and Karl, joined now by John, were ready to head off for the second half of the 100K.  Much to their dismay Ellie announced that she wanted to run a little further and would go with them.  The group set out again at a grueling pace.  Finally, at Kitsilano Beach, Ellie decided that, having now run further than ever before, she would return to the start.  The LITTLE BOYS were delighted, and after saying their grateful good-byes continued at a much reduced pace.  The rest of the run was completed in near perfect running weather.  The very sore, exhausted and happy runners arrived back at Brockton Point shortly before 6 PM after a day of great weather, great aid and great company.