I'm Terrified Of The 400 M

I have always been terrified of having to run a 400M race.  In high school it was my coach's threat to get me to run 4 races instead of having to run anchor on the 4 x 440Y.  I have only ever run one timed 400M and that was early in my Junior year when Coach Groves announced the event at the beginning of an interval session.  We even lined up in lanes with John "JB" Barber and Coach Groves and others actually timing everyone individually. 

I held my own with a just slightly too fast start and smooth middle 200M.  The last 100M was grueling but I held my own and came to the finish in the middle of the pack tied with John "Ziggy" Zeigler in 54 seconds.  I think with years of practice and dedication to the event, I could have topped out at 53.9!

But THIS 400M will not be my next attempt at the distance. Thanks to KKOB for the link.

What was Your Best 400M, you distance-running smartypants?

Krispy Kreme Challenge 2009

Only the good folks in North Carolina can come up with this horrible torture. The Krispy Kreme Challenge involves running two miles to a Krispy Kreme, eating A DOZEN Donuts, and then returning the two miles back to the start. 5,500 runners braved the challenge, with many actually attempting to win, the rest wearing goofy suits and performing the usual craziness runners gravitate to.

This years winner, Eric Mack of Raleigh NC, ran the first two miles in 10:55, ate a dozen donuts in 5:07, and ran the last two miles in 12:10. He didn't throw up, although a large percentage of the challengers do. Many garbage cans line the route, and I'm glad my front yard doesn't abut the course!

Addendum: The list just keeps growing! John Barber, fellow runner, Coach's right-hand man and all-around good guy, just signed up for the tourney.