I ran Philly marathon this weekend - with a respectable finish time of 2:42:23.... Going over the results I see that I was crushed (again) by a 49 year old guy from Philadelphia who ran 2:32:48 - This is third year in a row this guy has beaten me (like a drum) at Philadelphia. I'm not even in the same zip code as this guy. Now, this hasn't bothered me much as I figured I only have another year and a half in the 45-49 group before I am done with this fellow. Then it dawned on me.... This guy has been stalking me... every time I move up an age group he follows. Every time I get a year older he does the same thing. Its kind of creepy. So I've checked the 40-44 AG and I finsished ahead of those youngsters.... and the entire womens field (by a few seconds). My options as I see it. 1) Leave town, find another marathon and hope this guy doesn't find me. 2) Get a sex change operation and compete a a woman in 2009. 3) Start moving down a year every year and hoping nobody notices. I've always been immature for my age so I'm leaning toward 3... Ray

Why not just get faster ?

Yeah, Ray -- you're a little bit of a slacker.

I like the 'get younger' option too. Let me know how you do it. You'd make an awful looking woman...cutie!

hmmm.........2:42, "respectable." I'm not sure I am qualified to give advice here. {"respectable",,,,} Looks as if "Bob" is plateauing out--2:32 two years in a row. Here's an option. Spy a bit and find out where "Bob" lives or works and what his food of choice is, then be his "secret santa" or whatever for a year. A note along the lines of some anonymous person got him a membership in "doughnuts of the month club" will do. Then be sure to supply "Bob" with lots of empty calories. 1. This is much cheaper than moving or having surgery. 2. Recall Dark Horse's experience with the youthful Sgt. Bain, who showed up for the race this year fat and slow. grins, A ......still shaking head at "respectable" 2:42..................

hmmm.........2:42, "respectable."

Typo, right? 3:42 is respectable. 2:42 is Congrats Ray.

Sorry, but I don't think you'd make a respectable looking female. Can you find this guy in the pack and trip him at some strategic point? Take him out like a linebacker? I have friends in low places - want us to take care of him?? As far as the "respectable finish time of 2:42:23" - Give me a break You can do better and you know it. Suck it up and run faster!

Take him out! Dark Horse could probably help...

Yes, thanks... I was thinking "sweep the leg" was option 4. - But no way I could catch this guy to do it Ray

You got a problem with that? No Sensei!!! Still classic smaltz...