I’m not sure if you have heard, but the inaugural double-nickel is happening in August. This brain child of F3 NOLA’s own, Rudy Tootie Fresh and Fruity is soon to become to 55 year old men what Bar Mitzvahs, Quinceaneras and Debutante Balls are to the youth of the world.
The excitement for the double-nickel has been palpable the past few weeks as we have all eagerly awaited the official start of our training regiment. There was a soft opening on Monday with some strength training, but it got real on Tuesday with the start of our training runs.
Rev Sox and I decided to bring back the Parten Patrol, the Tuesday morning run from YHC’s house to The Stomp (3.5 miles). We posted our Launch time and received three commitments to join us. Kuch, planned to drive to my house, Rudy would meet us as we passed his street and we would meet Tool in the middle as he started toward us from his house.
Rev Sox and I, dressed in our Tuesday attire, stepped off at precisely 0453. Kuch was nowhere to be found. We later learned that he got lost on the way when an Ambulance passed by and he instinctively ran after it.
When we passed Rudy’s street, Rudy was not there. I called him immediately.
Rudy: Who is this?
YHC: Who do you think it is? Where are you?
Rudy: Oh. Good morning Hawg. I’m in an Ambulance on my way to Ochsner. I’ve been coughing up blood all night. I was still planning on running with you all. I got to the meeting spot a little early, but Noelle called 911. The ambulance picked me up on Metairie Road. I was too weak to fight them off.
YHC: How are you going to finish the double nickel if you can’t fight off a couple of paramedics?
Rudy: I know. I have a long way to go. What is that?!?
YHC: Huh?
Rudy: Some guy in a tank top is chasing us. I have to go. The smaller lady paramedic is giving me the stink eye. I’ll see if I can escape at the next stop and join y’all. If not can you take the Q?
YHC: Lady Paramedics?
Rudy: …Dial Tone
I informed Rev about the tickle in Rudy’s throat and we proceeded toward the Stomp, eagerly anticipating our rendezvous with Tool. We were expecting to meet him a little sooner than we did, but at least Tool didn’t let us down like the others. We met him about 3 feet from the start of the Stomp.
I took the Q and with my Bachelor of Science in Mathematics I was able to easily divide 45 minutes evenly, instructing the Pax to run out 22 minutes and 30 seconds and then come back at the same exact speed. This saves us from having to do five minutes of Mary at the end of a running workout, like we often have to do when someone with a lesser understanding of mathematics leads.
