Three days before I was to depart Turkey, I ran one last 5 kilometer run in the pouring rain. I almost didn't run it because I was on my way out and just wanted to relax. I woke on the morning of February 15, to feel the wind buffetting my tent, and the sound of pouring rain. I thought,"I should just stay in bed--it's been a good run". But then I changed my mind. I dressed down as much as possible to prevent myself from soaking up the rain, going sockless, with only my thin shorts, a thin shirt, and my running shoes, minus the insole.
I pulled out in front at the start, kept a steady pace, and as the runners-up tried to pour on the power in the second half, I did too. I didn't want it to come down to another sprint finish, which was obviously my weakness. I extended my lead further in the gusty winds and heavy rains, and at last, won by 1 minute 10 seconds with a time of 17 minutes 44 seconds. It was my first win in a run since 1991 and ironically, it was the Valentine's Day run. I won my very first race on February 11, 1989 in a Valentine's day run in Japan, and gave the T-shirt to Miimii.
The next day, while eating on my way to work, I ran into Colonel Dougherty. I invited him to my table to have a little talk about his teases...hehehe...