Derry Kings

It seemed like a good idea at the time... Somewhere along the line one of us idiots suggested running the Boston Prep 16 mile race in Derry, N.H. in January. Of course, the suggestion was probably made when temperatures were within survivable norms.

And also of course, that was before we knew this weekend would be starting the coldest spell in New England in years, with temperatures flirting with sub-zero, not to mention a painful wind chill factor. Oh, and did anyone mention the most ridiculous freaking hills to be found in any race south of Mt. Everest? No? Apparently that part of the missive got lost in the mix somewhere. Truthfully, we needed Mother Abbess:Anyway, here's some frigid photos from along the race course, thanks to Anne Scanlon, uber cheerleader and wardrobe manager. I'm surprised the camera even worked in this weather.

Here's Tommy, early on, he hasn't broken a sweat yet.Even though there's hundreds of runners in front of me, I still have enough energy to muster the number one bravado to our intrepid photog. (That energy would quickly dissipate.)

Scott, running his first Derry, is undaunted by the temps, going for the unzippered look at the six-mile mark:

Yes, Sean really is as cold as he looks:

Barry looks surprisingly happy. Either that or he's delirious from the cold.

Tommy doesn't realize the worst hills lie directly in front of him, ergo the smile:

Here's me, in bank robber mode, still able to flex some muscles:

Barry, in post-race celebration, on the wrong side of the chute:

Sean, just happy to be done with the damn thing:Tommy, joining my bank robber posse:

Post-race, we're smiling because soup is just a couple of moments away. But as you can see from Barry's expression, apparently the chili was damn hot!

Post-race, I heard at least two "never again" comments from within the ranks of the E Streeters. And this blog will provide the documentation the next time that stupid email suggestion makes the rounds. Next up? Kilimanjaro.