The temperature was cold but the sun was bright as the Panthers assembled at Carrie's house for another pancake run. All 26 runners made it up to Lake Ilsanjo and barrelled down the mountain for fresh, homemade buttermilk pancakes (Carrie's grandma's secret recipe!)
Alex and Jordan set their sights on an illustrious pancake-eating record: 21. Jordan got off to a quick start with a plate full of blueberry pancakes. Alex followed closely, eyeing Jordan's strategy and making sure to stay within reach as the morning's feast ensued.
Alex picked up his pace in the middle of the eat-a-thon and kept the pressure on Jordan, who didn't seem overly concerned about Alex's nonchalant way of tossing pancakes onto his plate. Both warriors exuded confidence as they edged into double-digits and past 15 pancakes.
The fight to the finish was gearing up. The pace slowed a bit as they gathered their strength for the final push. Several trips to the bathroom were made. Water helped ease the trip for the pancakes, but clearly stomachs began to
distend in ways that were not really meant for human stomachs.
17. 18. 19. 20. Alex and Jordan both reached #21 within minutes of each other, and they both examined the other for weaknesses: heavy breathing, burping, skin with a tint that looked beige-ish.
There would be no tie. Only one man could win. Who would have the biggest kick? Who could find the smallest pancake on the platter to ease this long carbo-journey saga?
22 reached by Alex. 22 reached by Jordan. More groans, more burping (and who knows what else), and even a trashbag was kept close... "just in case."
With a final burst of chewing energy that would impress the guy who does that "Man vs. Food" show, Alex devoured #23 without a pause. Jordan looked at #23 and decided a bite-by-bite strategy could work. One bite. Two bites... a deep breath... a prayer to someone/something... a fleeting wish that he had stopped at #17... one more bite....
22 and 2/3 for Jordan.
Alex Thomas is now the 2011 Pancake King with a new record of 23! Showing exceptional sportsmanship, both Alex and Jordan acknowledged the efforts of the other with a nod and a "good job" (no hugging... well because it might have caused some stomachs to ... well, nevermind.)
Alex went home to eat lunch.
Jordan wandered around the backyard in a daze. Clearly some sort of existential breakdown was occuring. He had looked into the abyss of his soul, and he had seen the truth: 17 pancakes good... 23? Not so good...
He quickly regained his composure, helped pick up trash (thank you!), and went home for a long nap devoid of food-related dreams, fortunately.
For Alex, he just has one question: Who's next?
I just wanted to mention how compelling a narrative this is. GO CARRIE!
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