The Doctor Is In (Out?)

Rick and I planned on running the Bruiser minus the O.  I wasn't quite sure who'd be there.  I thought Ian, Chuck, Nate, and maybe some others were doing the Maine Huts and Trails 50K.  When we pulled in, Jeremy, Blaine, Andy, and someone I didn't really recognize, Scott, were already there.  Andy had just finished his run and was socializing a little before leaving.  Rick and I decided to wait to see if Mindy showed (she was a maybe) and encouraged the guys to head out without us; they would lose up pretty fast anyway.  Right before they started, Yana showed up.  Yay!  I did see her a few weeks ago, but hadn't run with her in quite some time.

We said bye to fast group, waited a couple more minutes, then Rick, Yana, and I started on the Bruiser.  I think her runs would be precious to her no matter what, but, since she doesn't have much time for them with her residency, I think every one is more appreciated.  It's very cool to share that, to see what running does for someone.  I once told her she reminded me of a puppy running; she has the same bounce and enthusiasm.  Right when I was saying perhaps I should say a deer or something that doesn't sound like I'm calling her a dog... BAM!  Down she went.  It was a pretty good one, too.  As soon as she'd figured out her wrist wasn't hurt (a legitimate concern for a surgeon), she was almost reveling in it being her first fall in a long time.  OK, nothing as graceful as a deer.

The camera didn't really capture Yana's red bad of courage too well

Rick had already taken a tumble earlier, but had done more of a shoulder roll so was just dirty and not banged up.  He was, however, feeling the humidity.  By the time we got off Fox East onto the Snowmobile Trail, we decided to call it a run.  We didn't totally quit and go down the Link, but took Knight's Woods back for 7.5 miles.

At least Rick managed to roll

Besides lots of interesting talk about medical stuff, statistics, dying, squirrels, book deals, and running, we enjoyed the interesting mushrooms that had cropped up everywhere.  Unfortunately, I left my camera in the car.  We saw bluish mushrooms, butt mushrooms, um...boob mushrooms, and bellybutton mushrooms (the doc seemed to see body parts). 

We all finished off the run the way all good Bradbury runs should finish...at Edna and Lucy's.  Yana was smart; she'd picked up a bag of ice at the gas station/convenience store right next door.  So we ate our goodies at the picnic tables while she iced.  Just before we were ready to leave, Chandra came over.  So of course we hung out a little longer.

icing

Sad news for post-Bruiser : (  at least they're waiting till after 40 for 40!

  Oh, we also saw other TMs through the woods on other portions of the Bruiser who must have started earlier or later than us.  I'm pretty sure I saw Erin and Christine and heard a shout out from someone else.