34.43

Wow.  I'm almost having as much trouble getting started on this as I had on all the posts of my big races.  It was a confidence building, hard, fun, tiring, demanding, did I mention fun, weekend of running.  Saturday, the Squirrel and I got an early start.  We were joined by Unstrung and NJ Dave.  Mindy and I planned to run the race course loop starting from the Brad lot rather than the school and then tack on extra mileage to get our 24 in.  Pathfinder and his son (?) were also in the lot at 7, but had a different route in mind.  It was nice saying hi though

That meant we ran the first part on the east side, getting in just about 4miles.  The parking lot was filled with Monsters when we returned.  We stopped to say hi and figure out who was doing what.  It was then that gIANt announced the Big Brad Ultras.  Yay!!!  He was going to run the course also, but from the real start.  That meant running over the mountain and then once done the course running back to the start.  I think that totalled 18+.  He and Jeremy (maybe another?) were taking that on.  Various other Monsters had different mileage and routes in mind.  Our group of four, picked up Andy and Nathan.   I warned Andy that our pace was going to slow, but he was OK with that.  His solution was to run ahead and wait for turn instructions.  Unfortunately (probably fortunately for him;) he took a turn that we didn't; we were separated fairly early into the run.

Slowly, Unstrung and NJD were falling off the back of the group.  I was pretty sure Unstrung was up for a good stretch of our (Scout and Squirrel) adventure.  She's asked the day before about it.  I assured her she wouldn't slow us down; At this distance we were just going to do it and wouldn't slow for others.  Sounds harsh, but really just necessity.  Based on IRS meetings, I thought maybe 12ish before she dropped off.  Later I read her blog post; she just didn't have it.  It happens.  Still, we enjoyed the company while it lasted.

Then happy!  Nathan, needs a trail name, Squirrel, and I saw NJD and Unstrung pop out from the Connector onto the power lines just as we crested the big hill (coming from Sweetser Rd.), heading back towards the Connector.  It was a good reunion.  I tried to describe what our return course was going to be.  The Reverse Mindy brought out all kinds of silly comments.  Needs-a-Trail-Name thought it might not be legal in ME.  We explained the consenting adults thing.  Then there was some talk about Unstrung really being a sub-atomic particle; she's working towards a 0 min/mile pace.  Lots of mind blowing and laughter and warping of physics.  

Then it was back to Squirrel, N-a-T-N, and me.  It was just after the Reverse Mindy, maybe on the Tote that we ran into Joe, who was out on his own put-footprints-all-over-Brad run.  We chatted for a bit before heading our opposite directions.  From there it was to the summit (good dogs), down Lunch Break Hill, up Lunch Break Hill, the Terrace to the parking lot.  In the parking lot, we hit the cars.  I think Mindy changed a shirt or shoes or something.  Erin was there waiting for Blaine.  NJDave came from the East side.  Four and Chandra came down the Summit Trail.  As Jim came, maybe, from South Ridge, Erin exclaimed, "Monsters are coming from every direction!"  Kinda cool.

So, we still had 10 miles to go.  We decided to do the Bruiser, minus the O, backwards.  Dave said he wanted another 6 so hopped on the train.  There was still conversation, the notice of this or that along the trail, but it certainly wasn't what it was at the start.  Maybe around five miles left, Nathan said something about S&S being uncharacteristically quiet.  Mindy said too much focus on the trail and remaining upright.  Near Porcupine Poop Rock, on Ginn East, we stopped to eat.  Dave offered salty nuts.  Natn said he already had some.  Lots of tittering and other comments ensued.

Onward.  I think the hardest miles were from 20-22.  Oh, not the terrain, of course.  It's relatively gentle there and the conditions were good, but.  Fatigue.  Did I announce just two left or was it someone else?  At any rate, we all whooped a little.  Oh, yeah, Dave stuck with us for the entire 10 :D  By the time we hit Rte 9, the Garmin's proclaimed a bit over 24!  We did stop a couple of times to talk to other runners or refuel, but we didn't walk at all.

 Dave had to run (teehee), but Mindy, Nathan, and I headed to E&Ls.  I just stood at the counter.  I was hungry, but wanted nothing.  Then it dawned on me, they make a grilled cheese for little Sam when she goes.  I asked Sabrina.  Yup!  Nathan had similar issues, but settled on a salad.  Mindy came in a little after us.  She was standing at the counter, looking like I imagine I had.  I told her they'd make a grilled cheese.  The three of us sat around the table with very little energy for eating.  I'm pretty sure Mindy's head was on the table for half of her sandwich.

On the way home I fought to stay a wake.  A couple of head bobs really scared me.  A hot shower (most of the dirt from my feet came off) felt good before a long nap.

Sunday, it was back to the Brad.  Mindy and I discussed our options; Rick was fine with whatever we chose.  Mindy made the case for the same 10 as the end of Saturday's run.  Good call.  The cold rain was difficult only for the first few minutes of warming up.  All the parts moved pretty well.  My feet were not sore; I was totally prepared for them to be tortuous after yesterday's swelling (note to self:  buy compression socks).  It was a normal Sunday recovery run.  We were lucky to have wonderful soup to warm us at E&Ls after.  So, the weekend totaled 34.43 miles