 |
| Most of the crew |
The conditions weren't great, but they were decent on the way out. We had to stick to the main ATV trail; the single track hadn't been packed enough. I did point out where the race would split off from and return to the ATV trail. I mostly ran with Tami, but share some miles with Jedi, Brian, and some with Don. The beautiful, maybe perfect weather compensated for the deteriorating conditions on the return. Most of the group got in 10 miles, a few a couple more.
The best part of the day was the after run activities! Jedi, Ann, Squirrel, and Marms came for post run food and games. We never did get out the cards, but the food and visiting was more than enough! Everyone indulged Piper as she tried to go from lap to lap without touching the ground 😂
 |
| Ann and Jedi with shared Pipes |
 |
| Jedi with Pipes before she invaded Pete |
The next day was the Keri's Bad Idea Fatass at HVNC. It was also the change to daylight savings and there was a chance of a snow storm. Rick had weekend duty so was already gone. I thought about how good the conditions were just out my door. I could have my eight miles done and be showered, with a dog on my lap, by the time Rick was back from the mill. I had to work to convince myself to get out the door. I said I was going. I should go. Rarely do you ever kick yourself for getting out there.
With the frost heaves and needing to stop for gas, I was late getting there, but pleasantly surprised that the first lap hadn't kicked off! I ran with Tami and Nilo, and Karen on the first lap. Tami was worried a bit about Nilo getting in Karen's and my ways, but we both run with dogs and enjoyed him thoroughly! Their company helped make the sugary snow less of a drudgery. Shared misery made it not a Bad Idea.
 |
| Strapping on the snowshoes |
The second lap, Karen was stopping to put on snowshoes and Tami was just stopping; Nilo had run his limit. So I headed out on my own. Fortunately, and surprisingly, that lap had the best conditions of the day. I found long stretches where the snow was packed almost to ice. My spikes were able to grab. It wasn't long into that loop that I was lapped. Wow! Greg Soutiea, doing the Riverlands 100 this year, was already on his 4th lap. He looked like he was running on dirt trail, certainly doing a different activity that I. It made me think about Riverlands; we are going to have a really interesting field, both men and women.
The third lap almost made me think it was a bad idea. The entire route was pure sugar, worse than the first lap. The loop was 3.25 miles. Remember my plan was for 8. My brain was pretending I'd walk it in after I hit 8, like that would be any easier...it'd just take longer. Fortunately for me, Mark, a friend of Keri's from MA, caught me about half way through the loop. We ran it in together, talking the entire time. Thanks, Mark! 9.75 hard earned miles.
 |
| Mark about to catch me |
Now for the visiting and eating!!! There were two different butternut squash soups, mac-n-cheese, and a cool enchilada in lasagna form in a slow cooker, as well as goodies and beer. A quick change behind a cabinet (I can never warm up if I keep the sweaty sports bra on) and I was joining everyone, everyone not still running, that is, in making interesting combinations of the hot, delicious food.
Unfortunately, flakes began to fall. I wanted to get home before the roads got bad, um worse...they were already bad from the frost heaves and pot holes. I made it about half way when the roads became a chore. I had to stop talking to Clarice on the phone and pay all my attention. The recliner with Piper on it never seemed so good (I always think that).
It is so great the the group runs are back, and judging by the turnout you guys have been having, it looks like they are going to stick around for a long while. Awesome!
ReplyDeleteFrost heaves.... I need a helmet and mouthguard on my commute to and from work. They are baaaaad up here.