So the last race of 2010 is in the books! Took a road trip to Lewes, Delaware to run race number 34. This means only 16 race for 2011, with a rate of 2 runs a month I should be all set to finish up on September 24th. Even have some wiggle room for bad weather. Yes, bad weather. The last hour of my trip home was in snow.
My trip to Delaware was a good old fashioned road trip. Six and a half hours each way with nothing but Springsteen, John Prine and empty fast food bags. The trip up was on what would have been my fathers 93rd birthday. Needless to say I had a lot of time to think about him, and it was all good.
I’ve never been out to the tidewater area or the Delmarva peninsula (took me quite a while to figure out what that stood for). Also got to drive across the Cheasapeake Bay bridge and tunnel.
THIS ENTRY WAS STARTED IN DECEMBER 2010. AS YOU CAN SEE I NEVER FINISHED IT. THE RACE WAS COLD, BEAUTIFUL AND FUN, COULDN'T ASK FOR MORE. MY TIME WASN'T HORRIBLE 31.43 BUT THE FIELD WAS SMALL SO I ENDED UP 56 OUT OF 79.
Sunday, December 5, 2010
Saturday, November 27, 2010
Change in plans
My issues with procrastination have caused problems once again. I didn't book the flight to Maryland in time so the price just got outrageous. I've now decided to run in Delaware next week - and drive the 6.5 hours to get there. I'm not a big driving fan but I think this will be a pretty drive once I get north of Norfolk and along the Delaware coastline. Flying into Delaware proved to be a challenge as I don't think there is an airport in the entire state, so just decided I'd road trip this one. Wish Rachel D. were feeling better as it would be nice to have a co-pilot for the drive.
I've finally gotten back into training and have to say it feels good to hit the streets again. I just wish I were a more disciplined person. I'm thinking of joining a new gym this coming year when my Y membership expires. There is a place called Crossfit Durham that will really help you personalize your training for specific needs. Maybe I'll check them out on my run today.
I've started serious planning for Camille's DFL Run on September 24, 2011. Made an unbelievable score from Liz F. and Dalton L. on the "trophy drive." I've also contacted a band about performing at the after party, waiting for their response. I'll keep you posted as plans come together - have to build the buzz!
Happy belated Thanksgiving to everyone! Don't get caught up in the Christmas spending madness. Take the time you would spend shopping in the malls and and instead spend it with your friends and family hanging out together or hey, how about going on a run??
I've finally gotten back into training and have to say it feels good to hit the streets again. I just wish I were a more disciplined person. I'm thinking of joining a new gym this coming year when my Y membership expires. There is a place called Crossfit Durham that will really help you personalize your training for specific needs. Maybe I'll check them out on my run today.
I've started serious planning for Camille's DFL Run on September 24, 2011. Made an unbelievable score from Liz F. and Dalton L. on the "trophy drive." I've also contacted a band about performing at the after party, waiting for their response. I'll keep you posted as plans come together - have to build the buzz!
Happy belated Thanksgiving to everyone! Don't get caught up in the Christmas spending madness. Take the time you would spend shopping in the malls and and instead spend it with your friends and family hanging out together or hey, how about going on a run??
Thursday, November 25, 2010
Race #33
Boycott Missouri NOW!!
Demand the restoration of gender equality!
Okay I really don’t mean it but the race directors probably think I do. When I was picking up my shirt and bib number I noticed a rack of timing chips and said to the gal, “shouldn’t I get a timing chip?” “No” she responded, “those are only for the men.” “What!?!?” I screeched with a smile on my face, “Only the men get chip timed? What’s up with that?” The poor young gal doing the registration must have gotten that reaction every time a woman registered as I got a wry smile and a recommendation to go talk to the race director.
The truth came out at the start line. The race management team owns 200 timing chips. If a race needs more than 200, they rent them. However, the race organizer didn’t tell race management until a few days before the race that they would need 350 chips, too late for the race manager to get the additional 150 chips. So they flipped a coin and decided that the men would get the chips. And as the race manager said: “Like I told my wife, no matter which gender wins the coin toss, we’re going to lose.” Oh well, these things happen and this is only the second year of this particular race. They’ll get it right next year – or the boycott continues!
Entrance to the first tunnel.
Inside the cave before the race started
My signature wave at the beginnin of the race.
Headed into the cave.
End of the race and still have the wave going!
It's over!!
The race was held in old sand mine. The sand was queried to use for the production of glass. When the mine shut down a guy bought the cave and rents it out as a storage space, – I saw boats, earth moving equipment and an ambulance – a venue for events, among other things. There was a wrestling ring set up near the entrance – Cage Matches in the Cave!! I see WWE in their future, would make for good television!
The race was a hoot. My official time was 38:48 but it felt like an hour! Too bad I haven’t been living in Florida lately as I would have been able to train on the soft sand of Siesta Beach and maybe done a bit better. The first hurdle was getting my eyes to adjust to the dark interior of the cave after standing outside in the bright sun waiting for the race to start. After a few feet of concrete at the very entrance of the cave we plunged into soft sand. The course was a double loop but in all honestly I got so disoriented that I have no recollection of repeating the route! At one point we ran through water which resulted in the sand sticking to our shoes – nothing like running in a pair of cement boots!
Checking off race #33
Demand the restoration of gender equality!
Okay I really don’t mean it but the race directors probably think I do. When I was picking up my shirt and bib number I noticed a rack of timing chips and said to the gal, “shouldn’t I get a timing chip?” “No” she responded, “those are only for the men.” “What!?!?” I screeched with a smile on my face, “Only the men get chip timed? What’s up with that?” The poor young gal doing the registration must have gotten that reaction every time a woman registered as I got a wry smile and a recommendation to go talk to the race director.The truth came out at the start line. The race management team owns 200 timing chips. If a race needs more than 200, they rent them. However, the race organizer didn’t tell race management until a few days before the race that they would need 350 chips, too late for the race manager to get the additional 150 chips. So they flipped a coin and decided that the men would get the chips. And as the race manager said: “Like I told my wife, no matter which gender wins the coin toss, we’re going to lose.” Oh well, these things happen and this is only the second year of this particular race. They’ll get it right next year – or the boycott continues!
Entrance to the first tunnel.Inside the cave before the race startedMy signature wave at the beginnin of the race.Headed into the cave.End of the race and still have the wave going! It's over!!The race was held in old sand mine. The sand was queried to use for the production of glass. When the mine shut down a guy bought the cave and rents it out as a storage space, – I saw boats, earth moving equipment and an ambulance – a venue for events, among other things. There was a wrestling ring set up near the entrance – Cage Matches in the Cave!! I see WWE in their future, would make for good television!
The race was a hoot. My official time was 38:48 but it felt like an hour! Too bad I haven’t been living in Florida lately as I would have been able to train on the soft sand of Siesta Beach and maybe done a bit better. The first hurdle was getting my eyes to adjust to the dark interior of the cave after standing outside in the bright sun waiting for the race to start. After a few feet of concrete at the very entrance of the cave we plunged into soft sand. The course was a double loop but in all honestly I got so disoriented that I have no recollection of repeating the route! At one point we ran through water which resulted in the sand sticking to our shoes – nothing like running in a pair of cement boots!
Checking off race #33 Team Camille this race consisted of my friend Julie L. She lives with her husband Todd and boys Will and Dalton right outside St. Louis. First thing she did upon my arrival Friday was take me to a local winery for lunch, Chandler Hill Winery (www.chandlerhillvineyards.com). I had a glass of the Savage Norton – a robust red with a fierce personality and oak overtones (okay that’s a crock of shit but I just can’t help making fun of all the wine snobs out there). We capped the night out with some great carbo loading at Rich and Charlie’s – I had the toasted ravioli with marinara sauce. 
Both Julie’s boys were laid up with sports related injuries so couldn’t run with me but hopefully they’ll be in top shape next year. I think they would have a blast running this race. 
Monday, November 15, 2010
Race #32
You can’t make a left turn in New Jersey. I just wanted to pass along that friendly little tidbit of information in case anyone is planning a trip there soon,. I spent far more time trying to get myself in and out of the town of Burlington, NJ than I did running in it! Crazy! But to help me keep my cool as I got caught in the traffic circles, I kept the Sirrus radio on station “E Street Rock.”
The race was at Doane Academy (http://www.doaneacademy.com) to benefit their community service fund. Small race, less than 200 runners but nicely put on. The course was open so we did have to contend with a bit of car traffic and running on sidewalks but all in all a nicely put on race. Almost a mile of the course was along the banks of the Delaware River which was nice as there was still some color on the trees and birds flying about. We were also blessed with some unseasonably warm weather so I was able to run in just shorts and a t-shirt.
Speaking of t-shirts, no one asked me about my shirt or even commented on it. Maybe the people of New Jersey aren’t as curious as people in other parts of the country.
My time wasn’t too embarrassing – 33:43 but I definitely have to get back into training if I want to have respectable times for my last 18 races. Dylan asks me every day: “Did you run?” and so far I’ve had to keep telling him no. I need to shock him tomorrow with a resounding “Yes I did!” I also want to get him out walking once a week so that he can complete the Nebraska 5K in April.
The race was at Doane Academy (http://www.doaneacademy.com) to benefit their community service fund. Small race, less than 200 runners but nicely put on. The course was open so we did have to contend with a bit of car traffic and running on sidewalks but all in all a nicely put on race. Almost a mile of the course was along the banks of the Delaware River which was nice as there was still some color on the trees and birds flying about. We were also blessed with some unseasonably warm weather so I was able to run in just shorts and a t-shirt.
Speaking of t-shirts, no one asked me about my shirt or even commented on it. Maybe the people of New Jersey aren’t as curious as people in other parts of the country.
My time wasn’t too embarrassing – 33:43 but I definitely have to get back into training if I want to have respectable times for my last 18 races. Dylan asks me every day: “Did you run?” and so far I’ve had to keep telling him no. I need to shock him tomorrow with a resounding “Yes I did!” I also want to get him out walking once a week so that he can complete the Nebraska 5K in April.
Saturday, November 13, 2010
Race #31
Sorry for the long delay in getting this posted. I’ve been in Egypt and Jordan for the last three weeks and didn’t get this posting done before leaving. Been spending time on camels and climbing Mt. Sinai instead of running! 
Illinois was definitely an experience. The race took place within a giant corn maze. Before the race I climbed up the three story observation tower to check out the course and watch the starting runners. Because the rows were no more than two bodies wide, there wasn’t a group start, instead a runner started every 5 seconds. We had to submit our average time before the race so that we could be lined up in order of our relative speed. Consequently I didn’t get started for almost an hour after the first runner started. Hell, I watched the first runners finish and still hadn’t started!
The weather couldn’t have been better, a bit on the chilly side but by the time my number was called it was fine to run in shorts and a t-shirt. I confess to being a bit nervous about this run as I’ve heard so many stories about kids getting lost in corn fields and not being found for days. I could just imagine that happening to me so when I started I tired to keep the lady who started right in front on me in my sight. It worked for a while but then she took off to catch up with her kids. Fortunately the course was well marked and I did pass a few other people along the way. But I did realize how easy it would be to get lost in a corn field. I thought that I’d always be able to see the observation tower but the stalks were too high on most of the route. The only way I had any sense of direction was the location of the sun.
The craziest part about this is that I ran a PR – 29:22! Craig of course immediately jumped to the conclusion that the course was short! I have to say it doesn’t make sense to me either as I had not been running very much before the race and with all those turns to slow me down……… But hey, it’s in the record books! My first mile was 8:43!
Check out the Jordanian bagpiper and me in Jarash, Jordan! Who would have thought I'd find a bagpiper in Jordan!!
Illinois was definitely an experience. The race took place within a giant corn maze. Before the race I climbed up the three story observation tower to check out the course and watch the starting runners. Because the rows were no more than two bodies wide, there wasn’t a group start, instead a runner started every 5 seconds. We had to submit our average time before the race so that we could be lined up in order of our relative speed. Consequently I didn’t get started for almost an hour after the first runner started. Hell, I watched the first runners finish and still hadn’t started!The weather couldn’t have been better, a bit on the chilly side but by the time my number was called it was fine to run in shorts and a t-shirt. I confess to being a bit nervous about this run as I’ve heard so many stories about kids getting lost in corn fields and not being found for days. I could just imagine that happening to me so when I started I tired to keep the lady who started right in front on me in my sight. It worked for a while but then she took off to catch up with her kids. Fortunately the course was well marked and I did pass a few other people along the way. But I did realize how easy it would be to get lost in a corn field. I thought that I’d always be able to see the observation tower but the stalks were too high on most of the route. The only way I had any sense of direction was the location of the sun.
The craziest part about this is that I ran a PR – 29:22! Craig of course immediately jumped to the conclusion that the course was short! I have to say it doesn’t make sense to me either as I had not been running very much before the race and with all those turns to slow me down……… But hey, it’s in the record books! My first mile was 8:43!
Check out the Jordanian bagpiper and me in Jarash, Jordan! Who would have thought I'd find a bagpiper in Jordan!!
Monday, October 18, 2010
Race #30
I was going to run the race angry. Right before the race I checked my email and there was a message from my broker announcing his move to yet another firm. This is the third move in about three years and, along with a huge snafu in 2009, has just exhausted me. I thought I’d channel this energy into my run and see if I could at least not embarrass myself.
While I was waiting for the race to start this young kid, probably in his early teens, was on his bike and jumped it off a curb while in pursuit of his mother. He fell off the bike while performing the maneuver and what does he do? He blamed his mother! I couldn’t help but laugh and think about the story my father repeated so many times about the kid we saw falling off his bike then turning around and kicking the bike. Whenever Pop told that story he’d laugh so hard, like it was the first time he was telling the story. At that point I decided I really didn’t have anything to be angry about, have so many good things, and people, in my life that being angry just didn’t make sense.
The change in attitude made for a very enjoyable race. In fact, considering my total lack of training I ended up with a time of 33:15 and felt pretty good throughout the run. The course was a completely flat out and back. My motivator for this race was this little boy, maybe five years old, who was running with his dad. He kept up the same steady pace the entire time until the last half mile when he put on a little heat and left me in his dust. It was amazing how he just kept moving down the street like he didn’t have a care in the world! I was so impressed with him and how his dad seemed to be so encouraging and supportive without being the over-competitive jock dad.
After the race I stopped in at the beer garden for a cold one before I needed to head to the airport. Got to chatting with an older gentleman – probably mid to late 60’s – who was a retired runner. Though he didn’t run any more, I could tell he still had a great love for the sport. He had lots of great stories to tell about his running days as well as those of his three kids. What a great way to pass a nice sunny afternoon!
While I was waiting for the race to start this young kid, probably in his early teens, was on his bike and jumped it off a curb while in pursuit of his mother. He fell off the bike while performing the maneuver and what does he do? He blamed his mother! I couldn’t help but laugh and think about the story my father repeated so many times about the kid we saw falling off his bike then turning around and kicking the bike. Whenever Pop told that story he’d laugh so hard, like it was the first time he was telling the story. At that point I decided I really didn’t have anything to be angry about, have so many good things, and people, in my life that being angry just didn’t make sense.
The change in attitude made for a very enjoyable race. In fact, considering my total lack of training I ended up with a time of 33:15 and felt pretty good throughout the run. The course was a completely flat out and back. My motivator for this race was this little boy, maybe five years old, who was running with his dad. He kept up the same steady pace the entire time until the last half mile when he put on a little heat and left me in his dust. It was amazing how he just kept moving down the street like he didn’t have a care in the world! I was so impressed with him and how his dad seemed to be so encouraging and supportive without being the over-competitive jock dad.
After the race I stopped in at the beer garden for a cold one before I needed to head to the airport. Got to chatting with an older gentleman – probably mid to late 60’s – who was a retired runner. Though he didn’t run any more, I could tell he still had a great love for the sport. He had lots of great stories to tell about his running days as well as those of his three kids. What a great way to pass a nice sunny afternoon!
Friday, October 8, 2010
The birth of final race plans
Getting ready to leave for Indianapolis for race #30. I have to laugh as I haven't run for weeks and really don't even care! Expect a slow time. I'm trying to decide whether to try and run the whole thing or to do an interval run. The course is flat so maybe I should at least try to not embarrass myself!
Last weekend was LLP 2010. Of course I had a great time in Minnesota (which I can't share with you the gentle reader). The ladies did however gave me a great idea for my last race. I'm going to "sponsor" my own race in St. Cloud, Minnesota on September 24, 2011 - "Camille's Dead Freakin' Last Race." Both a play on my T-shirt quote and the fact that the route is going to go through a couple cemeteries! I'll post more information as it develops but there will be water stops, prizes, food, beverages and entertainment at the finish line. Oh yes, and there will be a race T-Shirt.
Last weekend was LLP 2010. Of course I had a great time in Minnesota (which I can't share with you the gentle reader). The ladies did however gave me a great idea for my last race. I'm going to "sponsor" my own race in St. Cloud, Minnesota on September 24, 2011 - "Camille's Dead Freakin' Last Race." Both a play on my T-shirt quote and the fact that the route is going to go through a couple cemeteries! I'll post more information as it develops but there will be water stops, prizes, food, beverages and entertainment at the finish line. Oh yes, and there will be a race T-Shirt.
Saturday, September 25, 2010
Race #29
Once again, a delay in getting my race posting on the blog. After my trip to Wyoming I headed up to Martha’s Vineyard to hang out with a friend who is going through a rough time so let this update slip. My bad!
I tagged along to Jackson Hole, Wyoming with my good friends David and Lisa R. They were headed out for ten days of much deserved R&R and found a race for me to run while they were there. As always, it was fun to have a team Camille to support my efforts, but my time didn’t get better. I finished in 33:17, which did get me 43rd place overall. Yeah, yeah, I know there were only 100 runners but it just sounds so good to say 43rd overall! The course was relatively flat with a nice gradual downhill for the last half mile. I tried to turn on the heat but just didn’t have it in me.
The temperature was perfect for running, mid 40’s and sunny. What made the temps extra nice is that upon our arrival in Wyoming on Thursday the temperatures were in the 30’s and it was rainy and cold. It was so overcast that we couldn’t even see the Tetons when we flew in. In fact, I didn’t get my first look at the Tetons until the race when I turned the corner on Nelson Street and there they were, right in front of me. David and Lisa meanwhile, had yet to see these grand peaks. As they were taking me to the airport later in the morning, I kept telling them, “Just wait, we’re going to go around a turn just up ahead and they are going to be there, right there in front of you.” When we made that final turn, in our black Ford Mustang convertible, and they saw them for the first time, they were suitably impressed. I understand why my father just loved the area.
Not to get maudlin, but I really felt my father with me this weekend. This was by far his most favorite area in the country. I felt him as I was running, I felt him in the rainbow we saw on Friday that had the largest bands I have ever seen, I felt him in the art galleries we toured on Friday evening with all their western art, I felt him on our cold rainy/snowy float down the Snake River, and it was all good. I love you Pop.
This was our arrival in Jackson Hole. Behind those clouds are some pretty impressive mountain peaks. Remember we were coming from 90 degree temperatures so this was quite a shock to our system. We immediately began to question the wisdom of renting a Mustang convertible.
Me and "my friend Lisa."
Wouldn't you buy just about anything from this guy???? Beer, investments the latest ED drug, you name it I'd buy it! Thanks David!
Me and Pop enjoying the Tetons together.
I tagged along to Jackson Hole, Wyoming with my good friends David and Lisa R. They were headed out for ten days of much deserved R&R and found a race for me to run while they were there. As always, it was fun to have a team Camille to support my efforts, but my time didn’t get better. I finished in 33:17, which did get me 43rd place overall. Yeah, yeah, I know there were only 100 runners but it just sounds so good to say 43rd overall! The course was relatively flat with a nice gradual downhill for the last half mile. I tried to turn on the heat but just didn’t have it in me.
The temperature was perfect for running, mid 40’s and sunny. What made the temps extra nice is that upon our arrival in Wyoming on Thursday the temperatures were in the 30’s and it was rainy and cold. It was so overcast that we couldn’t even see the Tetons when we flew in. In fact, I didn’t get my first look at the Tetons until the race when I turned the corner on Nelson Street and there they were, right in front of me. David and Lisa meanwhile, had yet to see these grand peaks. As they were taking me to the airport later in the morning, I kept telling them, “Just wait, we’re going to go around a turn just up ahead and they are going to be there, right there in front of you.” When we made that final turn, in our black Ford Mustang convertible, and they saw them for the first time, they were suitably impressed. I understand why my father just loved the area.
Not to get maudlin, but I really felt my father with me this weekend. This was by far his most favorite area in the country. I felt him as I was running, I felt him in the rainbow we saw on Friday that had the largest bands I have ever seen, I felt him in the art galleries we toured on Friday evening with all their western art, I felt him on our cold rainy/snowy float down the Snake River, and it was all good. I love you Pop.
This was our arrival in Jackson Hole. Behind those clouds are some pretty impressive mountain peaks. Remember we were coming from 90 degree temperatures so this was quite a shock to our system. We immediately began to question the wisdom of renting a Mustang convertible.This was a fun place to stay. Each unit was a separate cabin that had two queen bunch beds, a two burner stove, microwave, sink, sofa bed, table, chairs and bathroom. It would technicall sleep six but I can't imagine having six people in there at one time if they weren't sleeping!
Two photos from our Snake River float. The day was almost biblical in that three times the float folks tried to deny us this ride. When we checked in they told us it was going to be cold and rainy on the water and they would issue us a refund if we wanted it. On the bus to the put in, the driver asked us again if we wanted to do this today. Then, the river guide laid it out for us, it was only going to get colder and wetter and he wasn't going to tolerate any whinning! The seven us went any way. David, Lisa and I were seated in the back of the raft so were somewhat protected by the other two couples. Thank goodness I'd grabbed a wool scarf from my mom before leaving North Carolina as I had that wrapped tight around my head the entire time. As the wind got more blustery and the snow flurries started, we really started to question our sanity. Everyone put up a good front and kept to the no whinning rule. When we finally got to the 8 mile put out for David, Lisa and I and the guide questioned the other two couples regarding the last five miles of white water they had signed up for, the boat emptied faster than rats from a sinking ship!! Enough already!!
Ad for the race.
Team Camille before the race at the antler arch.
Runners on your mark, get set, go....................................
My signature two hand wave at the end.
Didn't need these guys this time, but always happy to see them at the race.
Highland bagpiper count.........................four. Can you believe it Craig?!
Me and "my friend Lisa."Wouldn't you buy just about anything from this guy???? Beer, investments the latest ED drug, you name it I'd buy it! Thanks David!Me and Pop enjoying the Tetons together.
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
Race #28
Strike a pose! Some irrational exuberance before the race.
Hair's back we're ready to go!
Kids race before our 5K
Scene from the dog race. What a hoot that was, dogs pulling runners, runners pulling dogs and leashes wrapped around legs. I'm shocked there weren't any major injuries.Where does the time go? It has been almost two weeks since I headed to Pittsburgh for race #28 and I’m just now getting around to updating the blog. I had a great weekend. Stayed with my friends Don and Carol B. Wish, I could say the accommodations were five star, but the guest room didn’t have a full length mirror! (inside joke). Work on that Carol!
This race had a first for me, a beer and champagne stop around mile two. Sure, a cold beer after the race is nice, but I couldn’t bring myself to imbibe during the run. The other great part was the musicians every quarter mile. Everything from saxophone, electric keyboard, church choir, cello, electric guitar and full drum kit to yes, you guessed it – the Highland pipes. I of course gave the guy a big shout out but Don said after the race he could have done without “the guy playing the funeral dirge at the 2.5 mile mark.” Guess he won’t be signing up for Craig’s services at his funeral!
The race was quite large, 1,498 runners, and took place in an older but well preserved neighborhood in Pittsburgh. We started out literally hitting the bricks, which was a bit treacherous in parts. I saw a little kid go down and as I was yelling to the EMT’s to help him out, almost tripped up myself. The second half of the race was a trail run and pretty tough. It was nice to be under the trees but there were a lot of up and down hills to contend with. I have to confess I took a walk up two of the hills toward the end. My lack of running since the Hawaii run caught up with me and I posted a dismal 34.59. I told Don I’m setting a new goal for the second half of my quest – get slower every race. Looks like I’m off to a good start.
Was glad Don got out and ran. He hasn’t run competitively for 20 years and just wanted to make sure he posted a time faster than the 80 year old guy that ran last year. He succeeded and came in with a very nice 37.59. I think the racing bug has bit, he signed up for another run in September – go Don!!
I’m off to Wyoming on Thursday for what I’m sure will be another slow race. I’ve been trying to run a bit more this week but not sure if things are improving. I’ve been trying to do a lot of hill work but have totally ignored any sprint work. So between a hilly course and the altitude, I’ll have a plethora of excuses for what will probably be another slow time. I’m flying out with David and Lisa R. who are going out there for vacation and found a race this race for me. So “team Camille” will be out in force in Jackson Hole.
This race had a first for me, a beer and champagne stop around mile two. Sure, a cold beer after the race is nice, but I couldn’t bring myself to imbibe during the run. The other great part was the musicians every quarter mile. Everything from saxophone, electric keyboard, church choir, cello, electric guitar and full drum kit to yes, you guessed it – the Highland pipes. I of course gave the guy a big shout out but Don said after the race he could have done without “the guy playing the funeral dirge at the 2.5 mile mark.” Guess he won’t be signing up for Craig’s services at his funeral!
The race was quite large, 1,498 runners, and took place in an older but well preserved neighborhood in Pittsburgh. We started out literally hitting the bricks, which was a bit treacherous in parts. I saw a little kid go down and as I was yelling to the EMT’s to help him out, almost tripped up myself. The second half of the race was a trail run and pretty tough. It was nice to be under the trees but there were a lot of up and down hills to contend with. I have to confess I took a walk up two of the hills toward the end. My lack of running since the Hawaii run caught up with me and I posted a dismal 34.59. I told Don I’m setting a new goal for the second half of my quest – get slower every race. Looks like I’m off to a good start.
Was glad Don got out and ran. He hasn’t run competitively for 20 years and just wanted to make sure he posted a time faster than the 80 year old guy that ran last year. He succeeded and came in with a very nice 37.59. I think the racing bug has bit, he signed up for another run in September – go Don!!
I’m off to Wyoming on Thursday for what I’m sure will be another slow race. I’ve been trying to run a bit more this week but not sure if things are improving. I’ve been trying to do a lot of hill work but have totally ignored any sprint work. So between a hilly course and the altitude, I’ll have a plethora of excuses for what will probably be another slow time. I’m flying out with David and Lisa R. who are going out there for vacation and found a race this race for me. So “team Camille” will be out in force in Jackson Hole.
Still looking for someone to race in Seattle, Washington with me on November for the Pineapple Classic. It is a 5k course with obstacles and is done in teams. I could go by myself and hopefully get teamed up with someone but would love to know going in that I’ve got a partner. So if anyone is interested, or knows anyone who would be interested, give me a shout. http://llswa.convio.net/site/PageServer?pagename=WPC_homepage
Sunday, August 29, 2010
Race #27
It’s about time I got caught up on my last two races. After the Hawaii trip I had a quick trip to Florida while my brother was still around to keep an eye on Mom and Dylan, and just couldn’t get this posted.
This race goes on record as the earliest start time, 6:30am. With the time change due to the trip over from the mainland, my body didn’t seem to mind the 5:00am wake up call. The race was held along the waterfront of downtown Honolulu at Ala Mona State Park.
This was my first race since my attitude adjustment. No more negative self-talk while I ran, all was good! I definitely needed the positive attitude as I forgot to pack socks and Colleen’s offer to lend me a pair died quickly when she realized she’d only packed one. So I ran barefoot in my shoes. It’s all good! In my haste to get going in the morning, I forgot to put on my watch so had no way to track my splits and didn't put in my contacts so had to run in glasses. It’s all good! Then the rain started and I’d forgotten to bring my rain poncho and my glasses got all wet. It’s all good! But about that time things started to turn around. The sound of Highland bag pipes led us to the start line and soon after the start, the rain stopped but the cloud cover remained.
This race goes on record as the earliest start time, 6:30am. With the time change due to the trip over from the mainland, my body didn’t seem to mind the 5:00am wake up call. The race was held along the waterfront of downtown Honolulu at Ala Mona State Park.
This was my first race since my attitude adjustment. No more negative self-talk while I ran, all was good! I definitely needed the positive attitude as I forgot to pack socks and Colleen’s offer to lend me a pair died quickly when she realized she’d only packed one. So I ran barefoot in my shoes. It’s all good! In my haste to get going in the morning, I forgot to put on my watch so had no way to track my splits and didn't put in my contacts so had to run in glasses. It’s all good! Then the rain started and I’d forgotten to bring my rain poncho and my glasses got all wet. It’s all good! But about that time things started to turn around. The sound of Highland bag pipes led us to the start line and soon after the start, the rain stopped but the cloud cover remained.
As we ran through Magic Island someone said “look at the rainbow!” Positive self-talk continued. The course was completely flat except for a few dips in the sidewalk for drainage. I sensed mile one was a bit slow but again I heard the pipes a callin’ and gave it a little kick for mile two. Took just a sip of water and kept going. I felt great for mile three and as I approached the finish line, near the tennis courts, I started thinking about my dad. I could see him playing with someone and as I ran by he’d stop, turn to me and with a big grin say: “Atta girl Mia, lookin’ good,” then turn back to the game. With a final chorus from the bagpiper, I turned the corner and saw the time clock, a 32:39 finish. WHAT?!?!?!?! After all the positive energy, after the kick at mile two and the last quarter mile and that’s all I could do?!?! All that positive self talk and I got nothin’! Except a big grin on my face!Not sure why I found the slow time so funny. Maybe I just needed to be reminded as to why I started this quest in the first place.
Friday, July 23, 2010
Race #26
Had a nice trip to Huntington, WV for the West Virginia Hot Dog Festival and 5K Bun Run. I think this was my very first trip to West Virginia in fact I don't think I've ever even driven through the state! Huntington is set in a valley so the course was very flat. There was a slight incline the first half mile or so and then it was flat and mildly down hill the rest of the way. I needed a course like this after a couple weeks of not really training. I came out real fast, too fast to be honest, posting an 8:34 first mile! I heard this guy behind me tell his partner, "we're on pace for 8:34 minute miles," looked up to see the mile marker, confirmed the time on my watch and said to myself "holy shit, this is crazy!" Unfortunately I couldn't keep up that pace for the remaining two miles and ended up with a 30:20 for a 7th out of 14 place finish in my division. There were some fast old ladies in my division, http://www.tristateracer.com/Results/2010/July/BunRun5K-AgeGroups.htm, the winner came in 10 minutes before me!!
I realized during this race that I have a bad problem with negative self talk. Instead of encouraging myself and taking that great start and building on it, I immediately started figuring how I could slow down and still post a sub 30 result. I also let myself walk for two blocks when I should have just slowed the pace down in order to catch my breath. I also didn't push hard enough for the last quarter mile.
I hung around Huntington for a couple hours after the race to enjoy the hot dog festival activities, http://www.wvhotdogfestival.com/. This was the sixth year of this festival and I suspect it will only get larger as time goes by as this was a lot of fun and had something for everyone. There was a Cruise-in, wrestling, pooch/owner look-a-like contest, pooch parade, Dachshund racing, hot dog eating contest and root beer chugging constest and lots of live music. The look-a-like contest was largely about how much the owner was willing to humiliate himself and how much paraphanalia the dog is willing to wear. Hands down the guy in the middle was the winner! 
Now the little guy on the end was a story in himself. He had a classic mullet haircut that was just unbelieveable! I was standing in the crowd waiting for the pooch parade to start when he came by with his dad and as I was thinking - oh my god, what a mullet - a lady next to me actually verbalized my thoughts! I turned to her and started laughing and told her to check out the dad. Yup, matching cut in salt and pepper!!
The big event, of course, was the Dachshund Dash, $100 on the line for the fastest racer. Now a little bit of advice to anyone who wants to get into weiner-dog racing, get one with black fur. The black dogs consistently won their heats and seemed to have the most focus going down the course. There was one curly haired dog, appropriately named Blonde, that when put down at the start turned around and looked at her owner as if to say "What?? You want me to run down the street in this heat?? I don't think so." Needless to say, she wasn't in the finals! But check out the finals:
Sunday I did my long slow 5 mile run as the temperatures were cool enough to actually do an outside run. Unfortunately, the temperatures are back up today so it is back to the gym. My legs are a bit sore but I want to run Monday, Wednesday and Thursday of this week in preparation for my Hawaii run. I'm expecting some fast runners. I looked at last years results and in my division, 40 - 49, there were 36 finishers and I would have finished right in the middle with my WV time.
I've signed up for the Worlds Largest Corn Maze 5K in Illinois! I'm trying to figure out my race scheule for the last 12 months of this quest. Should be able to get it done without too much struggle, getting Alaska scheduled will be the hardest.
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
Race #25
I'm half way there, race #25 is over!!
Team Camille in Kansas. Andre had a great time explaining my "quest" while I ran.
Team Camille in Kansas. Andre had a great time explaining my "quest" while I ran.Clearly this was a weekend more about spending time with my sister than running and my time proved that out, but who cares! It just goes to show that running inside on a flat track isn't the same as training in hills and heat. Oh well 31:44 and 6 of 16 in my division will just have to be good enough for me this week.
Andre picked me up in Omaha then we drove about an hour south to Nebraska City to spend the night at the Lied Lodge. The Lodge is on property originally owned by the Morton family, the salt folks. After our lunch at Johnnies, I wanted a little local color, we toured the Morton house and grounds. 52 rooms. Andre was all agog over the grounds and gardens while I was asking which rooms housed the hired help? To my shock, they only had one or two servants for all that house. Clearly I wasn't in residence!
Since so much of our conversations that day revolved around relationships, it seemed only fitting that as we were going to dinner that night we saw a wedding gearing up. We proceeded to rubberneck out the third floor window like two rednecks. Luckily they couldn't hear our cries of "don't dooooooooo it!"
As some of you know, I have said that if I ever date again I would give a postcard to the guy after the third or fourth date that he would send to me if he decided to break up. This way, I would know unequivocally that the relationship was over. Being a good lawyer, Andre helped me lawyer it up. How does this sound? "Dear Camille, Whereas I have decided to take my life if a new direction, I will heretofore no longer be contacting you. Please govern yourself accordingly. Signed, XX" Way too funny!
I insisted we have lunch in Omaha. About a year ago I was in Omaha (won't go into why!) and had eaten a carrot dog at a local restaurant. This was one of the most fabulous eating experiences I ever had and I went on to tell everyone about this sandwich that looked and had the texture of a hot dog, but was really just a carrot. The only problem was that I didn't remember the name or exact location of the restaurant. Since I did know it was in the Old Town section of downtown, we headed down there and gave ourselves 10 minutes to wander around and find the place. I quickly decided to "ask a local" so went into the Second Chance Used Good store and asked the guy behind the counter. I barely got "carrot dog" out of my mouth when he said "M's Pub - take a left at the corner and go north about a block and a half. Tell them we sent you." So off we went, I had my carrot dog and even got Andre, who does not eat real hot dogs, to try one. We had just finished our fabulous feast when a guy and two gals sat at the table next to us. Not that Andre's conversation wasn't interesting, but I couldn't help hearing the guy next to us say to the ladies: "If I EVER order a carrot dog, just shoot me! Put a gun to my head if I ever order a carrot dog." Needless to say I couldn't contain myself and leaned over to tell them, that yes, my sister and I had just finished our carrot dogs and they were fabulous! We all got a good laugh over it and come to find out one of the ladies was from Naples, Florida. Small world.
I'm back to running inside on the treadmill. Temperatures in the high nineties just aren't made for running. My next race isn't until the end of the month so maybe I can have a bit better of a showing. I'm expecting it to be quite hilly as it is in the mountains of West Virginia.
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Monday, June 28, 2010
Race #24
So, do you just want the bare facts, or should I dress it up a bit? (Sorry, I couldn’t help myself!)
My arrival in Vermont started out a bit surreal. I stopped in a Rite Aid to get some sun screen and shampoo and ran into Paris Hilton. Okay, it really wasn’t Paris but the likeness was good enough to supposedly get the girl mistaken for Paris on a recent trip to Vegas, which she told us about in great detail. Then as she checked out her pack of camel no-filters, she started discussing the upcoming Red Sox game in great detail ala Frank Deford from NPR. I truly wondered what time warp I’d entered.
I tried to prepare myself for the initial “sighting” that I correctly assumed would be at the registration desk at the Coventry Resort (www.coventryresort.com). I was greeted by an upbeat bare chested gal, native Vermonter, who worked the front desk in exchange for her summer membership at the resort. From there I was quickly introduced to Gary and Susan Butts (yes, that is their real name) who are the race directors of not only this race but a series of naked running events (www.nudist5k.com). I have to say, it was a bit hard to make eye contact without doing a quick once over, but I pulled it off.
After checking into my cabin I went back out to the market for food. On the way back to the resort, my nerves kicked in a bit knowing I was going to be baring it all real soon. As soon as I got back to my cabin I stripped down. I figured it was best to acclimate myself a little bit while putting away my groceries in the privacy of my own cabin. I did glance out the window at one point and saw the guy next door who had wisely donned bib overalls to do the weed-whacking around his lot. One thrown stone and thing could get painful.
I packed up my beach bag and headed to the beach. The sun was out so needless to say, I wasn’t alone. I put on my game face (hell, had to put on something I’d already taken off all my clothes) and made a bit of small talk with a few people before settling down on my towel. I have to say it felt great to have the sun melt into my entire body, unhindered by clothes or even a bathing suit.
One of the couples I talked with had been coming to the resort for about eleven years and was around my age. This was definitely a 50 and plus crowd and as this guy told me, they’re just a bunch of good old guys and gals sitting on the beach, soaking up the sun, and drinking cold beer. The only thing different are they do it with their clothes off. And after spending a couple hours out there with them, I realized that’s truly all it is, how neat!
While at the beach I started talking to a guy from Rochester, NY who was there to run the race for the fourth time, he’d been coming since the inaugural race four years prior. He got me a bit nervous about the race when he started describing the mud, hills and bugs.
Race day dawned cool and overcast. About ninety minutes before gun time I heard the race director over the loud speaker getting people psyched up for the race, daring everyone to run nude, giving race information and generally keeping the atmosphere fun. He kept this up for the next four hours! During the race, after the race, he kept up the banter. I could even hear him while I was running through the woody (oops, sorry) part of the race.
I did get the answer to my question, where do you pin the bib numbers? You obviously don’t, they write the number with a black magic marker on your arm, thigh, butt or wherever you want. I got an arm and a thigh and then Sue wrote “50 by 50 Florida #1” all down my back!
The field was it’s largest ever, 65 runners. Most of the people in the race were first time nude runners but almost all of them were serious to semi-serious runners. They lined us up by pace so I was in the back – looking a lot of hairy butts. The first mile was through the resort grounds so though not flat, at least the path was wide and somewhat groomed. I started out behind the only clothed runner which helped make me forget that I didn’t have any clothes on. I quickly found out the race was going to be loud and painful. I’m not bragging, but I think I was the “loudest” female runner on the course – if you know what I mean! I also found out that if I ever need to record the sound of a galloping horse, I just need to run naked and mount the microphone in the vicinity of my chest!
In talking with my Rochester buddy and a couple other runners after the race they pretty consistently reported that they were about 5 minutes slower than their normal road 5k time. I can’t say the same for me. I clocked in at 42.47 a rather weak showing. Between the flopping boobs and muddy, hilly trail I just never got to a good running place.
Though I didn’t place in my division, a minor disappointment, I did get an award and recognition for my 50 by 50 in 50 efforts and for coming the furthest distance to run my first nude race – Wahoo, Run Naked!!!
After the race one guy asked me how long I’d been a nudist. When I responded, “oh about 24 hours,” he was surprised and said, “Wow, you seem so comfortable with this!” Maybe I’ll have to go back next year………………..
My arrival in Vermont started out a bit surreal. I stopped in a Rite Aid to get some sun screen and shampoo and ran into Paris Hilton. Okay, it really wasn’t Paris but the likeness was good enough to supposedly get the girl mistaken for Paris on a recent trip to Vegas, which she told us about in great detail. Then as she checked out her pack of camel no-filters, she started discussing the upcoming Red Sox game in great detail ala Frank Deford from NPR. I truly wondered what time warp I’d entered.
I tried to prepare myself for the initial “sighting” that I correctly assumed would be at the registration desk at the Coventry Resort (www.coventryresort.com). I was greeted by an upbeat bare chested gal, native Vermonter, who worked the front desk in exchange for her summer membership at the resort. From there I was quickly introduced to Gary and Susan Butts (yes, that is their real name) who are the race directors of not only this race but a series of naked running events (www.nudist5k.com). I have to say, it was a bit hard to make eye contact without doing a quick once over, but I pulled it off.
After checking into my cabin I went back out to the market for food. On the way back to the resort, my nerves kicked in a bit knowing I was going to be baring it all real soon. As soon as I got back to my cabin I stripped down. I figured it was best to acclimate myself a little bit while putting away my groceries in the privacy of my own cabin. I did glance out the window at one point and saw the guy next door who had wisely donned bib overalls to do the weed-whacking around his lot. One thrown stone and thing could get painful.
I packed up my beach bag and headed to the beach. The sun was out so needless to say, I wasn’t alone. I put on my game face (hell, had to put on something I’d already taken off all my clothes) and made a bit of small talk with a few people before settling down on my towel. I have to say it felt great to have the sun melt into my entire body, unhindered by clothes or even a bathing suit.
One of the couples I talked with had been coming to the resort for about eleven years and was around my age. This was definitely a 50 and plus crowd and as this guy told me, they’re just a bunch of good old guys and gals sitting on the beach, soaking up the sun, and drinking cold beer. The only thing different are they do it with their clothes off. And after spending a couple hours out there with them, I realized that’s truly all it is, how neat!
While at the beach I started talking to a guy from Rochester, NY who was there to run the race for the fourth time, he’d been coming since the inaugural race four years prior. He got me a bit nervous about the race when he started describing the mud, hills and bugs.
Race day dawned cool and overcast. About ninety minutes before gun time I heard the race director over the loud speaker getting people psyched up for the race, daring everyone to run nude, giving race information and generally keeping the atmosphere fun. He kept this up for the next four hours! During the race, after the race, he kept up the banter. I could even hear him while I was running through the woody (oops, sorry) part of the race.
I did get the answer to my question, where do you pin the bib numbers? You obviously don’t, they write the number with a black magic marker on your arm, thigh, butt or wherever you want. I got an arm and a thigh and then Sue wrote “50 by 50 Florida #1” all down my back!
The field was it’s largest ever, 65 runners. Most of the people in the race were first time nude runners but almost all of them were serious to semi-serious runners. They lined us up by pace so I was in the back – looking a lot of hairy butts. The first mile was through the resort grounds so though not flat, at least the path was wide and somewhat groomed. I started out behind the only clothed runner which helped make me forget that I didn’t have any clothes on. I quickly found out the race was going to be loud and painful. I’m not bragging, but I think I was the “loudest” female runner on the course – if you know what I mean! I also found out that if I ever need to record the sound of a galloping horse, I just need to run naked and mount the microphone in the vicinity of my chest!
In talking with my Rochester buddy and a couple other runners after the race they pretty consistently reported that they were about 5 minutes slower than their normal road 5k time. I can’t say the same for me. I clocked in at 42.47 a rather weak showing. Between the flopping boobs and muddy, hilly trail I just never got to a good running place.
Though I didn’t place in my division, a minor disappointment, I did get an award and recognition for my 50 by 50 in 50 efforts and for coming the furthest distance to run my first nude race – Wahoo, Run Naked!!!
After the race one guy asked me how long I’d been a nudist. When I responded, “oh about 24 hours,” he was surprised and said, “Wow, you seem so comfortable with this!” Maybe I’ll have to go back next year………………..
Friday, June 18, 2010
No go in Idaho
Had to cancel my trip to Idaho this weekend. Mom is clearly on the mend but we both agreed she would be more comfortable if I stuck around town this weekend. No worries, I'm still on track to finish up all 50 races by September 2011.
I had a long weekend in Florida this past weekend with my friends Rachel D., her daughter Karen M. and her daughter Michele M. We had a great time in spite of the 95 degree temperatures. Unfortunately, I didn't run once while I was down there. Even at 6 am the temperatures were just too unbearable for any strenuous exercising.
Today I finally got out and hit the pavement for a little while. It was a miserable run. Between the heat, humidity and overall laziness on my part, I don't have anything positive to say. I looked for a local race for tomorrow but I think I'm going to have to motivate myself in the morning to get out and try for 5 miles.
Good luck to Michael, Katy, Karen and especially Steve as they take on the Idaho Falls Scenic Classic tomorrow. I'm expecting some medals!!
I had a long weekend in Florida this past weekend with my friends Rachel D., her daughter Karen M. and her daughter Michele M. We had a great time in spite of the 95 degree temperatures. Unfortunately, I didn't run once while I was down there. Even at 6 am the temperatures were just too unbearable for any strenuous exercising.
Today I finally got out and hit the pavement for a little while. It was a miserable run. Between the heat, humidity and overall laziness on my part, I don't have anything positive to say. I looked for a local race for tomorrow but I think I'm going to have to motivate myself in the morning to get out and try for 5 miles.
Good luck to Michael, Katy, Karen and especially Steve as they take on the Idaho Falls Scenic Classic tomorrow. I'm expecting some medals!!
Sunday, June 6, 2010
Race #23
A picture paints a thousand words!Got behind on my blog posting as my mother has come down with an unbelievable rash over her entire body, including in her mouth, and life for her has been pretty miserable since I got back from Wisconsin. My sister is here and we are hoping that soon they'll come up with a diagnosis, get the right treatment and be on the mend.
Hudson, WI is a quaint little town on the St. Croix river, right across from Minneapolis. The location worked well for me as I was able to not only bum a place to stay from my cousin Kris G. but she, and her friend Judy, gave up their Saturday morning to get me to the race on time! And serve as videographers.
Judy and I before the race.The race started at the local high school than basically ran downhill to the river. Therefore we were bused up to the race start for the opening ceremony. I didn't realize Kris was videoing me climbing on the bus like a kindergartner off to her first day of school. So I stood there waiting for her to take the picture - always the camera hog!
The race is held in memory of Monica Jensen who lost her life to melanoma. Before the race started they head of her foundation spoke then her son had everyone let go of the balloons we were holding. It was a neat sight to see, hundreds of balloons let lose in the sky.
For the most part the course was downhill. There was an uphill at the start and then another toward the end, but for the most part, it was downhill. And I love the downhill! Contrary to all the advice one reads on race management, I take full advantage of gravity. It paid off for me, I had a 9:05 at mile one in the cemetery and 18:55 at mile two. If I could maintain a 10 minute mile pace, I knew I could break 30. Giving the double armed wave at the end of the race wasn't the smartest move on my part. As soon as I got past I started sucking air just as I needed to come in for the big finish. It was great to be able to hear the announcer holler that we could still break thirty!
Thursday, June 3, 2010
Race #22
Life is all about the lessons learned. I learned two important ones in Ohio: (1) if your bladder gives you any signal that it needs to be emptied one last time, don't ignore it, and (2) if you ignore lesson #1, always run in black nylon shorts! This was the second race in my triple crown. The Preakness will need to be renamed The Peeness. I was heading out at a good pace, 9:10 at mile one and felt good. I had a sip of water at the water stop and immediately started to pee in my pants! I got it stopped, thought I could keep going but after mile two with a time of 19:05, I just couldn't keep going. Luckily there were some tractor trailers parked behind one of the buildings so I veered off course, dropped drawers, grabbed the front bumper, leaned back and let if flow! It sure felt better but I lost at least 30 seconds.
Mentally at this point I was ready to throw in the towel. I knew breaking 30 minutes was going to be nearly impossible. Coming up the last incline I contemplated walking when I heard a guy yelling, "come on 50 by 50 get moving!"
(Look at that Forest Gump stride!)
Getting me moving in this clip is Bill A.'s friend Mark who I met before the race. Mark is a pretty serious runner and was looking to break 20 minutes. Neither of us got the PR we we looking for, but I definitely wouldn't have posted a 30:56 if Mark hadn't circled back after he completed his race to all but carry me across the finish line. He also made me realized that I have more in the tank at the end than I give myself credit for and need to dig a lot deeper.
Thanks, Mark!
Mentally at this point I was ready to throw in the towel. I knew breaking 30 minutes was going to be nearly impossible. Coming up the last incline I contemplated walking when I heard a guy yelling, "come on 50 by 50 get moving!"
(Look at that Forest Gump stride!)
Getting me moving in this clip is Bill A.'s friend Mark who I met before the race. Mark is a pretty serious runner and was looking to break 20 minutes. Neither of us got the PR we we looking for, but I definitely wouldn't have posted a 30:56 if Mark hadn't circled back after he completed his race to all but carry me across the finish line. He also made me realized that I have more in the tank at the end than I give myself credit for and need to dig a lot deeper.
Thanks, Mark!Waiting for the fun to start
Still all smiles - must be the first 10 feet of the race!
Still all smiles - must be the first 10 feet of the race!
While in Cincinnati I stayed at Jane and Bill A.'s house on our old street. We lived in the house next door when I was little so it was fun to come back and see the old street and literally take a walk down memory lane. Unfortunately, our old house was the only one on the block that wasn't getting much tender loving care. I'd originally hoped to get inside, but once I saw the condition the outside was in, I decided I really didn't want to see the inside as it's probably pretty depressing.
Former neighbors, Jane and Bill and my host and hostess for the race.
The old homestead - a little worse for wear and not nearly as large as I remember!
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