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.

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.

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.

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