Race #49

Placed third in Idaho!! Without the help of my neices and nephew I never would have pulled off a 31:35 this late in the quest, and a third place in my division to boot!

This was a great way to approach the end of the quest.  I flew out to Salt Lake City to meet up with my oldest brother Eric and his family.  Eric's entire family - wife, kids, son and daughter in law and two grandsons piled in three vehicles and road tripped it up to Pocatello for the night. 

Race #44

Team Camille before the race

“Go north to Alaska, go north the rush is on!” As they say, everything is bigger in Alaska, including the races. Couldn’t find a 5k race on June 26th so ended up running a 6k and had a blast!

The race was sponsored by the Anchorage Bucs (http://www.anchoragebucs.com/) a minor league baseball team. And for an early rainy day, I give those young guys credit for being out there and supporting the runners. As you can see from the pictures, Team Camille got a great photo with a lot of the players before the race. They also hung out along the route and very good naturedly gave me high fives as I ran past. I know they thought this old lady was a bit crazy, but it made for a real fun time.

More fun was added by my cousins Karen D. and Mary Cheryl O. plus by first cousin once removed, Kayla K. (Karen’s daughter). They flew out with me as after the race we all drove down to Homer, Alaska to see Mary Cheryl’s daughter Franny O. As a testament to their enthusiasm, they suggested we actually wear the race shirts on Friday on the flight from Minneapolis to Anchorage. Of course that brought on the stares and questions.

The day was perfect for running, a bit cool and overcast. The course went from the ball park to the little league fields in a basic out and back. I thought it was going to be a trail run, but the “trail” ended up being a paved urban trailway that wound through the woods beside a stream. I thought it was a flat race but when I was just about at the turnaround it dawned on me that I was running against the stream, hence uphill. This made for a nice second half of the run – all downhill.

Not having trained for this run, I went out slow and continued to go slow. Didn’t even try to find some inner strength deep down inside to motivate me. I just kept running. I believe one of the first women to finish was a young girl, maybe in her early teens, with legs that started at her neck! She of course made me think of Dede. I can just imagine Dede ran her share of local road races in Anchorage and led the pack most of the time. Your spirit was with me Dede!

The race ended at home plate. As you can imagine they were encouraging everyone to slide into home. I went for it!! Found out later only about five other “kids” slide home. The local photographer got a great shot of me with my legs splayed open in a most ungraceful manner! But I think the boys of summer appreciated my effort!

I still have no word on my time as the clock wasn’t working when I crossed the finish line, and I forgot to bring my watch. The clock displayed 43+ minutes which is a horrible time if accurate, but who cares.

Thanks to the photography and video skills of my cousins, enjoy the pictures!"Rounding third and heading for home..."

Race #42

Save this space.

Race #41

(Writing this well after the fact on a flight to Alaska for race #44)
Race day dawned just as William and Kate were getting married. I wish I could draw some parallels between the wedding festivities in London and my hum drum run in 33:15, South Dakota, but I can’t. There were no commentators wondering what I’d be wearing, no crowd lining the route to get a glimpse of me in my running shirt and shorts, and no handsome prince at the finish line. The continuing fairy tale that is my life!

The race was by far the most solitary of any so far. Not because the field was small and I was running in my usual place in the back of the pack, but I didn’t strike up a conversation with anyone at the race or during my travels. I’d gotten into town late in the day so went from my hotel right to the restaurant across the parking lot to eat a solitary meal at Applebees. I turned in early so I could wake up by 4am to watch the wedding before heading out to the race.

It was an o’dark thirty start, cold but sunny. Most everyone opted for long sleeves and sweats but at the last minute I went for shorts and my T-shirt. The cold got me going but as usual, it didn’t take long for me to heat up. It was another wonderful flat course that made a big rectangle around the local college. A few little inclines but nothing that amounted to too much. I of course took it slow and finished with a time of XX.X which at least kept me out of last place. No t-shirt at this race, but did get a Black Hills Cedar which I am sorry to say I have not been able to keep alive.

Race #40 Louisiana

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Race #39

Nebraska - save this space

Race #38

California - save this space

Race #37

It has been so long since I ran this race that I almost drew a complete blank regarding where it was and what happened. The only thing I am almost assured is that the time was slow.

Gradually it is coming back to me. The race was in Albuquerque and the most lasting impression I have is of the hot air balloon rally that was going on the morning of the race. The skies were filled with hot air balloons of every imaginable design and color. Quite neat, actually.

The race was held at Balloon Fiesta Park where the hot air balloons had taken off earlier in the morning. A nice flat run for the most part except for a gradual up hill for maybe a quarter of a mile. Considering I spent very little time training this past winter the time wasn't too gross, 3X.XX.

Race #36

What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas! I had a great time even before I landed in Nevada. On the leg from Denver to Las Vegas I sat next to a 27 year old male dental student from Carolina headed to a bachelor party weekend with 13 other friends, and a 35 year old single mom from Denver headed to the International Adult Entertainment Convention – yes that would be the porn convention. I used my drink tickets to get a round for the three of us and get everyone talking. The bleached blonde single mom with two diamond studs on her face loosened up quickly. She was going to meet her friend from LA who was hosting a party for Hustler Magazine Friday night. We heard about her three previous conventions and two sheriffs deputy friends from Fargo, ND who got her into clubs with just the flash of a badge. She didn’t leave without giving Dr. Carolina her number so she could let him know where all the parties were going to be.

Once Dr. Carolina found out I lived in Durham he immediately asked if I was a Duke fan. Hello?!? Then he went into the standard Carolina whining about Duke winning the 2010 National Championship by beating a third rate team (Butler), they got a lucky draw, yadda yadda yadda. I’ve heard this all before from every Carolina fan who can’t stomach the thought of someone other than their pretty boys winning the big dance.

ANOTHER BLOG POST I DIDN'T FINISH! RACE WAS A LOT OF FUN. VERY SMALL FIELD BUT I GOT SECOND IN MY DIVISION. BEAT OUT BY THIS TINY ASIAN WOMAN WHO WAS NOTHING BUT COCKY WHEN I TALKED TO HER AFTER THE RACE. 33.09 WAS MY TIME AND I COULDN'T COMPLAIN AS I DID ALMOST NO RUNNING OVER THE HOLIDAYS JUST ATE, DRANK AND HUNG OUT WITH LOTS OF GREAT FRIENDS!

Race #35

January 1, 2011 flew up in the morning, ran and flew back in the afternoon. Gross, discouraging, cold, hilly, unprepared ready to give up this whole damn quest - who needs it?

Race #34

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.

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??

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 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.

Will, Camille and Dalton

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.

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!!

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!

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.

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

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.

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.