2018 SAR Bigfoot Trail Races, Race Report #42

     On Saturday, August 11th robin and I loaded up the Subaru and headed north to the Fresno-Clovis area to check in for the following day's SAR Bigfoot Trail race. The check-in was held at Fleet Feet Fresno and we timed it so we would arrive around lunchtime so we could sample a local brewpub after we picked up everyone's stuff at check-in. By everyone I mean we got not only ours but Mark, Joan, Andrea, and Trevor's. Those four were busy at a family function in San Jose so we helped out by picking up their bibs and shirts. Before we headed to Mark and Joan's we headed to the local Sequoia Brewing Company for a craft beer and some lunch. We ordered a couple of beers and some fried pickles while we looked over the lunch menu.

Fried Pickles from the Sequoia Brewing Company

Robin had a half of a sandwich and salad at the Sequoia Brewing Company.

     After we had finished lunch we headed over to Mark and Joan's house where we would meet up with everyone, eat some Mexican food, and go to bed early for the big day on Sunday.

     At sometime around zero dark thirty the alarm went off and we got up and made our usual Dave's Epic Everything Bagels with avocado before piling in the Subaru and heading into the western High Sierra's for a date with a trail half-marathon later that morning. 

     Since I was the only one who opted to buy the V.I.P. parking pass we dropped off Mark and Joan's car at the shuttle point then all six of us piled into our Subaru for the five-mile drive to race parking. Once we arrived the kind gentleman pointing out where we should park determined that since I had an all-wheel drive I could make it up a steep hill and over rocks to park in the 4-wheel drive lot. We made it, only bottoming out once. We all unfolded ourselves out of the car, grabbed our gear and ice chests, and headed for the 3/4 mile walk to the starting area. 

     The half-marathon would start first, and there was a roped off area for faster runners to be in so I headed for that. It's important at this race to start out fairly quickly because of the amount of dust that is kicked up by the runners and I wanted to make sure I breathed as little as possible of the stuff as we got going. 

The start of the 2018 SAR Bigfoot Half-Marathon

     The first two miles were mostly downhill and it was relatively easy. I tried to hold back knowing that what lay ahead would be tough going. Right about the start of mile 3, we went up a trail that was almost vertical. This was one of the steepest hills that I have ever seen as part of a race. After this, the course mellowed out with the usual ups and downs associated with trail races. 

One of the many uphill sections of the race

     Soon enough we also were joined by runners of the 5 and 10k races at various parts of the race as the course snaked in and out of the coves around Shaver Lake. It was during this point that I tripped and fell while in a crowded section of the race. I went down in soft dirt and rolled before popping up. I was lucky, nothing felt broken, and there was no bleeding. A couple of people asked if I was alright but no one stopped to check me out. I re-pinned my number back on and tried to get back into a rhythm. The fall happened just before a split in the course so within a hundred yards I was running alone again. When I arrived at the next aid station some volunteers helped me wash some of the dirt out of my water bottle lid and off of my face. I continued in the race but my confidence was lacking from there on to the finish. I hiked the uphills and ran the downhills just wanting to be done. 

Elevation Chart of the 2018 SAR Bigfoot Half-Marathon

     The course was about four-tenths of a mile short of a half-marathon according to my Garmin. My time was 2:17:19 and I was second in my age group. The race featured 1600 feet of climbing.  

I'm heading to the finish covered in dirt

     A little over an hour later Robin finished in 3:38, good for second in her age group, and not far behind her was Andrea in  3:39. Robin and I got engraved Swiss Army Knives for our age group awards. Trevor ran the 5k, and Mark and Joan finished the 10k. After everyone had finished, we all headed to the picnic area for free burgers, hot dogs, beers, and ice cream. The race organizers really do put on a top-notch event. There's a DJ with music, great shirts, medals, food, awards, and beer for the participants.

Our finishers medals from the 2018 SAR Bigfoot Races

Andrea and Robin posing at the Bigfoot Statue with their medals after the race

Pre-race selfie, everyone was clean and still smiling

     We all hiked back to the four-wheel drive parking lot where we had parked. It had been an awesome day but we all had to head home and get ready for work on Monday. This race is definitely a 6 IPA race. We are all looking forward to the next edition of the SAR Bigfoot races.

2018 COC Summer Series, Race Reports 35-41

     This year was the 45th annual COC Summer Cross Country Series held on the campus of College of the Canyons in Santa Clarita, California. I have been running races at COC since an AAU championship meet was held here in the late '70s or early '80s, also known as the glory days of running. The series always starts on the first Thursday after the 4th of July and this year that happened to be July 5th. The series consists of 6 preliminary races followed by a series finale to make 7 weeks of pure cross country fun for the whole family. Unlike the Bakersfield Summer Series, this race consists of mostly serious runners, many of them high schoolers from all over southern California. For this reason, Robin decided she didn't want to compete this year. She would just show up with me, do the course early at her pace, then cheer and take pictures. Good friend Keith Pautz usually comes out for these races even without proper training and fitness along with some Frazier Park buddies I have coaxed into running the series the past few years.
     The weather for the first race was warm by Santa Clarita standards but not for me after running the Bakersfield series. It cooled down to 93 by the time the 7:00 PM start rolled around. I went into the series planning on only running hard at the series finale since recovery seems to be getting tougher as I age. I had run a race only 48 hours earlier so the plan was to take it easy and enjoy the race. My start was fairly quick because old habits die hard. At the COC races, everyone heads out along the baseball field to a gate then a sharp left followed by the course narrowing down as it wound its way through campus. My early 5:30 pace for the first couple of hundred meters slowed as we made the turn and  I  settled into a pace that I felt comfortable with. My first mile was 7:03, followed by an 8:13 during the hilly section, then a downhill 6:49 to the finish on the track. My official time was a 22:18. I got third in my age group for the first night. In years past we have always gone to Vincenzo's Pizza for our post-race nourishment but on this night they were unable to serve us so we headed to Chuy's instead.

 Robin went for the basket of fish at Chuy's.

I opted for the giant burrito

     The following week we were back at COC on Thursday for race number 2 and this week Keith showed up. I did a short warm-up and caught up with Keith and his son Ethan about everything we had been doing in the last year since COC had ended in 2017. The second week of COC I hadn't done any races so I figured I would try a little harder than the week before but still nothing all out until the last race. I hit the first mile a little quicker in 6:57. The second mile I still didn't run hard because of all of the hills and ran an 8:11 split. My final mile downhill was quicker with a 6:38 showing on my watch. My final time was 21:56 good enough for second in my age group behind Nigel Toates on the night. Keith finished in a 35:37 and off we went for food at Vincenzo's Pizza.

 Part of the family meal deal at Vincenzo's.

We opted for a pitcher of beer instead of sodas

     Week number 3 was soon upon us and we all met up in the parking lot at COC to get ready for the nights racing action. Since I had raced on Tuesday before I wouldn't be running hard and the weather was a cool 82 degrees out. I was bummed I wouldn't be able to take advantage of the weather and race hard but I knew if I did I would pay the price down the road with recovery issues. I did the first mile in 7:17 cruising along talking with friends. The second mile with the hills was 7:53 and my last mile downhill to the track and finish was 6:57. My time was 22:17 which was good for 3rd in my age group on the night. Keith took full advantage of the cooler weather and turned in a 33:09. We all headed to Vincenzo's Pizza again for some food and adult beverages to aid in recovering from the night's activities.

    Week number 4 meant we were over half-way through the series and the weather once again turned out to be cool. I decided to just run the middle mile hard, at least harder than I had run it up to this point in the series. Once again we all took off from the baseball field and headed to the middle of campus. I hit the first mile in a comfortable 6:58 then started working the hills with a little more determination than the previous 3 weeks. The hard work paid off and my second mile was a 7:41. I eased off on the last mile to the finish and had a time of 21:36 for the race, good enough for second in my age group on the night. Keith came across the finish line in a 33:37 which was a little slower for him than the previous week. 

     We tried to get to Vincenzo's but it was packed with some meeting so we headed over to Chuy's instead. 

I have a soft spot for the Chuy's burrito

     Week 5 brought us back to COC for the first time in the month of August. This week I decided I would run the last mile harder and go through the first two easy. I did my warm-ups and headed to the starting area. When the gun went off I did start quickly, about 5:30 pace but then I settled into an easy running motion to get through the first two miles. Lucky for me I tucked in behind Phil Howard that runs the Tuesday night track practice and was able to chase him to the finish. My third mile was a 6:22, the quickest of the year so far. I finished with a time of 22:11, good for third in my age group behind Nigel and Phil on the night. Once again, being creatures of habit we headed to Chuy's for dinner after the race.

 Robin had the salmon

I went for something different finally and had the chili

     Week six was the last night for the regular season. Next week would be the finale. This was the last night to get eligible for awards. In order to win an award, a person had to compete in three of the first six races. Anyone could compete in the finals race but only those that had three races in could win awards. 

     The previous Sunday I had competed in a trail half-marathon in Shaver Lake that I hadn't fully recovered from yet(more on that race in the next blog post)so my goal was to run the whole race easy. I went out slow and never ran hard the whole race. I was still tired from the half-marathon and I knew I was going to run hard the next week. My splits were 7:48, 8:49, and 7:00. My official time was a 23:48 which was good for 7th in my age group on the night. Keith, on the other hand, was feeling his oats and cranked out a 31:42 which was his best so far in the series. 

     The real treat for this night occurred at Chuy's. When we arrived Big Bill was there waiting for us. Bill Hines, aka Big Bill, was best man at my wedding and him Keith and I used to do lots of things together before marriage and children. 

Big Bill showed up at Chuy's to eat and reminisce with Keith, Robin, and myself.

     Week seven was here which meant it was finals night at College of the Canyons. The weather was a cool 82 which for mid-August was perfect. I did some extra strides and drills as I got ready. This week I wore my Nike racing XC flats for the race. I had done all of the other races in my Nike Pegasus trainers. The race started a little late which was actually good because it let the sun set behind the hills. My goal all season was to run this race hard. 

     This time when the gun went off I took off with the high school kids at a 4:50 pace and settled in in a good spot for the run through campus. I went through the first mile in 6:33 and attacked the hilly section. I learned to run and ignore pain early in my running career and it paid off in the section. I had a 7:21 mile 2 with all of the big hills. I continued to push the pace remembering last year when I won my age group by only a tenth of a second at the line. My third mile was a 6:19 and my finishing pace heading for the line was 4:30 in my sprint. I think I could have gone a little faster during the race as I had a lot left at the end. My official time was a 20:21, and I was first in my age group. 

Results from my age group at the COC finals

     Keith and the Frazier Park bunch all ran hard. Keith ended up third in his age group with a time of 31:37. After the race, everyone is treated to tacos and a awards ceremony takes place where the medals are handed out. 

My first place medal for winning the 55-59 age group.

     We started a tradition a few years ago of going out for sushi after the finals night and this year was no different. Keith, Ethan, Robin, and I headed to Love's Sushi and had some delicious food after seven weeks of fun running in the heat and dust. I give this race a 5 lager rating. I think it's a little overpriced for what we get but I'll continue to do it as long as I'm capable.

Our sushi after the finals night at COC.

     

Bakersfield Track Club Summer Series Races 2-5, Race Report 30-34

     Even though I did a separate report for the first race, I have decided to lump all of the other races from the summer series into one race port covering the remaining four races.
     The first thing we found out when we arrived for the second race is that the times for some of us were not recorded at the first race. This is significant because we were supposed to start based on our finishing times from the previous race. Everyone who was new to the series and those of us whose times didn't record had to start at 7:15. I think all of us that pre-registered for the series didn't have a timed result from the first race.
     Even though I hadn't worked out much since the first race of the series 2 weeks prior my goal was to beat my previous time. The weather was cool for Bakersfield, a balmy 91 at the start so everyone went out fast. My first mile was a 6:50, backed up by a 7:24 and a 7:36 for a finish time of 22:36. I did beat the time I posted for the first race that didn't count so I was happy. It wasn't long before Trevor, Andrea, and Robin finished. We all had a cold post-race adult beverage and headed out for some food.

Post race sandwich and fries.

   The third race of the series was held on July 3rd, and Trevor and Andrea weren't there as they had headed out of town. Robin and I got there about an hour before the start so I could get in a warm-up, some strides, and hit the bathroom multiple times. I have found that I tend to drink too much water when it's hot out and this leads to my added incontinence when running. I guess I would rather be hydrated and wear a pad for the time being until I get everything figured out. This week was even cooler than the last race, albeit only by a degree. No one in Bakersfield in July complains about 90 degrees when it comes to running. It feels cool compared to most of the summer.
     I went out a little faster than last time. My first mile was a 6:38. Somewhere ahead of me Robin was having fun in the sun since she got a head start. The second mile with the hill I slowed down to a 7:06. I finished the race covering the third mile in 6:58 and catching Robin before the finish line. My time was a 21:30, and Robin finished in 39:35. We both improved on our times from the previous race and went out to celebrate with some sushi after we were done.

Robin and I had some awesome food at Shoyu Sushi on Mt. Vernon in Bakersfield

     Race number 4 for the Bakersfield Track Club Summer Series was held on July 17th, and the cool weather we had enjoyed the previous races was nowhere to be found. Trevor and Andrea were back, and so was the heat. It was a nice 102 degrees at race time. Robin, Andrea, and Trevor took off early to just walk the course because of the heat. I did my usual warm-ups and strides but took the race out a little slower because of the heat. I wore a hat I had soaked in cold water and carried a frozen water bottle that I sprayed down the back of my neck throughout the race. My conservative start resulted in a slow 6:54 first mile. My second and third miles were just a little bit quicker than the last race so I finished with a time of 21:40. Not bad for 102 out. Robin, Trevor, and Andrea came in with a time of 51:40. We all quickly changed and headed down the road to Ethel's for a quick bite and home to air conditioning.

Burger and fries at Ethel's after a blistering hot race.

     July 31st was the final race in the Bakersfield Track Club Summer Series and the race day weather was hot and smokey. The temperature was 100 even and there was quite a bit of smoke in the air from California's wildfires that were burning everywhere. We got there on time and I went through my paces to get ready for the race. I elected to wear the wet hat, bandana, and carry the frozen water bottle again. Due to my finishing time in previous races I was one of the last runners to start in the handicap system. I knew I would be starting close to Shane Goslin so I decided to try to hang with him at the start. We didn't push it too much, my first mile was only a 6:56. When we got to the hill I felt really good so I pushed it a little and dropped Shane, and my mile two split was 6:52, my best ever. I continued to push the pace, hoping to keep Shane behind me. My third mile was 6:42 and I finished the race with a personal best time of 21:14. I actually negative split the race in smokey 100-degree weather. Shane was next across the line in 21:41. Trevor finished in 30:53, Andrea in 37:31, and Robin in 49:09. We quickly changed into some clean clothes and headed to the Loma Linda Mexican Restaraunt in Bakersfield for our post-run nourishment. 

 Running with Shane early in Race #5 of the Bakersfield Track Club Summer Series.

 Robin went all in with some spicy Chili Verde.

I stuck with a more mild meal, opposite of how we usually do things.

     There is a sixth night for the Bakersfield Summer Series, but it consists of a fun run, volleyball, and awards. I did the run and none of us won any awards outside of our series shirts. I'm still not sure how the event was scored but we all had a great time. The series is inexpensive and fun outside of the heat. I give the series a 6 lager rating this year and I'm looking forward to the 2019 Bakersfield Track Club Summer Series.

Why Are Some People Using Electronic Devices So Stupid?

     By now I'm sure most runners are fed up with having to dodge people driving their cars while looking at their cell phone instead of the road in front of them. I know I am. I try to run away on trails and paths from car and truck traffic as much as I can. Before I get into everything, I must admit I enjoy seeing my Garmin stats on my phone after my run is complete. The watch is all I carry along with a bottle of water. My watch just records my stats, no music or any other bs everyone seems to need to get outside in today's world.
     That being said, this past Thursday I was running on the bike path in Santa Clarita when I was nearly hit head-on by a guy on a bicycle. I was running in the walking and running section that is marked off, the cyclists have their own lanes, and this idiot staring at his phone suddenly came over about five feet and forced me to jump out into the dirt. In my younger years I would have just leveled him, maybe I should have this time but I don't heal as quickly as I used too.
     Cell phones have really ruined life as us older people used to know it. It's a shame runners today can't seem to go out and enjoy a run without having to listen to music blasting away. Us runners have all been cut off by the clueless runners listening to music and are oblivious to their surroundings as they wander around aimlessly between water stations. On more than one occasion I have had to make my presence known in a physical manner when attempting to pass someone with both headphones in and the music blaring.
     Cell phone stupidity has even found it's way to the supermarkets. How many times have we been stuck behind someone in the aisle while pushing our carts, trying to pick up our groceries? I mean come on people, unplug the damn phone and get on with life. There's no reason to push your cart at the pace of a desert tortoise while checking your Facebook, Twitter, or whatever social media thing you can't seem to live without. Just pick up your groceries, check out, and check your precious pretend friends latest comments when you get home.
      It was nice last year when I was visiting South Carolina and all of the restaurants and grocery stores had signs stating that you would not be waited on if you were on your cell phone. We need more of that.
      If people don't have the common sense and courtesy to stay off of their electronic devices when it affects others then maybe we need to let them know in no uncertain terms to pull their head out, unplug, and try to enjoy life without an electronic device. You might be pleasantly surprised to hear someone say hi, the birds chirping, or the car coming at you with the driver staring at their cell phone.

Bakersfield Track Club Summer Series #1, Race Report #29

     On June 5th, Robin and I made the trip to Hart Park outside of Bakersfield for the first Bakersfield Track Club Summer Cross Country Series race. The weather was cool for Bakersfield standards, a nice 91-degree evening greeted us as we ventured North to tackle the hills that awaited us.
     We had pre-registered so check in was brief and we got our gear ready as Trevor and Andrea, who were also running the series went to check in. Since I haven't done much in the way of speed work since well before the marathon I wasn't expecting to torch the course on this night. I got a short warm-up done and headed to the starting area to await the 7:30 start.

The runners getting ready for the start of the Bakersfield Track Club Summer Series Race #1.

     The Bakersfield Track Club Summer Series is different in that the first race is the only race when everyone starts together. Starting with race #2, the start times are handicapped based on the previous weeks times with a goal of everyone finishing together at 7:30 PM. The race started on time and off we all went. The start is on grass but we soon move on to the bike path for the rest of the first mile. 

Heading out at the Bakersfield Summer Series

     I hit the mile in a 7:18, and continued the effort for a 7:20 clocking for mile two. My lack of fitness showed as I slowed to a 7:28 for mile 3 as I headed to the finish. My time was 23:01, just missing going under 23 minutes at the first race. 

Heading to the finish at the Bakersfield Track Club Summer Series #1.

     It wasn't long before Trevor, Andrea, and Robin came across the line. We did our version of a cool down, which includes having a cold beer, then we headed to Ethels for some post-race nourishment.

I opted for the chile size with onions.

     We filled our bellies and headed home, looking forward to the 19th of June and race number two. It would be upon us soon, and I needed to get faster.

2018 Wild Wild West Marathon, Lone Pine, CA; Race Report #28

     On Saturday, May 5th, a bunch of us took part in the Wild Wild West Marathon and 10 miler held every year on the first Saturday in May between Lone Pine, CA and Mt. Whitney. Last year we all did the 10 miler as a group after my prostate cancer surgery and my wife Robin decided she wanted to run the whole marathon as part of her birthday celebration in 2018. Somewhere along the way of a year's worth of training and celebrating our great friend Andrea decided she would join us in the attempt. This was probably a good thing as now I had someone else to bounce things off of as I paced Robin through her hike and run during the race. In other words, Robin and I might still be speaking after the race. 

     Robin is not a true runner. We met in 1984 while we were both training for our first triathlon. She was a swimmer and I was a runner. She is still a much better swimmer than me and I'm still a much better runner than her. That being said this was going to be a true test for her. The only previous marathon experience for Robin was the inaugural Los Angeles Marathon in 1986. This would be her second. Along the way, over the years she has accomplished some other great athletic feats such as the Alcatraz Triathalon and giving birth to and raising our two children. Enough of the reminiscing, let's talk about the race.

     We all drove to Lone Pine on Star Wars Day, Friday, May 4th, and checked into the historic and world-famous Dow Villa Motel. The rooms come with a refrigerator and microwave so Robin and I brought our favorite and proven pasta dish to eat the night before. After checking in and watching Ray, Melissa, Trevor, and Andrea eat dinner we headed down the street towards the check-in and stopped off at the bar at Seasons for a quick beer. When we got to Lone Pine School for the check-in we were in for a huge surprise. This year was the largest turnout for the races ever. The line wrapped around the inside of the building. We waited patiently, got our gear minus shirts, and waited for the last minute instructions. Our shirts would be mailed to us. There was nothing new that concerned us so we headed back to the room for dinner and sleep.

     Race day came quickly. We got up, made our bagels and avocado for breakfast and got dressed. We were riding with Trevor who was doing the 10-mile race. The 10 mile and marathon started promptly at 6:00 AM so we were headed away from the Dow Villa about 5:15. Melissa was with us also as she also was running the 10-mile race. Ray rode along but stayed with the truck to make sure everything left behind would still be there when we returned sometime that afternoon(beer and snacks). 

   Our pre-race selfie before heading to the start of the race 

Robin and I were rocking the Nike Terra Kiger 4 Trail Shoes and Gaiters for the race.

     We all headed to the start line. This race is cool in the fact that there is still no chip timing, the distances and time are approximate, the entry fees are reasonable, and we get cool finisher medals. That being said the start line is literally a line in the sand of the parking lot the race director drew with her shoe. 

The five of us before the start, and yes, Trevor is standing on a rise in the ground.

Andrea, Robin, and I pinky swore to stay together no matter what during the race.

     The horn went off, we all started our watches, and off we went for a 26-mile adventure. The first 2 3/4 miles are uphill, mostly in sand. I have run this part in the past, but today we all walked uphill, but with a purpose. This is the part of the race that's still fun. We all had adrenaline running through us and the weather was perfect. 

A sunrise selfie during the beginning of the race.

     Shortly before we hit the 3-mile mark we finally got to go downhill to the first creek crossing. The water wasn't near as high as last year but the steep downhill with hurting legs made the crossing treacherous none the less.

The first uphill was tough

Waiting our turn at the first creek crossing.

     After crossing the creek we headed up a short uphill before heading downhill to refresh our legs. During this part of the race, we passed the first aid station which was also the turnoff for the 10-mile run. Now we were mostly alone and were soon heading uphill again. I always thought this was the toughest part of the course for me in years past and I did everything I could to help Robin and Andrea up the hill to Whitney Portal Road.

Robin and Andrea heading uphill at the Wild Wild West Marathon.

Looking back on the beautiful view as we headed uphill.

More uphill

     Soon we got to the highest point of the marathon. We crossed Whitney Portal Road and were joined by runners that had started earlier and were doing the 50k and 50 miles. They had taken the trail up to Whitney Portal Campground as part of their route. For the next 7 miles we would be going downhill on Hogback. Even though it was downhill we stuck to the run/walk plan so as to make the race as enjoyable as possible for Robin and Andrea.

This was about the high point of the race before heading down Hogback.

Down Hogback we went.

     As we headed down Hogback we talked to a lot of people who were doing the longer races. It seemed like many of them welcomed the chance to walk or run slow for a bit just to have someone to talk to. In my younger days I had always hammered this part, but not this year. I was eating peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, jelly beans, Picky Bars, plus whatever the aid stations had handy. It wasn't long before our watches said we had reached the 13.1 point so we stopped for a quick selfie.

The halfway selfie and we were still married and friends.

     Soon after halfway and the Badwater aid station we crossed the last creek of the race and headed towards mother hill. This is a significant point of the race because soon the miles remaining would be single digits and visions of cold beers waiting at Jake's Saloon would be dancing in our heads. The weather began to warm but the wind was nonexistent which was a welcome change from the previous year. After we crested mother hill we continued snacking and heading into the Alabama Hills portion of the event. I kept an eye out for the course markings and we made all of the turns but it was interesting to see people go right on by them. I'm not sure if it's the music they listen to(I don't) or what but some people have a tough time following the course in this race. 

     This year the Alabama Hills portion of the course took us through a section that was really cool and a part of the course I had not run before. The area was narrow and it felt like we were in a Star Trek episode.

Heading through the cool rock formations of the Alabama Hills.

Robin and I in the Alabama Hills.

     While the Alabama Hills were cool to look at and fun to run through the next few miles would be tough. There was a single track trail that took us up and over the last set of hills before dropping us down into Lone Pine for the finish. The hills were tough and steep, and somewhere Andrea made the comment that for her birthday we were going to Disneyland. We continued our walk and jog pace but it was getting tough on Robin. I knew there was going to be one last aid station at the top of a single track. The guy manning the aid station was actually the son of the guy that did it the first time I ran the course. 

Andrea and Robin running the single track at about mile 23.

Yes, we had to go up this.

And this.

     After we hit the last aid station before heading into town, Robin morphed into the power walker from hell. She didn't talk much, but she was on a mission to finish. She didn't run anymore, but her walk was so fast Andrea and I couldn't keep up walking so we would let her get ahead and then run to catch up to her. 

Robin power walking away from us on the downhill into Lone Pine.

     After we got out of the hills and into town we knew we would make it. It had been a long day but Robin's birthday wish had come true, she was going to do the Wild Wild West Marathon. As we headed into town and could hear the people in the park Robin suddenly stopped and said she couldn't go any farther. I guess the shock on our faces was too much as she said just kidding and we ran the last few hundred yards to the finish.

Andrea, myself, and Robin finishing the Wild Wild West Marathon

     We went across the finish line together in about 8 hours and 45 minutes, upholding our pinky swear we made before the start. The funny thing was awards were going on, and as they added Robin's name to the results it was found out that she had placed second in her age group so she got an award along with our finishers medals. 

     Ray, Melissa, and Trevor were waiting for us at the park and we all headed back to the motel, but first, a stop at Jake's Saloon was in order. It was a short walk, and one worth taking.

Robin with her age group award.

Jake's Saloon was full of runners when we stopped in on our walk back to the Dow Villa.

     We had some cold drinks, watched the Kentucky Derby, then headed back to the Dow Villa for a shower and jacuzzi. That night we all hit season's and the food was fantastic. Needless to say, we all slept great, got up early and headed to the Alabama Hills Cafe for a great breakfast. We met a lot of great people there, we are all still talking, Robin and I are still married, and we can't wait to get back. Robin already said she wants to do it again. Our reservations for next year are made and the training has started.