Ron Sequitur
The miles pass by, and the road passes under. Surely as not, the mind starts to wander... Here are a few jottings for you to read. Stick with 'em, they eventually get around to running… most of the time.
October 14, 2009: It's Wild Duluth Weekend!
First of all, let me congratulate everyone on their performances in the Whistlestop Marathon events this past weekend. It was fun ambling through blog posts and the results site, seeing the fine performances everyone put in. Some pretty impressive numbers! I got to spend last Saturday morning running new electrical in my garage. Yup, it was as fun as it sounds. I kept looking at the clock thinking, “They're all running right now... I should be running right now...” Alas, I kept telling myself it was a tapering weekend, but I'll admit it rang a little hollow.
On another note, as a follow-up to my Grand Traverse blog from a week or so ago, my rock finally arrived. Yes, my rock. Apparently, the GT guys give out a special item to all the crazies who traverse the whole 27.4 mile route. I don't know what was given out in years past, but this year it was an artist carved stone (pictured - click to enlarge). The rocks weren't ready on race day, so they mailed them out – just got it today. I have great appreciation for event organizers that find something a little different to give out at a race (let's just say that my race T-shirt collection is brimming over). This qualifies, simple and cool!
Finally, it's the inaugural Wild Duluth weekend! I am pumped. I'll be doing the 50K, for my first ultra-marathon. So, it's kind of a double play, my first ultra in Wild Duluth's first year. Sounds like a karmic convergence to me.
Could be a chilly one, though. 30's to low 40's appears to be in the offing on race day. I was reading the comments regarding clothing on Sam's lead-up to Whistlestop blogs, hoping everyone was able to put together an ensemble that was functional, yet stylish. I'm in the same boat, as the warm up I was hoping for looks to be arriving a day late.
I think I'm going to go with some Mizuno threads I bought a short bit ago. They're made of something called Breath Thermo material, which starts emitting heat as it gets damp. Go figure, some kind of exothermic reaction... but it does indeed work. Of course, I am a little concerned. As I start sweating, the moisture will cause the pull-over fabric to start warming up. As it warms up I will as well, which will cause me to sweat more and, consequently, generate more heat from the garment - starting a crazy moisture / thermal spiral which can only conclude in my ultimately bursting into flames. Ah, well. I'll take my chances. But if you see a burning man running down the Superior Hiking Trail feel free to warm your hands, then please be so kind as to douse me.
If you are running one of the inaugural Wild Duluth events, feel free to give yourself a shout out! I'll see you at the starting line. Bring warm coffee.
Comments
Thanks for getting me EVEN MORE worked up Ron! Wild Duluth will be my first 50k too!!
I don't know if 30s really requires adding heat to your run (sounds good for below zero situations) I'm planning some light layers to just keep the wind off.
See you sooooon!!!!!!!
Ron - I will be there. I am a little concerned about staying warm while we wait at the start.... maybe we could form a huddle - similar to bees in the winter? ;->
There I was, reading away, enjoying your blog and admiring your rock... and then I saw the picture of Snow Miser! Very inspiring stuff, Ron! The awesomeness of your blog(s) is only surpassed by the awesomeness of a Rankin-Bass villain! You're too much!
:)
Best of luck on your 50k!
Ron,
Good luck this Saturday on your 50K!
Leslie - Nuclear reaction jokes aside, the Breath Thermo is actually pretty light-weight. I think it'll be a good balance for the temp range. If not, it gets left at the first bag drop.
Knits - I thought all the bees head to their condo in Boca Raton over winter...
Wayne - I ate more than my share of Zingers growing up, so I can't claim Twinkie exclusivity. Kind of partial to those red ones (actual flavor, a bit of a mystery) with the coconut.
To all the kind well wishers - Thank you for your support! It is very much appreciated.