Time to step back and take a breather. It's been a hectic couple of weeks for the Old Fat Guy.
Hosting a 10k race sounds easy enough but getting everything in line is something else!
The 4th "Freeze Your Snowballs Off" 10k was the 9th nice I've directed and its just as nerve wrecking as my first race. Do I have help on the course, finish line, in the kitchen? Do I have enough food and drinks? Will anyone show up... the list goes on and on.
This year's version promised to be stressful with having more preregistered participants than before. A few coming from outside the state! Word must be getting out or people just like the name of the race and or it's an opportunity to do an early year event.
The last 2 weeks were strune with obstacles. My help from work were unavailable. the "Spitfire" and I were at odds again with her breaking up with me again. On top of that snow was forecasted and bitter cold awaited for Saturday morning.
What is a race director to do? Panic! Yep that's what to do.....loose some sleep and fret over the next weather update and beg...that's right.. beg for help. With just a few days to go I sent out a desperate SOS! To my pleads came forth a outpouring of help. My wonderful friends quickly jumped in with offers of help. Each willing to give up their race in order to help the OFG! Let me say without shame that a tear or two was shed. I was touched by every one's generosity! The "Spitfire" even found it in her heart to return to lend aide and assistance . You got to Love her! Now let me say...even with the need of help I didn't want anyone not to run, but the gestures were more than heartfelt.
Saturday morning broke with a temperature of 11 degrees at 6 am. My first help arrived around 8 and rest soon followed. It seems this winter has been rough on my friends...for they were a band of walking wounded. Noses and knees took their toll. Barring further injury the gang chipped in and became a well oiled volunteer machine! I want to thank Joe, Andi, Anieta, George, Susan, Butch and Mike for lending their support. To the "Spitfire" my love and gratitude for everything!
To my 21 participants who braved a 19 degree starting temperature and "gentle rolling" hills a big thanks!
To my late runner, who started 10 minutes behind and still knocked off 8 runners..impressive! I hope everyone enjoyed the Aloha spirit I tried to invoke. I hope everyone had a laugh, a full belly and I know tired legs while at the OFG's lair. If you enjoyed yourself please come back for race #10 in September. Bring a friend or send out a kind word for an OFG race. I applaud each and all of you!
Till meet again...shuffle on friends!
