50K

I just finished the John Dick Memorial 50K. put on by the Badgerland striders, this is a serious race. It is 'only' 31miles, however it is run on ski trails which are covered in snow and they are slippery. This is a significant obstacle.

As I arrived this morning I found two drills and a couple boxes of drywall screws. Runners were drilling them into the bottoms of their running shoes for better traction.

I had considered the traction problem and nearly purchased some YakTraks, but they cost $23 and we are on a money diet, besides I have found my trail shoes to be sufficent the last couple of winters. My trail shoes have a very hard plate in the sole so the screws would not go in easily, and I decided not to force them, so I ran on my normal shoes just as I had planned.

I am amazed at what I find out at these races. There is invaluable knowledge to be gained from observing a group of people with 10,20, 30+ years of running experience. I especially love how so few of them use the latest running gadgets.

So I ran the race. At the end I walked up all the hills and stumbled down hills, barely able to make the corners and avoid holes in the icy snow. But I made it to the finish line (conveniently located inside of the heated shelter) where my entire family was waiting for me. They were all so cute. It was fun and I am glad I attempted this race, It was more than I thought I could do.

art

This is some art I found around my house recently. Maddie is the artist, and explained the this as 'a mad scientist trying to kill a person with a laser, but doesn't know that it is actually just air'.

This is sideways, but if you look closely you can see Maddie standing next to me, and I am holding Reed. We are standing on our round rug. l