Road Ends 5 Mile – 2009 Running

Posted on April 27, 2009September 1, 2022 by GeorgeK

Every year the local Running Fit stores hold what is called “The Road Ends 5 Mile Trail Race” also billed as “No Wimps Allowed!” race in Pinckney Michigan. This is the short version of the Trail Marathon and half marathon held the following day at the same location.

g) had a great time – which is always the goal right?… Right! ….er, of course it is.

The course is at the State Park in Pinckney Michigan. The area is relatively hilly, and the course takes great advantage of that. There are a couple gentle hills to sort of warm up on, and then a couple monster “never ending grades” that make the thighs burn and the lungs ache!

Until the final hill is conquered,
George

Martian Half Marathon April 2009

Posted on April 5, 2009May 3, 2022 by GeorgeK

My first half marathon is now history and in the books.

The weather was great for a race, cool enough to be comfortable (34), but not so cool as to be frosty either. They said it was a slightly revised course this year, but since I had never run the half before (did the 10K in 2008) it was all new to me except a few parts both races share.

They always play up the Martian UFO angle putting out a lot of advertising like this full size poster.

The shirt is always unique and has won awards for design of running shirts.

The front side shows the hairy alien inside.

While the back has the “friendly” alien coming out.

The finishers get a medal, along with the free sore legs, for their effort.

The official Team ToeJammer Bib.

And the stats associated with the run.

Until the final UFO is sighted,
George

Shamrocks and Shenanigans 2009

Posted on March 19, 2009May 7, 2022 by GeorgeK

The second annual running of the Running Fit “Shamrocks and Shenanigans” race, 2009 edition is now history and in the books.

The weather was great for a race, cool enough to be comfortable, but not so cool as to be frosty either. A new course this year eliminated the previous years four lap race, only two now, much better.

e) Had a great time, even got a new 5K PR.

Until the last Lucky Charm’s box is stolen by the leprechaun,
George

A historical weekend in Mexico

Posted on March 8, 2009December 4, 2022 by GeorgeK

I spent a weekend in Santiago de Queretaro and had the chance to do some sight seeing. A group went to the Teotihuacan region just Northeast of Mexico City. This area has a huge city of ruins, including the third largest pyramid in the world. “The Pyramid of the Sun”. While it is not as tall now as it originally was it is still very impressive!

A climb to the top presents a challenge to many, especially those not used exercising, or to an altitude of 7,300 feet, but if time is taken most people make it there, and it is worth the climb. A great view of the entire complex and surrounding neighborhood can be had.

They say there is great energy coming from the structure, so you can “recharge” at the top.

We spent the day walking and climbing and taking lots of pictures!

After walking about 10 miles, and getting somewhat sunburned, we finished our tour and went for some lunch. Nearby the ruins is “La Gruta” restaurant. It is located in a grotto, or cave, and while open to the outside, the temperature was guite pleasant, almost cool.

We then headed into Mexico City, and the Historical Central District. The area contains many old churches of magnificent size and construction. There was also a large market area where everyone was attempting to be unique to attract buyers. I particularly liked the indians and their costumes. Hopefully the long feathers are not from any endangered species!

Finally a long drive back to the hotel, the warm shower and a soft bed felt pretty good!

George

A fun night out – Kodo Drummers

Posted on February 17, 2009May 7, 2022 by GeorgeK

While much of my time has been occupied with running lately, I realize there are other things in life too, this is about one of them.
Something I have been wanting to see for several years was in town! AND I was also in town, and my DW got us tickets to go and see the Kodo Drummers!

2/17/2009… days later. Went to the show. It was great. Got a few “before the show” photos but none during the performance. They are not worth posting, so if you want to see it, guess you will have to go.

You can look for tour schedule and other information here –> https://www.kodo.or.jp/news/index_en.html

Until the final drum is quiet,
George

Super 5K Race – Super Bowl Sunday 2009

Posted on February 12, 2009May 3, 2022 by GeorgeK

The second race of 2009 is now history and in the books. The Running Fit Super 5K is run on Super Bowl Sunday “The Super 5K” gets your metabolism moving in the morning so you can indulge in Hot Wings, Pizza and Libations quilt free later that night!”

Held in Novi Michigan it is an out and back on Eleven Mile road. Nice course, with a few easy hills on it to keep you working.

I also volunteered to work the packet pick up the day before the race. This was the second time I have done this, the first being for the Holiday Hustle back in December. I have also volunteered for the Shamrocks & Shenanigans 5K Run & Walk on March 15, 2009. Hey, you get a free race shirt and free entry in a race of your choice, pretty good deal for not so much work. The Shamrocks & Shenanigans packet pick up will be from 3-5 PM on Saturday march 14th… at Connor O’Neils (a popular local Irish Pub) so may even be able to get a brew while working! I will sign up for the race then also using the coupon I get for volunteering.

The race itself was a little windy and a little cool. A running jacket would have been nice at the start. I had decided on only a winter compression shirt with tech shirt over it, and while pretty chilly waiting to get started, once on the road I warmed up pretty well. Gloves were appreciated as was the head band. Some time I should do a review on stuff… I use several different “Halo” brand head bands which have a rubber sweat gutter/guide in the inside front of them. The idea is the sweat from the head and forehead, instead of running into your eyes is directed back along the guide to about your ears, where it is free to run down. It works too! I have lightweight for summer and another with ear flaps for the winter. They are also tech knit fabric, but they get water/sweat logged anyway, but it does keep it out of my eyes. Which can be especially annoying if I leave glasses on when running.

Unfortunately while there were camera crews on site, I seem to have gotten missed by them, so there are no action photos. Only a few taken the day before at the packet pick up, and some before the start and at the end of, the race.

Until the final buffalo hot wing is consumed,
George