Hell Creek 20 miler in official race pictures

 I want to say a HUGE thank you to Something Wild Photography.  She did a great job of getting many landscape and on the course photos that were of course free for the runners to download.  Please enjoy.

 

While this is probably my last time doing a race out there, I will admit it is beautiful.  I am so glad my BRF and I did this one together as I don't think I could have finished without her.  Many of the runners who ran this race have already signed up again and all I can think is that they must not run like a duck like me LOL!!!!

  

Recovery Week part 3 and 4

I have so much to say, but so little time. I am a bit behind on blogging, but love to blog and love to keep a lasting memory somewhere of all of the fun we have.  I am going to try to fit 2 weeks worth in one post, so it will mainly be pictures.  

First of all Grammy came back!  I had a cousin that was traveling to Lawrence (1ish hour away) and mom hitched a ride with all of our Dollywood goodies and fancy clothes/shoes we bought in Knoxville.  

We took mom to Umi Steakhouse one night to the hibatchi hut.  While it was super fun, finally getting seated and eating at like 9:30 pm at night was not.  

We had our last football game of the year.  Many teams this year did not have 3/4th grade teams, so we were done a little early compared to the other grade level teams.

We unfortunately played a team that had a history of shady business both with officiating and playing players who were not in 3/4th grade.  It's really hard to explain to your kiddo that yes, you lost based on cheating, but in our hearts you won.  The team finished with a 6-1 record and 2nd in the league.  We were told no tournament this year since we didn't win our way in.  I felt like one more chance might be a good thing, but our coach did not and I have to respect his opinion.  

We had an amazing season anyway.  After lunch and some down time we headed to the track for the pumpkin race features.  We decided not to rush and get to the track to try and race, but yet take our time and get some stuff done at home before heading over. I was still able to work in the tower and help my club, help with the chili cook off, and judge the trailer decoration competition.

This trailer had animated singing pumpkins so me and the pumpkins did the time warp while my 16 year old cohort was very confused as to what I was even doing.  

The next day was the end of the year shootout.  Andrew just ran his Sr Honda class and got 4th out of 6th in a 100 lap race.  I was super proud.  

We said goodbye to a few racers that are aging out and or moving on.  Fortunately their families will not be leaving any time soon.  

This is why we race.  Not for the trophies or the points.  We race for the life long friendships we have gained.  While it is hard to see your kid get last or next to last every race, he has made some amazing friends through the past three years.  

Mom stayed till the next Wednesday.  I was pretty heartbroken to take her back to Lawrence and my cousin to make the trek back home.  Been leaning on my mom a lot lately and having her with me by my side was a comfort and a huge help.  She's still just a phone call a way but still. 

Finally got a significant run in!  Now that nights are freed up I can get back to my night running.  Took both dogs because Stella begged to go.  She's so funny, she is like Deuce when it comes to old dog running.  If she is on the leash she wants to hang out behind me, but take her off and she is gone.

Also, first long run in a long, long time :0)  I just took Boom boom and we headed out on our gravel.  I was hoping to see eagles but nothing yet.  Lots of crows and there are cattle in the feedlot meaning lots of tiny birds cleaning out the bunks, so availability to food shouldn't be a problem.

We ended the weekend with a playdate with one of our track friends.  They have been traveling a lot this year and super busy so we haven't gotten to spend a ton of time with them. 

Andrew and Madden have been good friends for three years and it was so good to see them have fun together after a long season.  We started at Skyzone and ended at a place called The Pennant in downtown Topeka.   The boys loved jumping, but they really loved all of the arcade games and the skeeball.  Nothing like a great arcade with all of the old arcade games to end a weekend.  We will be back.  

Ended the weekend doing lots of yard work, cleaning the house, and all the things we have abandoned during the racing/football/running season.  

Have a great week y'all!