I really do enjoy running at the Ave/Humboldt. There is something about being in amongst those trees that just makes running seem (relatively) effortless. More about that running stuff in a minute. First I want to express my disappointment in not being able to spend a little more time with our Boomer group. I so enjoyed the time I was able to spend with them, but the remote nature of this event, which is a part of its appeal, also makes logistics a bit of a headache.
I'd like to give a plug to the place that we stayed, the quaint Miranda Gardens Resort[/URL" target="_blank"> was very nice, with an attentive staff and beautiful grounds that included a brick firepit. Like .... I'm hinting here .... it might be a good HQ for a future Boomers outing? It's not the cheapest place around, but it's a tad bit closer to race HQ than some of the more popular accomodations.
The few minutes that I did get to spend with our folks here proved to me yet again that Boomers (and many non Boomer CoolRunners) are nice people. I know that anyone who has met up with runners who were at the Ave will back me up on that.
I want to thank SLOjim and Mrs SLO for their hospitality and also along with their son, the cool Boomer t shirt that I wore with pride after the race. Jim is as nice and as thoughtful as he comes across here on the message board. It was fun meeting and talking with Labduck & Mrs Lab before and after the race. Lab is going to do good things with his running in the future, mark my words.
I misfired again at the pasta dinner, as my group was leaving as the Boomers were arriving. However, at that time I did get to meet Ilene, Karl, and Sherie. (Missed Tammy & John there). Before the race I ran into an all star lineup of Boomer Goddesses regaled in full running skirt glory for an impromptu fashion show. Looking beautiful (those who have seen the pictures can attest) were Tammy, Ilene, and Econo. This was a Runners' World cover waiting to happen
At the same time I met John and saw the hat. Distinctive to say the least, it was how I picked him out when I saw him out on the course. I also saw Tammy, along with John, after the race. She looked happy (maybe that she was done 
)
Finally, sharing stories while soaking our feet in the Eel River was wonderful. Here are Lab, Jim, Mrs Lab, and John cooling off.
My race? Well, I'm happy that I was in better shape than I thought ..... and even though I was some 12 minutes(!) slower than my PR, I felt strong and in control and best of all, (relatively) uninjured. This has not been so in quite some time. My time was 1:41:12 chip, and I honestly expected to struggle to hit 1:45 so I'm very pleased. Now if I can just use this to light a fire under my butt!
Boomers ...... they are a great group
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hup[/URL" target="_blank">
I'd like to give a plug to the place that we stayed, the quaint Miranda Gardens Resort[/URL" target="_blank"> was very nice, with an attentive staff and beautiful grounds that included a brick firepit. Like .... I'm hinting here .... it might be a good HQ for a future Boomers outing? It's not the cheapest place around, but it's a tad bit closer to race HQ than some of the more popular accomodations.
The few minutes that I did get to spend with our folks here proved to me yet again that Boomers (and many non Boomer CoolRunners) are nice people. I know that anyone who has met up with runners who were at the Ave will back me up on that.
I want to thank SLOjim and Mrs SLO for their hospitality and also along with their son, the cool Boomer t shirt that I wore with pride after the race. Jim is as nice and as thoughtful as he comes across here on the message board. It was fun meeting and talking with Labduck & Mrs Lab before and after the race. Lab is going to do good things with his running in the future, mark my words.
I misfired again at the pasta dinner, as my group was leaving as the Boomers were arriving. However, at that time I did get to meet Ilene, Karl, and Sherie. (Missed Tammy & John there). Before the race I ran into an all star lineup of Boomer Goddesses regaled in full running skirt glory for an impromptu fashion show. Looking beautiful (those who have seen the pictures can attest) were Tammy, Ilene, and Econo. This was a Runners' World cover waiting to happen
At the same time I met John and saw the hat. Distinctive to say the least, it was how I picked him out when I saw him out on the course. I also saw Tammy, along with John, after the race. She looked happy (maybe that she was done ) Finally, sharing stories while soaking our feet in the Eel River was wonderful. Here are Lab, Jim, Mrs Lab, and John cooling off.
My race? Well, I'm happy that I was in better shape than I thought ..... and even though I was some 12 minutes(!) slower than my PR, I felt strong and in control and best of all, (relatively) uninjured. This has not been so in quite some time. My time was 1:41:12 chip, and I honestly expected to struggle to hit 1:45 so I'm very pleased. Now if I can just use this to light a fire under my butt!
Boomers ...... they are a great group
------------------
hup[/URL" target="_blank">
