Sunday, March 16, 2008

Fun at Pac Rim

The whole family had a great time yesterday at the Pac Rim 24 hour run. Marc decided to stop at 40 miles (around 8 hrs) so we didn't end up staying the whole night. I was lap counting, which was not so much fun the first hour or so when the runners were still bunched up and moving quickly. We didn't have a big clock, so had to check our stop watch and mark down the time for each mile loop. I missed #266 (Dave S.?) the first two laps, but it really wasn't my fault. Turns out he had been calling out #265 (which wasn't on my sheet). So once we got that straightened out I didn't miss him again. After the first hour the participants were spread out enough that it was easier to catch everyone. I really got attached to "my" runners and walkers. I had all the women, plus the sheet with Marc and some of the WA crew: Rob, Steve, Jamal, etc. It only got tough when one of us three lap counters needed a potty break and you had to work someone else's sheet.

Fred (the RD), his friend and fellow runner, Dan, and I were the primary lap counters all day. When Marc was done, he took a little nap in the van, so I was able to stay a bit longer and ended up working nearly 10 hours. We left just a little before 7 pm. The little guy was really disappointed to leave. (Me too!) He loves an adventure and was looking forward to camping out in the van. He spent the day helping out by calling out numbers, playing at the playground, exploring the lake, and kidding around with crazy Fred. I had my camera but didn't have a chance to take any pictures. I should have given it to the little guy. Oh well. All in all it was a great family day and I'm looking forward to going back next year, either as a participant or a lap counter. Fun, fun, fun!

Congrats to all the participants! It was great seeing you out there all day. Tom and Kyly put in a solid 40+ mile day. Caroline ran a strong 50k despite being at the tail end of a chest cold. It was only the last lap or two that it started to show. Jamal sped through to the fastest 50k, went a few more laps and then decided to take a break. We were trying to encourage him to go back for 50 when I left. Rob, Michelle, Jenny, Steve, Bret and Gail were still out there when we left. Steve W. and Tim, in their matching maniac red, were running strong. I'm sure they both exceeded 100 miles. I was really inspired by everyone and picked up some good strategies for next year. Overall, the weather was pretty nice... light showers with sun breaks. Into the evening some of the showers were heavier, but everyone still had a smile on their faces. I love ultra-runners!

Update on my injury: I got word from my doctor's office that my x-ray was normal. My chiropractor will take a look at it too. But good to know its likely not a stress fracture. Now I just need to focus on healing these strained muscles. My bad hip/butt/leg did get sore from sitting 9+ hours on a cold, metal chair. But I'm feeling better again today after a nice warm bath and some stretching last night.

17 comments:

Catherine said...

Good news on the x-ray. Glad to hear you're making progress. Pac Rim sounds like fun. It's so great that you were able to volunteer to be a lap counter. I know the runners must really appreciate it.

Unknown said...

Thanks for being out there, Sarah! It was great having you as the lap counter even though I wasn't knocking them out like I had hoped. I called it a day shortly after you left :(

Anonymous said...

glad for the update on your injury!

sounds like a fun day :)

Joe said...

Great job as a volunteer, Sarah...what a huge help that must have been. Lap after lap...great service.

Glad it's not a stress fracture...hope you see some progress soon!!

Rick Gaston said...

I'm sure the runners appreciate the hard work volunteering. Good luck on the stubborn injury, thank goodness its not a stress fracture.

Olga said...

Sorry I missed you, and congrats to Marc!

Bob - BlogMYruns.com said...

Good Job Sarah on ur volunteer efforts....sounded like a fun day.

Heal up well and glad it's not a stress fracture...be patient :-)

Backofpack said...

Sarah,
You are the best - and we loved hearing your little guy shout out our numbers. He really seemed to enjoy the day. It was so good to come in to a familiar face and smile every mile. I missed you after you were gone, though the woman who took over called us by name and cheered every time she saw us come through. It was also fun running with Marc a few times! Thanks for volunteering and sharing our day!

Anonymous said...

Thanks for being there and putting in so many hours. The little guy was keeping my spirits up with his "two eighty free" announcements.

JR

seagull junker said...

thanks for being there. fred needed help this year. that was the least amount of volunteers he has ever had. thanks! get well dang it!!!

Gail said...

Sarah, thanks so much for all your hard work at the race! And please also tell your cute son we said 'Thanks!' :)

Journey to a Centum said...

You rock for being a volunteer! I'll bet it was confusing the first few miles with hordes of runners jamming through the count tent.

Congratulations to Marc on his 40 mile effort!

Trail Scat

Darrell said...

Counting laps; what a cool way to stay connected.

Good news about the injury.

Steve Walters said...

Great to see you. Thanks for helping out! Tim Lawson dropped at 63 (stomach problems). I finished with 107 miles (more then I could have expected). Just thought you like to know.

Bret said...

Sarah, I echo everyone else's comments. Thanks so much. what you did is hard work. But when you are injured it is a great way to stay a part of an awesome group of people. Marc the non runner did a great job.

Adelyn said...

Sounds like the whole family had a good time out at the race :)

Glad to hear it isn't a stress fracture. Hopefully answers and healing will be on the way soon!

Sarah Elaine said...

Glad to hear it's not a stress fracture.

I bet all your running buddies where glad to have you there!