Big Cat Challenge, last race of 2008

meet my friend Laura. we have been friends for two weeks. we met at Twin Peaks where we shared many fun and freezing miles together. unfortunately, the weather turned so bad that neither of us were able to finish the 50 mile race and we ended up with a disappointing 44 miles but our cohort Greg was able to complete the long 50 mile course. so not to be out done by Greg, Laura and i signed up to run the Big Cat Challenge. 12 hours of running. our goal, 50 miles of course.

Leigh and Laura together again for a do over.

Laura's husband Tim came out to wish her well and send her on her way. as soon as he left, we got the party started. (shhhhhh)

now this is interesting. looks like a man running with a dog, right???? wrong, this is first place superstar and Big Cat course record holder Rob Cownan running with his dog Brandi. he registered Brandi for this race bib number and all. Brandi the Wonder Dog ran the marathon and qualified for Boston. hmmm, i tried that a time or two.

here is Laura as she visits her favorite tree. we had to stop here every two miles, i kid you not. this tree has been watered so often it will either die or in the merry month of May it will bloom the most beautiful Laura flowers.....

here we are with George. we are finalizing our race plan. how to run one more mile then George.

George and I enjoying a moment on the course together.

Laura and I are cranking out the miles together. and enjoying every one of them.... isn't that right Laura???

here is Eric and Lorraine blasting past us. i think Lorraine is Laura's secret idol. Lorraine runs in her Crocs and she wins too. Laura thought that she could run as well as Lorraine too if she tried running in her Crocs.

Laura runs in Crocs too. Laura and Lorain are the un-official Croc running team. powered by hot women!

we stopped to have our picture taken with our friend. shame we never named him. we ran by and over this guy 25 times and a few more....

Laura keepin it real as she powers her way to her first 50 mile finish...

my partner Dana brought El Pollo Loco for lunch. Laura, George and I enjoyed our late lunch and each of us were able to put in a mile with Dana. he should have brought his running clothes...

remember, we stopped here every two miles. i just wanted to make sure that you didn't forget. does the tree look like it has grown at all?

on our last two mile loop we picked up the most awesome pacer. Rock Star Keira. while chell'b was pacing Rob we had a fun time finishing up with Keira, blue jeans and all. Laura is now a Rock Star also. here we are completing the 50 miles. Laura wanted to go sub 11 hours which we did with ease.

Laura is a champion!
Laura, i had a blast hanging with you all day. you inspire and you are a very special person, thank you for sharing the miles with me. (and the tree)
i am the lucky one!!!

Tim came for Laura's finish and they left, ordered a pizza and ate it in the car on the way home.

i went back out on the course to complete the whole 12 hours. George could not find his flashlight so i walked four more miles with him using mine. he was so kind to let me run just one more mile then him..... ha!