Ridgcrest 08

Ridgcrest is such a fun race. a great place to see your friends. they do a great job here. Terry and her crew, Eric, Jo, Randy, Chris and so many others, thank you so much!

the start was not as cold as predicted, but the day would go through many changes. wake up George, it's almost time to start.

George with Marie and Andy Boyd hamming it up before the race. this was Andy's first race back in years due to injury. so glad to see him back!

someone wishing me good luck! thanks Elana!

one of the truly amazing things about this sport is the people that you meet along the way. even if you just become friends for a mere 5 miles or for life, there is always something amazing to be found out on the trails. this man i met had recently gone through two brain surgery's. simply amazing. i really enjoyed out chat. thanks Dave.

i think this is called the High Point aid station. all the aid stations were awesome! this one was all decorated for Christmas. mile 22'ish or something.

my friend Chris. always a joy. he makes a great Santa, no?
thanks for the camera case during the rain Chris.

wow, i have a fan~

here i am finishing with my friend Mark. i made him run the last bit with me. i am a strong believer in sharing the pain. he had already finished and was all clean and dressed.
my time was 7:00 with a lot of pain but pure joy!

at the finish with Jacki Gallagher and Marie Boyd.

the little gorgeous engine that could. here is Pat DeVita powering her way into a fantastic finish. she chicked George! :) way to go Pat!

oh look, George has fans too.

way to go George and Vicki! you are both two stubborn runners. way to bring it in and so glad that you enjoyed the day together. days like this with friends are what keeps it real. great job!

giving George his finishers medal! notice the beautiful jacket that i am wearing.... well it belongs to George. this is his 10 year finishers jacket. he has run this race 10 times. George, your jacket is gorgeous and thanks for not getting mad at me for taking it and waring it first. i got really cold waiting for you to come in. : )

it was a great day. i missed my running buddy though. hurry up and get better.... would ya!

we ended the day with this fantastic treat. this rainbow appeared back at Jo and Erics. we watched as it shot up straight into the sky on it's way to completing it's arch.

Thank you Eric and Jo for your hospitality. so fun to see you and i will most certainly be out to train with you soon. and Gary, i mean Randy, thanks for the best hot chocolate ever and the shirts! Andy and Mark, thanks for coming to dinner with us. i had a really great weekend!
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