First I can report - no major accidents resulting in the use of crutches, tensor bandages, slings or canes befell me during the 24 hour period. However, I did have a slight eye injury when I hit myself in the face with my own water bottle. Not quite sure how that happened but it was early on and most likely I was just excited at the prospect of a turn around the 4 KM field.
It started out a cold and chilly day with a lower than expected turnout on the field. I think most people were huddled around their campfires trying to stay warm until it was their turn to take to the track. We had a fabulous team captain who would run each team member, with our team flag around the lap of the course and out the stadium gates. He would then pick you up on the other side so you could make your entrance to great fanfare.
The track consisted of one lap around Swaanguard stadium and then up and out the gate to run a complete circuit around Central park and back to the stadium. I was looking forward to my brisk 'walk'. We were actually about 30 minutes ahead of schedule when it came to my turn but I told them not to worry as I would slow it down for us and get us back on track. That was my intention. How was I supposed to know there would be kids lined up along the way cheering me on and offering me words of encouragement and water (one young kid was so enthusiastic that when I refused water, he ran after me saying I had to take it). When I saw what was happening with the cheer squad, I had no choice but to pick up the pace. You can't very well cheer on someone walking. I also had no idea, when I went back to walking when I was out of every one's line of sight, that I would then come upon a group of soldiers also cheering on the runners. Well, you must know what I had to do. I perked the girls up high in front, squeezed the butt cheeks in and winked as I calmly jogged up beside them. One even fell into step with me for a hundred yards or so. Let me tell you, that damn near killed me.
While my plan of walking the 4KM didn't quite pan out, I was pretty proud of myself. I did the circuit of walk/run in 22 minutes. As I came up the hill into the stadium I was looking forward to my turn to be run in to the cheers of the fans with my team flag flying high beside me. No one was there. Literally, my team had disappeared to the tent. I was the only one cheering me on. I must say, I felt a little let down.
When I arrived at the tent, they were all sitting there eating hot dogs and surprised to see me. They all figured I would be at least 40 minutes. There was nothing I could do but scarf down three wieners and a bottle of water.
It was quite the day. I ended up doing another circuit at about 9pm that night - much slower as the soldiers were now gone. I listened to some incredible live music throughout the day, enjoyed the beer garden, boccie ball and meeting a wide variety of new people. I had such a great time and readily committed to doing it again next year. That is until I tried to get out of bed the next morning. Oy Vey! I was a hurtin girl Sunday and Monday. The "lotsa fat carbs" didn't seem to help at all.
As for the cutey on my team, he did seem receptive to my outfit, hair, makeup, earrings, perfume, sneakers and bra. However, turns out he had a wedding to attend and had to leave early. Oh well. I did find out he is neither married or gay (asked his friend for confirmation - felt very high school).
I have included a picture of part of my team - Heather, Nancy and I.This is after my non-entrance back to the field, And of me and Nancy prior to my first turn. This is after my non-entrance back to the field,
Stay tuned - it seems I am going zip lining at Grouse this weekend.
Yay! I'm so proud of you Holly! ;)
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