June 10, 2007
We drove up to Big Bear Lake on Friday after work which is about an hour drive and stayed at a friends cabin. This gave us a day to relax and get acclimated to the elevation.
With a couple serene mountain air nights, we were ready for a fun and hot 33 mile run.
When we arrived at the start we exchanged BIG HUGS with friends in the ultra world:
Andy Kumada, Kabor, Michelle Barton ,Xy Wiess, Jorge & Maria, Charlie, Fred, Carmela, Ben, Kirk, George and many others. It always feels like a family reunion at these ultra races . We love it.
Still a chill in the morning mountain air, we approached the registration desk. A volunteer/ultra friend Mike "aka" Mad Dog ran from behind the table and handed us our race packet.
Yeah! another happy face to see at the race.
Minutes had past when the race directors shouted out " the race will start in 20 minutes, but I have a few words". These words informed us of love ones who battle various cancer diseases and if we would pray for them during eating one of her 2000 homemade cookies placed at the aid stations. Another was to wish happy anniversary to the first aid station helpers.
Ultra runners are a big family.
The race started in stages with minutes apart. We were all soon on the trails first view overlooking Big Bear Lake. Wow! What a view. That view soon changed to dusty and rocky PCT trail sections. As always we started together but got separated at about mile 9 when Marc had to make a stop for number 2 (if you what I mean) , I met up with George and we ran aside for a few miles. The miles were passing quickly, as the trail was not new to me. At the next AID station George and I parted. The temps was rising We loved that too!
Runners and volunteers were cheering and encouraging us from the start to finish which always makes a great race. Our 2 nd year in running this race, we've experienced some of the kindest , helpful and supportive volunteer's out on the trails. We got to meet new race friends.
We will definitely run this one again.
Tanya
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