Radamacher Ridge Run 10 mile
October
15, 2005
Ridgecrest, CA
by Carol Wolfe
Nearly 50 guys & gals showed up for the Radamacher Ridge Run 10 miler (or
the Wadamacher Widge Walk) which tickled me pink. It was great to see so many
show up, and I appreciated each and every one of them for coming out to partake
in this event.
We didn't keep much in the way of official timekeeping, but there were a few
notable folks I'd like to point out. Everyone did a fine job, and I wish I
could acknowledge them all, but can't.
First off, there was a fine gentleman by the name of John Bannister (last
name spelling?) who showed up for the walk. I'm totally ashamed to admit this,
but he walked the course faster than I can jog it. I hope we all strive for such
excellence when we hit our golden years. John is 69 years old and his finishing
time (remember, he walked) was 2:12. Way to go!
There were two young ladies who came up all the way from Santa Clarita - wow,
our little backyard run's getting famous! They camped out the night before in
the parking lot. Kudos to sisters Emily and Megan Hartz. I believe they ended up
doing the course twice but I'm not sure - I had to leave to take my son's friend
to the hospital. (More on that later).
Coach Barnes brought out the Cross Country Team, and, as usual, they were an
inspiration to watch. Go team! It's wonderful to see young people doing
something physically strenuous outdoors. Their motivation, tenacity, and
athletic abilities are admirable. They were polite and friendly, and I was much
impressed.
My very own David Sweitzer (I call him my very own just 'cause I work with
him) ran a respectable race and finished, with his friend Steve Ortiz, in 1 hour
18 minutes. Go David! Go Steve! There were a few fine young men who finished a
bit faster, but David hasn't run this far in a very long time, so watch out guys
- there's a new kid on the block and he's breathing down your neck!
There were some of the usual track club members - Rick, Barb, Mark, Jenny,
Don, Lisa, Sher, and others. Thanks guys for showing up - good to have you
there.
After the run, some of us sat around the table and had a fun time talking,
laughing, and enjoying some time together. We discussed everything from
do-it-yourself coffin building to flatulence on the trail to running trail
marathons in the Andes, high on cocoa leaves (hey - just because we're old
doesn't mean we don't dream big!) Who needs beer & wine when we can make
ourselves high just from being silly?!! I'm thinking next year, we need to have
a post-run tailgate party, complete with grilled burgers & all the fixings.
Now for the thanks - John, thanks for the wild ride marking the trail. Lisa
and I thought it was better than the roller coaster, and we didn't even have to
pay. (Lisa and I flung chalk out the back of John's pickup as he raced breakneck
speed over the course the day before. It was an experience I'll remember for
awhile...!) Jenny, thanks for getting the supplies to me. And thanks to
everyone who donated toward the food/drinks at the aid station and finish
line.
But mostly, thanks to my very special guys - Brian, Zachary and Thomas Wolfe
- for helping out, and manning the aid station. You guys rock.
Oh, and about the trip to the hospital - my son Thomas' friend Zack was
helping un-mark the trail, when he took a wild ride on his quad and ended up
hitting the ground at high velocity. We made a trip to the emergency room (no
broken bones, thankfully). While we were there, we heard about two different
pairs of hunters who had managed to shoot each other with shotgun pellet - two
years in a row now, the Radamacher Ridge Run has coincidentally been scheduled
for opening day of bird season.
Luckily, none of the runners or walkers were mistaken for quail and hit with
bird shot. See you next year, opening day :) |
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