I was able to help with some of the planning and course marking, but on race day I got to be the SWEEPER. (Sweeper = be the last one through the course, make sure everyone gets through okay, and carry out the bodies of anyone who happens to die along the way. Fortunately no body carrying for this race.)
I was also able to take some pictures along the way.
Cherie is one of my star pupils in How To Jump During A Race. Style = 10. Grace = 10. Arm Extension = 10. Catching some crazy air = 10.
My oldest offspring Jackson begged to do the race. I was a little apprehensive because I knew how challenging the course was, but he ended up doing great and had lots of fun.
The scenery along the course is amazing. The trail winds through Confluence Park and along the Virgin River.
David Holt won the race in a little over 23 minutes. Minutes! This is a 4 mile, challenging trail race. There is a tough hill toward the end. And he averaged less than six minutes per mile. Amazing. He was finishing the race by the time I even got to the trail. I got into good position to snap a picture as he neared the finish line:
The race went off without a hitch and everyone had fun. I may have had the most fun because I got to enjoy the atmosphere and the course without actually racing. I'll sign up to be sweeper anytime.
The finish line was complete with fruit, bagels, and donuts. Bonus points to any race that has donuts at the finish line. I ate so many that I had to waddle back to my car.
People are sooo stinking fast. Amazing. As is Cherie's jump. Holy cow! It rivals that of my 17 yr old volleyball playing son!
ReplyDeleteThis coming Saturday, I'm riding in Illinois's Tour de Donut (apparently one in Utah as well). The donuts aren't at the finish line, though. After each of the first two 10-mile stages of the race, you stop to eat donuts. 5 min is subtracted from your time for each donut you eat. Prizes are awarded for fastest times and fastest donut-adjusted times. Last year I ate 11 and took 2nd in my age group and 3rd female overall. And didn't eat another donut for 10 months. :)
That looks like so much fun!!
ReplyDeleteI never knew there were sweepers at races. I might want to do that sometime. Great pics! That guy that one is was FAST! Holy cow! Congrats to your kid.
ReplyDeleteglad there was no body carrying!
ReplyDeletethis race seriously looks awesome. and your son is amazing for running a tough trail race! wow!
that jumping pic = amazing. and that guy is crazy FAST.
Every pic you post on here is somewhere else even more gorgeous!!
ReplyDeleteI love the jumping pic. She's getting some serious air!
Glad you didn't have to sweep anyone. That is one of my biggest fears...being swept at a race.
That looks really great and super photos! Sweeping is fun but can be hard work for a long race. Have a good week!
ReplyDeleteThat looks like a great race! And, donuts?? Sign me up. :)
ReplyDeleteDonuts? I'm signing up next year!
ReplyDeleteHoly cow, does your friend, Cherie, have springs on her feet? I think I'd break an ankle if I tried to jump that high.
Beautiful pictures!
ReplyDeleteHow do you have the most amazing pictures?? The color is so vibrant!!! Looks like a fun race!
ReplyDeleteYou get the best shots!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteI feel like a rock star! - I made it to cory's blog twice this year. I love how you know I was gonna jump. You timed it perfectly. :) If we can't win races at least we can jump high during the race, right?
ReplyDelete