AltraManiacs Assemble!
The AltraManiacs received the call from Commissioner Golden on Thursday night - there was a race that needed their help!
OK, maybe they didn't need any 'help' - the race was extremely well organized already - but they were cool enough to want a couple of superheros to join in the fun and provide a little entertainment on the course.
Drop and I showed up bright and early and ran a few laps around the grounds - nope, not to 'warm up' but rather to keep warm - it was a bit chilly out. We said hello to many FRB friends and fellow AltraManiacs, and gave a quick pat on the back to JakeK and Andrea as they were getting ready to roll - we knew we wouldn't be seeing them again for quite some time! We made a few more laps back and forth among the crowd, distributing the first of what would become thousands of high fives.
As the race began we started off quickly, with a brief stop after a couple hundred yards to say hi to Eric, who was waiting to grab some of Catherine's cold weather gear. For the next mile or so we kicked it with the 1:35 ish group trying to chat it up and get people to smile. It always amazes me how quiet it is on some of these runs - you have a couple thousand people running, and all you can really hear are the sounds of feet hitting the ground. For better or worse, it was usually a little noisier where Zero and Drop were!
Shortly after the mile marker we peeled off from that group and ran backwards on the course, giving high fives and seeing how people were doing. We'd join back up with the group when someone told us we were going the wrong way, then we'd peel off a short time later and do it all over again. We added nearly an extra mile in about the first 3 miles of the race! We were having fun and getting smiles from most people, which is what it's all about! After a few miles on the the road we crossed over and made our way to the gardens, and it was a blast. Certainly not your usual run, you're winding back and forth and up and down, through tunnels, and above waterfalls. The scenery was indeed beautiful - I may or may not have broken out into "Tip-toe through the tulips..." a time or two.
After a quick pop stop, it was on to the golf course, where we started moving our way up through the groups, chatting with people as we cruised along. Spent a few minutes with Toby and Smooth and then kicked it into a higher gear and started to run a little more earnestly. We continued spreading the AltraManiac love as we pushed towards the finish, cheering runners on as we ran. Just as you are about to turn into the final homestretch, Drop and I stopped and shook hands of the spectators along the fence, thanking them for being here. Then we ran down the chute, high fiving all of the spectators that were crowded along the side. What a cool event! Lots of people there having a good time really made it a fun atmosphere.
Afterwards was spent with more high fives, lots of pictures with other runners, and hanging with the awesome FRBers. Jake mentioned the course was like playing Mario Cart, which I thought was perfect. He also suggested Egyptian Silk for the capes - which I think we must look in to. :) The post race area was all set up with lots of food and even bounce houses and train rides for the kids - well thought out for those families waiting for runners!
I really enjoyed running this race - the combination of the course, the volunteers, runners, spectators and organization really made this a top notch event. If your coming here looking for a serious course and a fast time, you'll likely be disappointed. If you want to have a challenging but beautiful course and have a great time while you're doing it, this is a gem.
