Thursday, August 23, 2007

The Weekend Ahead

Plans and themes are coming together for the weekend. Sonya and I will be Eric's crew, Steve will be his pacer. Steve will be hanging out, sharing the crewing duties until it's time to pace. This will be my third year crewing at CCC, but first year for Eric. I crewed for Rob the last two years, so I'm familiar with the course and the aid stations. I've driven huge parts of it alone, but most of the night parts with George or Olga the first year, and with Sonya and George last year. Given my stellar navigating skills, it's always an adventure.

Eric and I have worked on the crew plan and since I have Fridays off this summer, I'll hit the store tomorrow to stock up on food for the weekend. Then I'll come home and make two carrot cakes (as requested by Rob) for the Hyak aid station. These are incredibly dense and rich cakes and personally, I can't imagine eating them on a run, but Rob and Eric assure me they'll be a hit. I have my doubts...but if the runners don't eat them, the aid station volunteers will.

And speaking of the aid station - it's the Y Run Club aid station at Hyak, mile 54. It is going to be spectacular - trailers, campers and tents, which means hot food for the runners. In addition to the food the RD is supplying all the Y runners are cooking stuff too. I won't spill the beans about the theme, because I'm not sure if it's a surprise. Either way, I'm betting it'll be the best station on the course! Rob is in charge of pulling it all together, then when he goes to pace Olga, George will take over. Most of the Y runners are camping out after the station closes at 3 am, then plan to run a bit on the Iron Horse Trail in the morning. I'm a little sad to be missing that run, but will still be crewing when they go out. I hope they get to stick around till Eric comes in!

Based on past experience I can expect a couple half-hour catnaps during the night, lots of scary driving on gravel roads with long drops on one side and mountain on the other, peeing in the woods, hysterical laughter and a trashed car. What could be more fun?

18 comments:

Unknown said...

It is going to be a great weekend. I can't wait to eat all the carrot cake. I mean...I'm sure the runners will love the carrot cake.

Sarah said...

It does sound like fun! Everyone is going to have a great time for sure.

Wes said...

Peeing in the woods would seal it for me! Have fun and be safe...

Ryan said...

Sounds like another fantastic weekend ahead. Have fun and enjoy the experience and be safe on those back roads especially at night. Also I hope the foot recovers over the weekend and the running resumes on Tuesday...

Happy trails to you

wendy said...

Man, I'm missing out big time! I've always wanted to pee in the woods. ;-)

It sounds like a lot of fun! I can't wait to hear about Eric's 100, and of course, your version from the crew perspective.

Have a great time, we'll miss you 'round here!

Ms Eva said...

peeing in the woods... always fun :)

Jack said...

Yup, what could be more fund!

Legs and Wings said...

Good times! An another awesome time for you guys. Take care of your foot - we need you back out there on the road.

Have a great weekend.

JustRun said...

Sounds great to me! Good luck to your runners! Have fun!

Scott McMurtrey said...

sounds like a great weekend. rest that foot. :)

great luck to eric!

runliarun said...

What a neat adventure. I'll be thinking of you.

Joe said...

Huge fun...do drive carefully on those mountain roads!! I guess carrot cake will aid the eyesight, right??

Mama said...

I'm making brownies now. I can't figure out what extra something to put in them though. Hmmm.....
Have a great time crewing.
Be Free,
Lorri

psbowe said...

Enjoy your weekend of endless fun. Just don't get out of control with your fun...especially when you're talking about huge drop-offs.

Jenny, Maniac #401 said...

It'll be great. Can't wait to see you at the aid station! It'll be groovy.
Jenny

Anonymous said...

Hope you are having fun and that the carrot cakes are a hit - YUM

Jenniferlyn said...

Have a blast this weekend! Wathc out for the poison ivy leaves when you pee. ;)

Randy - Maniac #788 said...

Michelle - hope your weekend of crewing went well...it certainly sounds exciting.

This is the weekend that we have an Oklahoma relay team out in your neighborhood on a relay from Mt. Something to the Coast, is it Ranier? I can't remember.

This was also the weekend of our 20 mile long run. We got it done yesterday in just under 5 hours. I've got a bit of a report on it on my blog....

Hope your injury heals well and that you are ready to go again by Tuesday.