It was the 30somethingish running of the Tulsa Run, Tulsa's biggest race and one of the oldest runs in the state. Robert Maddy, you know the crazy skinny guy at RunnersWorld, has ran every darn one of them. Ran the one back in 70s when Keds were the high-tech shoe (even before Converse burst onto the scene!) And yet, a lot of our group was running this for the first time. The above group pic will have to suffice until I kidnap Brian's new $5000 dollar camera. He owes me some pics.
He owes me a race with a PINK TUTU!! Lucky dog that he is, he squeaked out of wearing one this morning, since Lisa and Roman were gonna design an extra large extra feminine one and did not quite get it put together. GRRR!! It would seem to me that since he lost his bet fair and square, that he should have visited Fredericks of Hollywood, Christy's Toybox, Massad's, or wherever necessary to get his race outfit. Can we get a movement started to have him wear it at Route 66??
YEE HAW!!! have ya ever seen a better lookin buncha cowgirls than these???
Makes me wanna go out and rustle some cattle just so they could arrest me.
No, I said RUSTLE, not RUSSELL. Russell got all excited there.
It was a little chilly before the race, an occasional north breeze and temps in the low 40s. Terry and Becky are relaxed and ready for their first 15K. Sandra has her game face on, and her minute beeper strapped on.
Excitement was in the air. 
Joye and Bette can hardly contain themselves....or maybe they are signaling for touchdowns?
Hayley and Meg hanging out before the race. You might want to hit Hayley up for an autograph....she is a college superstar now.
Wonder Woman made an appearance. Cassy, I always KNEW she was you!!
And, the Easter Bunny also made an appearance!!
Coach Kathy looks beautiful as the Queen of Hearts. WOW!!
Roman ran as the White Rabbit from Alice in Wonderland.
Truly a great costume!
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From the Best Movie in the History of Motion Pictures, (as voted by TZ) "Who Framed Roger Rabbit"....
Jason and Lisa did a superb job portraying Roger and Jessica Rabbit.
Not sure what Rabbit Sloan was supposed to be, but I am thinking Elmer Fudd would need to be berwy careful hunting this wabbit!!
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By the way....did I mention there was a race this morning? Soon enough 9:00 am rolled around and the gun sounded, and the massive crowd ever so slowly began to move . (Thank God for chip timing, at least for this race.)
Had to snap a pic of Jack Wing...the MOUTH of the Tulsa Run.
Down Boulder, east on 15th/Cherry Street up the long hill, then a half mile down Utica, and back west on 21st Street where there were a couple of hills that I was not thinking about. That's ok....hills are our friends, right? Then it was around the clover leaf over the Arkansas River. I love it when we get to run on that loop.
It's a banked turn (like I really NEED a banked turn!) I stopped very briefly for another pic or two.
My right arm and shoulder were very sore after the run, and I could not figure out why, until posting this pic. I had a flu shot yesterday. (The round building that looks like a hypodermic needle...)
The RW entourage at approx mile 5. Sweethearts Roger and Jessica are tucked in behind the photo-bombers.
Sweethearts Charlie and Robin enjoying a good runner's buzz after their run.
This is a busy quartet of runners. There are BOMB members, Chain Gang members, a couple of members of the Slow Trotters, and they all enjoyed a nice little 15K run.
MVPs of the Tulsa Run: Candice and Nate, who followed us around on the course and cheered us on! Thank you!!!!
The next nine pictures were taken by Cheryl. She evidently has an awesome camera, or at least skills surpassing mine. 
Bobby and Todd race to the finish line.
The rabbit pack finishes their 15K. 
The saying "Quick like a bunny" does not apply to them today.
I am sure there will be more pics tossed around on Facebook in the coming days, so check back and I'll post 'em when I get them.
When: Saturday, October 31, 2009 8:30 AM-11:30 AM. Central Standard Time
Where: 3rd & Boulder (Downtown Tulsa)
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That’s right – it’s finally here – Tulsa's B-I-G, Annual, very own, highly anticipated, heavily tread (sorry Brian, but stay at it and the weight will eventually come off), and anti climactic Tulsa Run. 2009 marks the 32nd running, which has amazingly been strung together back to back in consecutive and accumulative order (you know, started with #1 – sometimes referred to as the inaugural, but sometimes not if no one thinks of it, then #2, then a bunch more with no repeats unless there was an error in counting – oh, where was I, yeah then #3, etc., and then PRESTO – now). To put it in perspective, if the Tulsa Run were only held on February 29th, then this would be very confusing since it wouldn’t be run again until 2012, but there would roughly be a lot fewer runs to keep track of.
A lot of folks and folkettes have trained very hard this Summer and Fall to get ready for the TR, especially those from Camp Runners World, led by the illuminating Coach K, who inspires us weekly with quips such as “Do what I say, not what I do”. Ah, such inspiration … And when you mix in the Magellanesque trail blazing/marking talents of Tatur Dave and the photogratizing ingenuity of the renowned flank sweeper, Trail Zombie (old Arapaho tribal name meaning “he who leads from the rear but who would be in the front if everyone suddenly did a 180”), it’s a 1-2-3 combination that just can’t be beat, regardless how much “Pretty Boy” Brian tries.
So, enough of the build-up – I say “Bring it”, as in lace it up tite, lift them puppies up, put them down, and repeat a bunch of times. A word of caution is in order as this year’s Halloween run forecast calls for a trace of creepiness, a 30-50% chance of scare-ding-lings, with potentials of developing punkin' hallowness as the day grows longer. There are even hints of possibly sighting those horrified beings who return from the dead, who won’t lie quietly, that keep coming back, you know the ones that aren’t really fast but are relentless in their pursuit – oh heck, what are they called – Hombies? Zonkers? (Thank goodness I've never seen one close up, and remember that they are afraid of being on the flash side of a camera lens.) Whatever – just be advised to not stay out on the course too long and whatever you do, don’t drift off alone, or with "BOR" (secret code name - read it right to left).
This goes without saying, but it’s nearly impossible to imagine that anyone would miss this event – not since the tragedy of ’94 still fresh on everyone’s mind. Legend has it that in ’94 there was a breakout of rogue runners who turned their backs on the TR and ventured north to New York City for reasons too silly to comprehend. All I know is that that group was forever branded as a bunch of lame @#$es. Like New York City could ever compete with “The 918”! Such lightening could never strike twice.
For “the runner formerly known as Rob”, you better come to the TR prepared to be distracted – to the tune of several thousand times. So, go ahead and get your rack out, up the track, rack it up, or whatever delirious saying you have, polish up those high kickin’ side steppin’ strides, and be prepared to have a great time. And whatever you do, remember to forget your watch. Most importantly, as always, be sure to have one for me.
What’s so great about the TR? Well, it begins and ends in the mountainous rarified air of Boulder and Denver. It provides the opportunity to get your fresh vegetable shopping in at Cherry Street, and to get a physical and heart palpitations as you detour through St. John’s Emergency Treatment Center, do a little luxury shopping in Utica Square (might consider layaway so you don't get weighted down), cruise on past the pictoral country setting of Woodward Park, and take the 21st Street high velocity banked NASCAR turn onto Riverside Drive (NOTE TO Rob-SELF: Miss this turn and you’re either joining the Rowing Club or crossed over to the scary west side.) pointing South toward Downtown. Oh, big mistake, that’s not DT, it's the ORU Tower, so better turn around near the spankin’ new 41st Street Quick Trip Park (hey kids, stay out of those fountains!), and head back to the other South (that would be North to you city folks), and before you know it, arrive at the big gleaming stainless BOK Arena (remember that it wasn't advertised to be streakless or mildewless, so don't be critical - and you have to admit that it is kind of round) . Mix in a few hills here and there, avoid the potholes, and remember to go around and not through the barricades, and call it a great day.
NOTICE: The Tulsa Run will NOT be starting from Veteran’s Park. If you go there anyway, then you’re a big cheater, who won’t win the TR cause your chip will have never started timing – so there.
NOTICE # Dos: Not a good weekend to sneak in an extra cartoon and plan on showing up in the nick of time (as some of you have seemed to develop a nasty habbit of doing). Remember, the TR waits for no man or manette, plus RW picture assembly is scheduled for 8:30 AM – not as in ‘ish.
See you in Rehab –
Larr-Am-Y
As promised, we got to sleep in an extra hour yesterday morning before our Saturday long run. 6:45, while still a little uncivilized, did not require quite as much eye rubbing. In fact, one the first batch of eye crispies were wiped away, I seemed fairly alert!
We had a good turnout and it seemed like everyone and their dog was huddled around the old street corner awaiting directions.
It seemed like a maze, the course as it was described. Tatur Dave said it was really easy, but after 4 minutes of describing the turn-by-turn route, it seemed best to just follow the peeps ahead of you and at least we'd all be going to the same place, wherever that was.
The route took us north on the trail (Midland Valley Trail?) to 3rd Street, then a jog west to Greenwood, and then under 244 towards the OSU/Tulsa campus. It actually turned out to be a great route, and even the mile or so north of 244 was a treat.
A view of downtown Tulsa that not many have seen.
Graffiti is not always a bad thing.
We ran back through the OSU campus, a beautiful facility, but the camera guy was having some technical difficulties during this stretch and did not take nay pictures. Another run another day perhaps.
Approaching downtown. Big buildings against a big sky.
Welcome
to the
Center
of the
Universe.
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I love all types of running. Running in big races, running all alone on trails. Running all alone through the heart of downtown on a quiet Saturday morning is a treat. This time next Saturday though, it will be anything but quiet. Thousands will be pounding the pavement at the Tulsa Run.
The first 8-mile loop done....time for a pit stop....eat a little, rehydrate....make some shoe changes....and then it's another 8 miles.
Oktoberfest was gearing up right across the river. Could not have been a better day for a run. And then some German sausage and beer. YUM!
Finally, a huge congratulations to Sandra. Sandra started early this morning at 5:30, an 6 miles, and then did the 16 with the group for her first 22 mile long run.
This is all to get ready for her first marathon in Greece in just two weeks. I know she'll do just fine. Probably even get the bug and do another and another. End up a Marathon Maniac....she's already a Half Fanatic! Awesome job, Sandra. You now can take it easy for a couple of weeks. Welcome to your taper!
When: Saturday, October 24, 2009 6:45 AM-9:30 AM. Central Standard Time
Where: Veteran's Park (21st & Boulder)
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So Larry, just wondering how that RW Blog gig is working out for you?
Well, you know that feeling you get when you’re in a crowded room, screaming at the top of your lungs to be heard over all the background noise, and then suddenly it gets totally quiet, yet you’re still screaming? And then you suddenly feel naked and totally exposed, and you instantly go from being totally ignored to a focus of head shaking disbelief?
It’s all summed up in a simple phrase that the owner of these ears has received time and time again: “Dude, it sucks to be you”.
Remember when I’ve never been known to exaggerate or attempt to flesh out a story out of the slightest remnants of a misheard event? Well, it’s absolutely certain that this either is or isn’t one of those times. I’ve always vowed to spew the truth as I’ve chosen to remember it.
So, speaking of running, we begin this Saturday’s run at our regular place, Veteran’s Park, but at a NEW TIME: 6:45 AM (not 5:45 AM). After several months of holding the earlier start time, the RW brain trust (AKA Brian) suddenly realized that 5:45 AM is really, really early – as in too early – to succumb to this running obsession. Secondly, because we have been starting our runs in total darkness the last few weeks, I’ve personally sensed the feelings of desperation from a co-runner at first light, who realizes that they have been running and sharing their personal experiences with a complete stranger for the past three miles – yeah, I could have said something earlier, but just think what I would have missed hearing (always need fresh dirt blog material). But mostly, with Daylight Savings Time just a couple of weeks away, and with Coach K never being one to miss a promotion opportunity, we can proudly state that RW Runners are first out of the gate, and even quicker than the seasons.
There’s also the slightest of possibilities that the overlap of Oktoberfest, not to be confused with the hangover of Oktoberfest, with this weekend’s 16 mile training run could benefit dual function attendees with a one hour delayed start on Saturday morn. 
Although I can’t imagine that any of the RW group would be so bold and foolish as to risk an entire summer’s body of training work by going to and embracing the decadent spirits of Oktoberfest the day before a training run, the delayed start time could be a blessing in disguise. If you do attend, please do the sensible thing and appoint one person from your group to be the designated runner.
Once again, this week’s training run will NOT BE initiating from the Oktoberfest central keg. If you happen to wake up Saturday morning and find yourself there, then one suggestion would be to throw yourself into the Arkansas River and stay there until some sense of soberness returns. Also, make sure you have “friends” around who will promise to capture this golden moment via pictures.
A word of caution about this week’s run route: It seems that some of the surrounding neighborhood watch groups have become extremely nervous and frightened upon hearing reports that small bands of nomadic trail pounders have made plans to invade their homelands this Saturday. Although I feel that our reputations of recklessness have been greatly exaggerated, we must recognize that perception is reality in the eye of the beholder. 
With everyone’s commitment, we can vow to come and leave in peace, and hopefully over time help to break down those barriers of fear – at least until the residents get to know us better.
Also, as an extra measure of safety, this week's route has been personally de-serpentized by RW's very own crime fighting duo of Trail Zombie (Ken) and Tatur Dave - the power's in the Chalk!
See you close to first light – say 6:45 AM – ish.
Larry
Makes me wanna go out and rustle some cattle just so they could arrest me.
No, I said RUSTLE, not RUSSELL. Russell got all excited there.
It was a little chilly before the race, an occasional north breeze and temps in the low 40s. Terry and Becky are relaxed and ready for their first 15K. Sandra has her game face on, and her minute beeper strapped on.
Joye and Bette can hardly contain themselves....or maybe they are signaling for touchdowns?
Hayley and Meg hanging out before the race. You might want to hit Hayley up for an autograph....she is a college superstar now.
Wonder Woman made an appearance. Cassy, I always KNEW she was you!!
And, the Easter Bunny also made an appearance!!
Coach Kathy looks beautiful as the Queen of Hearts. WOW!!
Jason and Lisa did a superb job portraying Roger and Jessica Rabbit.
Had to snap a pic of Jack Wing...the MOUTH of the Tulsa Run.
It's a banked turn (like I really NEED a banked turn!) I stopped very briefly for another pic or two.
My right arm and shoulder were very sore after the run, and I could not figure out why, until posting this pic. I had a flu shot yesterday. (The round building that looks like a hypodermic needle...)
The RW entourage at approx mile 5. Sweethearts Roger and Jessica are tucked in behind the photo-bombers.
Sweethearts Charlie and Robin enjoying a good runner's buzz after their run.
This is a busy quartet of runners. There are BOMB members, Chain Gang members, a couple of members of the Slow Trotters, and they all enjoyed a nice little 15K run.
MVPs of the Tulsa Run: Candice and Nate, who followed us around on the course and cheered us on! Thank you!!!!
Bobby and Todd race to the finish line.
The saying "Quick like a bunny" does not apply to them today.
