Hope Rains Late Report

I know it's late, but it's a shame to let these pictures gather cyber-dust, so why not dust them off and put them here? What seems like 441 hours ago, a buncha RunnersWorld runners ran some dirt at the Hope Rains 5K. This was the 3rd year for this short trail race, which utilized Holland Ha;;'s cross-country course. This was a beautiful conglomeration of trails, complete with hills, roots, some flat areas, lots of trees, and a couple of wooden bridges.Runners came out of the woodwork to do this race. I had not seen Candice racing in a couple of years, or so it seemed. Susan was also all geared up to run, having just squeaked in under the wire, and assuming a secret identity. Jason has his game face on, but the camera cut some of it off.

This race really does it right. They erected these giant air-filled slides and Jupiter-Jumps.If only I were a kid!!!

Dr. Z was one of the sponsors and had his torture tables massage tables set up for business to anyone with an ache or pain.

More friendly faces I do not get to see enough. Cindy was making this her comeback race of sorts. Her Dr. said she could walk as she was getting over an injury. So, Cindy decided to POWER WALK this trail 5K. Sounds like something I'd do!Linda and Teresa are all smiles, but it could be because of the fact that Outback was providing the post-race food!!!

Some of the Elites. Brandon and Cameron prepare to dust the competition. They dusted their Dad for sure!!

There's a story in this picture.First, it is cool to see Deon racing, and especially on dirt. (And in dirt on foot instead of a motorcycle.) But the amazing thing is his girlfriend Karen. This is her first time to run on trails, and she is racing! Her eyes are closed--tightly! She's thinking Please let this just be a dream!! (She did great, did not finish last, and Deon was not banished to the doghouse.


There were hills to climb.And some nice flat sections.And my most favorite wood bridge ever!

Once I finished my race, I assumed the photographer role.Lisa come trotting in just barely behind me.

Linda races to the finish, and looks like she had a fun time.

Go Bobby!! You need more trails and less pavement, brother!

Little Miss Devious sneers at the camera. Arena is in her happy place, having figured the trail running thing out. You might outrun her, but you probably can't outlast her.

Cindy placed in her age group last year, and would have won 1st racewalker, if they had a racewalking division.

See, as long as Deon does not push her down to beat her across the finish line, he'll be just fine.

Candice WINS her age group!! First race back from a long time off, and takes home the hardware....well, in this race, it was a cupcake. Better than a little old medal any day! Candice also pulled off a rare feat, in which she won a in a race where she also threw up. I don't think she'll be upset about this news being broadcast. That's the real sign of a diehard trailrunner....one who can deal with adversity during a race and push through it. Talking about pushing through a boundary....oops, that's another blog!

Here is the list of cupcake eaters and where they placed in their age groups to earn that right.
Cameron Plate------1st in age group
Brandon Plate------3rd in age group
Jason McGinnis-----3rd in age group
Kathy Hoover-------1st in age group
Linda Jaramillo----3rd in age group
Kathy Hoover--1st in # cupcakes ate