The coldest game on earth

Last Saturday the RW gang came out for the usual AM run dressed like they were on the way to a strip poker game. Layers layers, and more layers. and in fact, a poker game WAS on tap for the day--the bi-annual Poker Run. This is a fund raiser to fund all the snacks and Gatorade provided by RunnersWorld on our Saturday runs. The bad thing is, our string of warm days had expired, and Saturday was the coldest day of winter--so far!Roman knows how to stay warm. Heater on full blast, double gloves, hand and foot warmers, and an Amish space heater to boot! He looks warm and toasty.
Huge thanks to the volunteers who stood out and froze while getting people signed in, helping with awarding the winnings after the run, and also those on the course dealing cards.
Ray is working on assembling his poker team, and also keeping his nose warm.
Brian brought his Star Trek hat out of the closet.
Coach Kathy explains the rules of poker. 5 card stud--not Go Fish!!!
One of the most inspirational shirts ever. I can think of no better reason to run. (Well, that's a good one at least!)
Have to admit, since I was absent from the run, I do not know the story of Sherry. Anyone?
Robert cruising to the finish--about mile three in his run.
A mob of poker players approach the pedestrian bridge. Cards in hand--wonder if there's an ace up their sleeves?
Mitch and Kathy--dealers? Better not deal from the bottom of the deck!!
Here's a shady dealer. Roman passes out the two of clubs.
Misty and Darcy talk about the odds of drawing into an inside straight.
Read her face--Venus has a good hand.
Susan and Laurie scheming. Which one has the winning hand??

Special thanks to Susan Westmoreland, who took every one of these awesome pictures, and allowed me to snatch them from Facebook. Seems the usual photographer stayed at home snuggling under the covers nursing a sore knee.

RW Run on Saturday

Hordes of RW runners stormed the west banks of the lazy Arkansas Saturday for our long run. Could not have been a better day for it, as we are experiencing an unusually mild winter.Kathy gives out the 300+ runners their marching orders just before we all take off. Some were doing 10, and some 14, and some 5. The loop was much like one of our routes ran earlier, headquartered from across the river. Crossing the pedestrian bridge, we headed north on the Midland Valley Trail.
The paparazzi turned to snap a couple of pictures while jogging backwards--that proved to be a bad idea. After a fall, tumble, and quick pop-up, nothing was harmed but his pride--well, and the dozen goat-head stickers on his leg and butt.
Heading north--two miles down and three to go!!
Robert jogs along at mile three--looking good!! From all I've heard, it was a stellar day for everyone!!

Here and there

Saturday was goodbye. Goodbye for now to narrow sidewalks along Yale Avenue.

Goodbye to missed turns (my fault) that put us on 11th Street.
And goodbye to an old friend--the black locomotive at the fairgrounds. We'll be moving this Saturday to the westside. North of 21st street on Jackson. For the avid road bikers, it's practically where the Wednesday Night Ride meets. For fans of German beer, it's where Octoberfest is. For the skullies, it's where the boathouse is. For everyone else, it's right by where the Race Into the New Year was this year. (And the Polar Bear Plunge.) If you find your way by any of these hints, you'll be close.

Weeknight runs have just been fantastic. We just have not had any super-nasty weather. It's been so nice, we have had to resort to complaining about days in the mid 40s. Heck, even 32° is not htat bad once you get running!! For those so inclined, bring a camera. A good sunset pic is almost a certainty along Riverside Drive.

I had the pleasure of running with Sandra last Monday. She is training for her 2nd half marathon, and has her training dialed in. She can keep a chat going with the best of them too. Get to know her--she's a fun person!!

PS. Hi, Kathy and Troy!!

Another routine Thursday???

It was an odd night at RunnersWorld Thursday. Something was different--it was hard to put your finger on it.A good crowd showed up to run--like most every other weeknight run. Most of the regulars were there. Spirits were high, and a buzz was in the air, but it could have been the uncommonly good weather that is actually more commonplace of late.
I asked Edward what was new. Nothing. Nothing out of the ordinary for him, anyway.
I stepped back and surveyed the room, pouring over what was different. Then it hit me. Everyone was wearing PINK!?!?! WHY???


Then Kathy made the announcement.

RunnersWorld is promoting a new 5K called Run Tulsa Pink to bebefit the Turn Tulsa Pink organization.

Founded by Judi Grove, Turn Tulsa Pink is a focused act of awareness, kindness, and love to women and children who have been affected by any kind of cancer.

This is an awesome cause and is supported by people who have a heartfelt desire to pay it forward with kindness to people who are hurting and in need.

This short video describes the mission statement of these kind and giving people. It is worth a watch.

Watch for details about this upcoming 5k--a fun race for a great cause.

Bling, Fanatic status, and a poker game gone bad.

Congratulations to Jeff and Mary for being just plain GOOFY last weekend. They both joined the ranks of those brave enough to run a half marathon in Disney, sleep, and then run a full marathon the next day.Just look at that BLING!!

Amanda earner Half Fanatic status after finishing yet another half marathon in Disney.More moons to come?

Monday night the store was jam-packed, and after the full and halfers left, and the C25K and walkers left, Brian and I had a poker game and I was losing BAD! With a full house, I felt confident and went "all in." But Brian pulled out four kings and I lost everyone's car keys. Sorry.

That's just Goofy!

A couple of runners strolled into RunnersWorld Thursday night with more hardware draped around their necks than Mr T.Sandra and Pat were sporting full body bling from the Goofy Challenge--running the Disney Half Marathon, and then the Full Marathon the next day. But wait!! There's more!! They also ran the 5K the day before the Half!! That's 42.4 miles of racing in 3 days. Couple that with several other days of frolicking around at Disney World, and they both probably got in 60-70 miles for the week, but who's counting? Running the Half nets a Donald Duck medal. A Mickey Medal goes to the Marathon finishers, and of course the Goofy goes to those "goofy" enough to do both. I especially like the 5K medal--as it was made of rubber!! Very cool!!

Also running the Goofy were Deborah Gulley, Christy Davis, Jeff and Mary Parker. Amanda Gulley ran the Half. I am assuming they all were still riding rides in Orlando, or on the plane home. This is an event that everyone should experience once in a lifetime. Several in our group have made the trip to Orlando, and we're just getting goofier all the time.

Welcome Back Michael!

A friend from years past rejoined the RW fold Monday night.
Welcome back a great friend, Michael Stelly!
Aka Firepants, Stelly Belly, Mob Boss, Dr. Facebook, Caliente.
(I like Firepants the best!)
Michael was a run leader a year or so ago, and is a fun guy to run with if you want the miles to seemingly pass fast.
Michael is coming off a long nagging injury, but is back ready to charge into training--5K? Half Marathon? Beyond?
Glad to have you back, Mike.

The couch to 5K runners ran the neighborhoods, and onto the river trails. Riverside beware! That sea of bobbing lights coming your way may be a hundred runners on their evening run.