GRANITE MAN '08

Last fall, my sister Anna and I were bemoaning the fact that we felt and looked like postpartum blobs. She delivered Baby James on August 15th, with my Baby Max to follow on August 16th. Being impatient sorts, we compared stretched-out stomachs (some things are for your sister's eyes only) and pondered the possibility of returning to our former sprightly selves. After too much complaining and a few batches of her signature popcorn, we decided to quit moaning and do something about it!

In attempt to stretch ourselves a bit (okay, a lot), we decided to commit to something totally beyond our present abilities. She happened to have a pamphlet laying around advertising a mountain run scheduled for the following summer. So we figured, why not? I was under the mistaken impression at the time that it was a 10k run (6 miles), only to discover later that it wasn't a 10k, but a 10 miler (slight difference). But by then it was too late... we were officially signed up for the Granite Man!

We figured if we were going to die a slow, painful death, we may as well have company. So we invited all our friends and family who might be interested to join us. Can you believe our group totaled 13 runners in all? And there were even more counting support staff - devoted friends who were willing to wait hours just to cheer us on (thank you Cindy, Mary Sue, and Blaine). Others could only be there in spirit (click here for proof, and a good time!) We had a wonderful time, and five in our group even placed in their age group! Here are some before pictures - we were all feeling excited and optimistic.My sister Anna (the original instigator), her husband Michael, and Michael's brother David.My sister Bethany - five months pregnant with Baby Esme.My sister Liz and sister-in-law Kathryn. Aren't they beautiful?Now, this picture takes some explanation. While waiting in line with my sister for our registration packets, I saw this guy approach. My first impression was that something about him was, well... off. I couldn't put my finger on it, but he just wasn't quite right. As I was about to look away, he did this arm gesture that is unique to (dare I admit?) my DAD! I should have known something weird would happen when you put more than two members of my family together! Apparently he and Bethany (the perpetrator of all pranks) had been planning my dad's "outfit" for some time before the race, and this was his grand debut. What you can't see are the shiny black running tights with blue flames on them (thankfully covered by the matching blue running shorts). What you can see is the black hair dye amaturely applied to not only his hair, but his mustache. Thanks for the comic relief, Dad. Only you could/would pull this off!

To understand the hilariousness of my dad's outfit, you'd have had to see how serious everyone at this race was. These were big-time runners who were trying to make a good showing at this thing, and my family was all gathered around the starting line cheering (apparently not acceptable, considering the dirty looks we received.) My brother David was the first to go out from our family, and he went out with a bang - by running backwards through the starting gate, much to the delight of us, and the disgust of the rest.

The run was breathtaking beautiful, as well as breathtakingly steep the first three miles. Anna and I stayed together the whole time, and that time spent with her was one of the highlights of my summer. She kept me going with her obnoxious pranks ("Pretend I'm one of those little dogs nipping at your ankles" while barking, for example). We finished together after 2 hours 25 minutes (five minutes past our goal).With my brother Pietr, who finished first in his age group.Liz, who's five-month old baby Scarlett waited patiently for her to finish.My parents proudly finished dead last. Neither of them ran a step of the race - they strolled in leisurely more than five hours after the start. They reported that they were only in it for the scenery, and the Cheetos they'd get at the end (look closely and you'll notice my mom proudly clutching hers).My dad and our dear family friend Marlin, the only experienced runner among us. He was nice to associate with us amateurs at such a prestigious event! Notice the beautiful scenery (if you can look past the guy with the scary mustache).

At the end of the day, first place in my book goes to Bethany. I've always known she's tough, but this event proved it. She realized early the morning of the race that she'd forgotten her running shoes. A trip to Fred Meyer produced another pair, but a 10 mile trail run isn't the time to be breaking in new shoes. And don't forget that she was five months pregnant. The fact that she is also very stubborn got her through, along with the support of her concerned husband, Dave. When Bep finished, we peeled off socks and shoes stained with blood from blisters rubbed raw. She said they started within the first mile or two, but finish she must!

It was a great day, and there have even been rumblings of a repeat in '09!