Pacing Dream Team

"You win only when you help others win."

Last year Bob had the opportunity to be pacer for a group of friends tackling the Black Canyon 100k.  He had such a great time doing it that when my girlfriend Bridgit asked if I wanted to pace for her this year I jumped all over it!  Last year Bridgit had horrible stomach problems (sometimes the plight of the ultra runner) and had to drop out of her race early.  It was such a bummer for her and I was so excited to help her get across that finish this year.

For those wondering (and possibly googling the math) yes, it is 62.2 miles of running, on trails, sometimes in the dark, over rocks......ALL DAY.  Its big and can be brutal, but an ultra runner's average weekend.  Seriously we know people who do multiple events like this every year.  

Bridgit and Chelsie trained together so it worked perfectly that Bob and I paced for them.  With COVID, we were only allowed at the last large aid station leaving 11 or so miles to do.  We had hoped to be able to pace the last 25 for them, but safety and caution prevailed.

We met our fearless Crew Leader Jamie and she drove us up to the aid station right as the sun was setting.  So gorgeous.  We were gifted these incredible hand painted hats by one of the runners (Heidi Garner) who is a master artist and ultra runner.  She literally made special hats for runners, crew, and pacers in our little group.  Such a cool thing.

We were able to track the girls reasonably well and were early to our meeting spot.  I was worried about cold, rain, and wind while we were waiting, but Jamie came prepared.  I mean we had blankets, hand warmers, snacks, and a wind shield.  

Our runners pulled in at 8pm and 8:40 respectively.  Both of them, although tired still looked awesome.  Bob and Chelsie took off a bit after 8 and Bridgit and I got on the trail a bit before 9.  It was fully dark, mildly raining, and chilly, but so exciting.

Pacing Bridgit was AMAZING.  I thoroughly enjoyed every second of it.  First, helping your friend achieve a BIG goal is incredible, but there is something so empowering and fun about running in the desert, in the dark, with only your light.  The whole world and time kind of disappear.  (I can say that because my feet weren't on fire at this point).

Bridgit and I crossed the finish line right around 12:30AM and it was so great to turn to her and say, "You did it, friend."

It was truly a gift helping these 2 get to the finish.  Both Bob and I crawled into bed at 2AM feeling so happy and looking forward to the next pacing event.

We had a couple people ask us if we would ever do the full 100k race.  I know better than to say never, but the above picture should tell you all you need to know.  And we only did 11 miles! 

I think Ill stay team pacer for a while! Apparently both of us Longmires turn into pumpkins if we stay up past 10.

Congratulations to all the runners who did the thing and have the belt buckles!  We mere mortals are just thrilled to have shared a few miles with you!

Never a dull moment

Parenting is simply not for the faint of heart.  Also parenting is not for a savings account!  I won't lie, I am very grateful that I have gotten both of these girls from 0 to 10 and 7 respectably without any major broken bones, and lets face it......with all the things we (Bob) do its a shocker.

So I do suppose in the grand scheme of life Evie breaking a permanent tooth is minor, but for real.  Such a bummer!

Evie was doing kid things at the park when she took a header into a bar and came up a quarter tooth less.  In her words, "Mommy, I totally swallowed my tooth."

But, how funny is this.  She had a dental appointment scheduled for same day so, small blessings.

Now we are giving her tooth a hot minute to settle and then its on to fillings and eventually a veneer. I won't lie, I asked Dr. Williams if I could wait to put the veneer on until after she was an independent adult and no longer on my bank roll.  He laughed.  

No, no, Ill get it fixed, but please girlie, can we not break more teeth?

 

The Island Green

The Island Green at TPC Sawgrass 

Golf is one of the few sports where the average player and the professional can walk on the same ground. One of the most sacred places in all of golf is the 17th green at TPC Sawgrass. It's up there with Amen Corner and the 18th at Pebble. 

I got to play this course with my dad over 2 of most glorious days of golf you could imagine. 

Walking into the clubhouse, they have the bag of raining Player's champion Rory Mcllroy reminding you that this course is played by the best in the world every year and is not a simple round of golf. Last year, Phil Mickelson got beaten up by the course and remarked, "I have no idea how I ever won here, this place is impossible." 

I have never experienced such a lush golf course. The course was beginning to grow out for the tournament in March, and the conditions were amazing. Due to Covid, several corporate events were cancelled, and we had the whole course to ourselves over the 2 days. It was truely a once in a life-time experience. 

As you play the 16th hole, you can look to your right and see the 17th green alone in the lake surrounded by stands where thousands of people will be gathering in a few months. Today, we had it to ourselves and made the long walk from the 16th green to the 17th tee in silence. 

I got to go first, and proceeded to hit a ball into the water like I've never swung a golf club in my life! My dad had this hole in his sights and hit an amazing shot to 10 feet. 

Getting a 2 on 17 is every golfer's dream! My dad hit it close, walked up, and made the putt! 

On day 2, I knew I had the tee shot on 17 when I walked down the 16th fairway and saw the pin was a Sunday pin on the top right shelf. For some reason, I instantly felt that shot and knew I had it in the bag. I step up, hit my shot, and watched the ball roll past the hole. I was really hoping that would be my first hole in 1 and we would get it on tape

It's difficult to convey how tough this course actually is. Everywhere you look there is trouble. Bunkers right. Water left. Trees in the middle of the fairway. Holes that bend 45 degrees. There is just always something to keep you on your toes. Wildlife included.

Getting to play this course with my dad was one of the biggest joys of my life! It was an unbelievable course and enjoyed getting my butt kicked by a hard course!