Enjoying the cool weather in Oregon/ Washington. I really wanted
to do a race in Washington state to add to the list of places I will race this year. My husband found a race in Yacolt, WA called the Bigfoot Run. We decided to make it a family event. My sister in-law Carren was our 1 woman support crew, from chef, travel planner, driver, wet wash clothes, video and picture person, custom order coffee drinks no detail was left out. The minivan was locked and loaded for a 730 departure.
Winning the Bigfoot 10k in Yacolt, WA
Race day plan:
5kers niece Claire and brother Louie run their 1st race, Josh wanted to dominate the kids field, Katherine would dominate the girls field
10kers Kevin would shoot for a PR and Kerry would just have fun and try not to be too competitive since it was my 2nd run post marathon.
We arrived at Yacolt town hall cash in hand to register all 6 of us. Josh immediately spotted the large trophies and went to check them out. I wrote cell ph#s on the back of the race#s in case the kids got lost on the course. Really Kerry we are in Yacolt can anyone actually get lost here?? Carren and I started checking out the local competition. I reviewed the course map afraid I would get lost in the chance I would be running out front. We chatted with the local folk. Josh asked the race director if there would be kids awards and was sad to here there were not.
We lined up to the chalk letters “Start” on the street. A motorcyle cop led us out. About 1 mile in was the turnaround for 5k so the couple people I was running with turned off. I kindly asked the volunteer to make sure my kids turned around at the 5k mark. A police car took over as the official race car and we headed up the winding road. I was curious how close the next competitor was, turned around no one anywhere in sight. Ok interesting just me and the cop winding up the hill.
I knew my husband would be cursing these hills so hoped they would be short for him. I just remembered I have actaully never done a 10k event. I find this odd!!! Nearing the top of the hill some of the locals were cheering wildly “look its a girl in the lead” I was thinking Dam Right!! At the top of the hill I stopped to chat with the aid station folk and told the police officer to go ahead and make his u-turn I would wait for him. He leaned out the window and said”miss you sure are running nice and fast today” Chatted a bit more while enjoying some cold water and headed down the hill following my new friend in the cruiser. Half way down the hill I spotted the competition, I gave all the guys a thumbs up good job. Not sure if I was encouraging them or offending them.
I had to savor this moment. When would I be leading a race at this pace ever again. After all the intense running and racing this is just what I needed. Not to mention I have placed high in many races but never actually won any!! Passed my brother and niece around the last mile and gave her some encouragement (will have to discuss pacing later).
As I turned the corner towards the finish the cruiser pulled over to let me cross the finish line. My sister in law was there to capture it on film. My kids were there doing the traditional finish line cheering. We headed back on the course to find Claire and run her in with cheers and encouragement. Kevin came sprinting to the finish line a young guy just barely passing him. Kevin was bummed not to beat him then I reminded him it was for the best because he just missed the guy vomitting all over his shoes!! Josh ran 24:12 and the townsfolk had jaws dropped when they saw him cruising to the finish. I am betting they have kids awards next year.
At the awards ceremony all the kids came up to claim my giant trophy and take pictures. What an awesome moment. I explained to the kids and camera I have done 9yrs of competitive gymnastics, an ironman, 7 marathons, too many triathonlons to count, world championship races, half marathons, etc and never in my life have I won a trophy quite this big. We had to laugh at the size of the thing. I was thinking good think we are flying SW airlines otherwise how would this think come home. Carren mentioned this trophy was my life’s work. Once I figure out how to load photos you can see if for yourself. In the meantime Kevin said where would we put it, fireplace mantel??
We left Yacolt and headed for a day of picnicing and cave exploration at Ape Cave. Sometimes you just want to press the pause button since life is so good!!!! Congratulations to all the runners and huge thanks to the 1 woman support crew, Carren!!
kerrycamberg 