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Here comes another finisher. |
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Chuck Sohaskey, who came in 3rd in his age group, 10 minutes faster than Michelle, is taking his turn to console her. (To understand this joke go the this Bulldog 50k link and look at the 13th photo caption down that page) |
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Enjoying a break of 10 minutes of sunshine and 15 degrees warmer temperature! |
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A little sunshine sure feels good. |
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Running up Trabuco, the
first big hill.
900 feet of elevation gain to get to the first aid station. Fausto Rowlan, who ran with Doug for 18 miles, took all these scenic pictures. |
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Waterfall near the bottom of the Holy Jim trail. |
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Sample of course markings Many of the runners commented that RND Running did a fabulous job of marking this course. |
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Tunnel of branches along one of the many switchbacks on the 2,200 foot climb up Holy Jim trail. |
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An open view area from halfway up Holy Jim trail tells all they still have a long, long way to climb! |
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A welcome sight at the top
of Holy Jim trail was Jim Meyer and his great crew at the "Bear Springs
Cafe" (aid station #3). |
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Doug with his windbreaker running along the Main Divide fire trail. |
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Once we are up on the Main
Divide fire trail we get to look down on the other mountains.
Beautiful scenery! |
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VIEWS FOR MILES! Mountain runners are rewarded for their strenuous efforts with spectacular sights! It's tough, but it sure beats pounding the pavement and breathing auto exhaust. |
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Crazy Doug gave $2.00 tips
at all the aid stations. Here he is approaching Terry Lee's "Horsetheif" Aid
Station #4 with dollar bills in hand. No time to stop for dancing and fine dining. |
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Fausto Rowlan way above Lake
Elsinore down below in the background. Fausto carried his digital camera and took all of these spectacular scenic shots. |
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Only 300 feet left of the
final uphill, to aid station #5, the "Trabuco" aid station. Thank heaven because after "Trabuco" it's all downhill for the last 3.5 miles to the finish! |
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Back at home. Michelle's three and a half year old daughter, Sierra, holding her Mommy's award. |
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Michelle with finishers medal and first place plaque. |
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Michelle can't wait for the
RND Running Winter Trail Running Series to begin.
|
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Enough trail running
madness. It's time for a Starbucks Venti Coffee Frappuccino. |
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Wow! I'm so excited -
BECAUSE when I went to my local Starbucks, they asked me how I did at the
race.
When I told them I won first overall female they said, "Here is a Frappuccino on the house". Did I hear sponsor? |
