With the continued rain and wind gusts still making their way through South Wake, YHC traveled in ‘Knight Rider’ to scope out an alternative route the day before to avoid Bass Lake, and keep us on the pavement and out of the mud.  As I was traveling down Salem Ridge Rd, I came upon WebEx returning from the Lake, who reaffirmed that the alternate route was the right decision. With that confirmation, the route was completed and word was sent the night before that ‘Any Given Sunday’ was open for business. The post received a few ‘SC’s,’ a contemplating ‘Batman’ gif, and a newer version of an HC- which is a cross between an SC and an HC–“Planning to be there”.. I’m fairly certain there is opportunity for a lexicon on this one, if not one already.

This morning’s run offered the standard run of 6 miles starting at 6am, along with an option for an extra 2-3mi route that would start at 5:30am for those wanting some extra road work. On my way to plant the Shovel Flag, a red F150 rolled up and knew this morning was gonna start with a quick 2-3 miles with a rested Skidmark. True to form, 5:30 hit and we made our way on the standard Cletus EC route down Main Street and then back up Raleigh to Grigsby to Stinson. On the way up Raleigh St, was met first by Banana Seat heading in the opposite direction for miles, along with the duo of Bernie and Brexit.  YHC stopped at 2 mi to stretch, while Skidmark continued for an additional mile around the Womble fields. More PAX started to roll in about 5:50- Dusty, DawgPound, and Norm, and were eventually joined by those getting in the extra 2-3miles. Six o’clock hit and it was go time. Started the warm-up as follows:

Warm Up: Light Jogs- length of the tennis court lot X 2, alternating skips, butt kickers, high knees. Toe Walks\Heel Walks 30 paces. Circle up for hacky sacks, figure 4 leg stretches x10 per leg, Michael Phelps.

The Workout: 6+ Mile Scout Run with periodic circle backs to pick up the six. Route- Up Stinson, Rt on Bass Lake Rd, Lft on Salem Ridge, Lft on Linksland, Lft on Holly Springs Rd, Lft on Raleigh St. Lft on Grigsby, Lft on Stinson to fields to finish with a standard figure 8. Big shout out to all brothers this morning battling the elements of wind and rain and picking up the 6.

Not to be outdone by Dauber’s bathroom performance last week, Skidmark turned to YHC at Linksland and expressed an urgent need to find ‘a John.’ He had a more ‘elaborate’ category of ‘John’ in mind than the woods or a porta-potty, and was seen picking up the pace to Lowe’s Supermarket up Holly Springs Rd.  Remaining PAX made their way up Holly Springs Road back to Womble. As we ventured down Raleigh St., an extra gust of wind raced by us in the form of Skidmark, looking 10lbs lighter and running at a sub 8 pace. He later confirmed negative splits for the last 3 miles. Ain’t gonna lie, there is a lot to be said about a mid-run ‘dump.’ Never experienced one, but based on what I’ve witnessed over the last 3 months by several PAX, I am finding alot of truth in it.

Mary: Stationary Stretches- R over L\L over R x2 for 10 counts, Downward Dog calf stretches R over L\L over R ankle x2 5 counts, Feet walked up another inch still in Downward Dog for alternating calf stretches holding for 5 counts. R and L arm\tricep stretches

Announcements: HS Police 10K next week

Prayer: Continued prayers for those friends, family members, and residents on the coast and neighboring areas impacted by the storm. Prayers for healing as the rebuild as a result of this devastating event.