Well, Paula and I packed up our gear, extra clothing, and a bit more clothing then headed 120 miles North to Omer, "the smallest city in Michigan", for out first official race of the year - The Winter Wolf.
With the temperatures at a brisk 9 degrees and a wind of 8mph, 6:30pm is always the best time to start a race. A wonderful run along two-tracks, back roads, and through fields covered in a foot of new snow - in the dark. We got into town in time to register and change with plenty leftover to hangout and see friends as they arrived for the race.
At 6:15, the race director gave the last minute directions and course information. I should state that it sounded something like; "go down the road and turn left, then turn right at the tracks, this will lead you to a field - go into the field and follow the ribbon, turn right on the tracks, then left...I tried to mark the trail as good as I could, but I kept getting lost". After that, it was time to put the headlamp and MICROspikes on for the walk to the start line and get moving.
Afterward, as everyone trickled in, we met up at the Old Courthouse for awards and chili (I had two heaping bowls). Most of the RUT team members that made it up walked away with awards; I took 6th overall (2nd age group) and Paula A. took 1st Place overall for women. Rachel I., Hong W., Don, and Kathy A. all took home age group awards. Mark M., Rick L., and Fara K. also had strong finishing times.
This was my second year doing the race, mostly due to the people who put it on. Thank you for doing a great job making everyone feel at home, the well marked course, and the great chili at the end.
