Fitness, Fellowship, Faith

Tag: P200

Fighting Folsom … A P70 Story

It was Early February and YHC decided that I wanted to run the P200 and was told by Montross  that it was a no-go and I could enquire about the Mortimer … which I knew would not work since it is allergy season and I am allergic to hills.

Montross did tell me that Sarlacc and Brillo were interested, so I reached out to those guys … and told Scribbles he was running. With a Team of 4 and the deadline approaching, we made the decision to run the P70 and enlist 2 more runners which Gavel jumped at the opportunity and an FNG to be named later, Liono overheard a conversation one Sunday at our church and immediately jumped on board … a few guys from Fighting Yank and a couple guys from Folsom … and we have a team, “Fighting Folsom”!

If you are keeping score … I ran the Tuna 200 in 2019 and Brillo ran the Blue Ridge Relay but no one else had ever run a relay and in some cases, hadn’t run a lot, period. We enlisted HeadCase as the driver figuring he could log  a few miles here and there if needed and we had a pre-race meeting at Wild Wing Cafe to assign legs and workout all the details. Let’s get ready to RUN!

3 days before the relay, Sarlacc pulled a calf muscle and tried to tough it out the next day only to make the decision that we needed a sub … and in walks the Veteran Relay Runner, Boudin!

We met Friday at 11pm in the Roses Parking Lot, where Sarlacc quickly volunteers to drive us on a familiar route and we hit the road toward Awendaw Park for a 4:30am start time … but not before a stop at Waffle House in Orangeburg, SC for food at 1am where we all ate probably too much except for Boudin who caught a nap in the van.

Off to Awendaw Park where we pull in close to 4am to pitch black skies, high winds and unseasonably cold temps … as the Race Director tells us this is the coldest Palmetto he’s ever been a part of! The Pre-Race meeting begins as we stand in the dark being tossed to and fro by high winds and close to the end of his instructions, Brillo asks … can we go now? The young man was cold, but ready to get this party started. The countdown begins and the race kicks off as Brillo embarks on 9.84 miles into the dark. Sarlacc has decided that he will drive us from leg to leg and does so, as if he’s driving through his own neighborhood never needing directions.

At EZ 1, we wait with the other 4:30 start teams and several 4:00 teams … as Brillo emerges from the darkness giving us a lead. Brillo IN … Boudin OUT! Boudin is gone … like a flash of lightning to run down Hwy 17 for 4.98 miles! Brillo makes a quick wardrobe change and assumes a very comfortable position riding shotgun … where he didn’t move from for the next couple hours!

EZ2, as Boudin picks up a few kills … he finishes his first leg with sub 8’s and passes off to a Rookie Relay Runner, Liono for 2.24 miles.  Liono makes short work of the 2.24 miles and runs faster than he thought he could and starts looking forward to his next leg which is 8.61 miles … more on that later! Liono IN … Scribbles OUT for 6.02 miles!

On the way to EZ3, we make a quick stop for a bathroom break and to purchase much needed chapstick, where Scribbles actually passes us! At EZ3, Scribbles rolls around the corner in an all out sprint to finish with sub 8’s for his first leg! Scribbles IN … Gavel OUT for 3.84 miles!

We load up the van and head to EZ4 and beep the horn at Gavel as he is running around one of several roundabouts in the Charleston area … and lo and behold, he pulls a mini-BOS and runs in the wrong direction for .3 miles before turning around and getting back on course to finish out what is now a 4.44 mile leg to Cooper River Bridge.

AT EZ5, it should be YHC’s turn to get into the race, but previously … Young Brillo had talked about how he wanted to run the Bridge, so being the gentleman I am and being allergic to hills as previously stated I gladly let Brillo take on the Bridge; Gavel IN … Brillo OUT for 5.37 miles over the bridge and back!

At EZ6, whic is the same spot as EZ5 … and the longest rest break for our Van , YHC asked HeadCase who went to drive but had only been able to ride if he wanted to run a couple miles, which he gladly obliged and took the handoff from Brillo … who explained that the bridge run in blistering cold winds was one of the worst runs he had ever experienced. Brillo IN … HeadCase OUT for 2 miles!

At the 2 mile mark … YHC and the Van waited for HeadCase and his long legs to show up, and he did so right on the heels of another runner and passes the bracelet to me as I follow that runner for the next couple miles of my 4.08 mile partial leg. Thanks to HeadCase, I was able to get a kill on the previous runner and finish my leg faster than I thought I would or could. Doodles IN at EZ7 … Boudin OUT for the 6.53 miles into IOP!

At this point, I’d like to make note that we have all run a leg and some have started their second leg and there is no other van to pass off to … which means NO extended break for a meal or for rest! We press on with snacks and determination to get ‘er done!

At EZ8, Boudin shows up a lot faster than we anticipated, running very low 8’s on a very challenging leg of the race! Boudin IN … Liono OUT for 8.61 miles out of IOP which has previously been stated by the P200 Team as a TOUGH LEG! As we cross the bridge out of IOP, we find a place to park and wait for Liono to arrive around the 4.2 mile mark and as he does … it’s obvious that he is ready for a break, so YHC tags in to finish the final 4.41 miles, which I will admit is the flattest portion of the leg and I’m able to maintain a decent pace and pick up a couple kills and get to EZ9 feeling pleased! Doodles IN … Scribbles OUT for 7.94 miles!

While waiting at EZ10, Scribbles reaches out in the middle of his sub 8 running to let us know that he is ready to let HeadCase get back into the game … and with almost 2 miles left in the leg, Sarlacc and HeadCase find Scribbles and make the exchange … which HeadCase then knocks out a couple low 8’s himself. HeadCase IN … Gavel OUT for 7.09 miles wearing a water pack!

Sitting at EZ11 and watching a couple other teams begin to celebrate before the final leg with shots of Fireball, we anxiously await Gavel’s arrival. Earlier in the race, we had already realized that only 2 of the 8 people in our van drank alcohol and that Boudin and Gavel would be able to drink as many beers as they wanted at the finish! Gavel emerges from his 7.09 miles wishing he had not taken the extra weight of the water with him but excited to see his wife and kids cheering him on. Gavel IN … Doodles OUT for the final 3.19 miles of the relay!

Heading down that country road to the finish, I can see a runner struggling in front of me and decide to reel them in … and just as I do, I take a glance over my shoulder realizing that I wasn’t the only fisherman on the course. I turned into Awendaw Park and looked back to see no one, hung a right and could see the finish line before me. I had collected 4 kills and had not been passed the entire race by man, woman or SilverBack Gorilla; when all of the sudden a gust of wind takes my hat to the ground. I stop to pick up my hat and see a runner quickly approaching, so I kick it in the best I can and try no to get passed … BUT, about 100 yards out a guy comes zooming past and I do what I can to finish strong as my brothers run across the line with me. I was pleased at what we had accomplished and excited to finally get some real food as we collected our medals!

It was late in the afternoon and a long time since our 1am stop at Waffle House, so we made short work of the Moe’s Tacos. We took a team picture as Gavel met his wife and kids to stay an extra night in Charleston. Sarlacc and Brillo also met his wife and daughter to stay the night in the Charleston area as the rest of the team loaded up for the ride home and it was time for HeadCase to earn his Driver Status!

A few miles down the road, the van is quiet and I tell HeadCase to take a detour to a place called “The Wreck” where I thought would be a nice place to see some sites from the now Netflix Famous Series, Outer Banks. We pull up around 4:45 to realize they open at 5 for first come first serve … so we jump in line to scarf down some local fare of shrimp! NOTE to the P200 Team … when in Charleston, Eat Local … not at a Chain Restaurant.

The service was quick, the food was great and the day was getting long, so we snapped a few pics of the place and took off.  HeadCase got us down the road in record time … but we did have enough time to stop for DQ and gas along the way. We found ourselves back at Roses Parking Lot before 10pm … WOW, that’s a lot to accomplish in less than 24 hours! As we waited for everyone to grab their gear and catch their ride, we are disecting the day and Boudin drops a nugget on us … “Guys! It’s not what you can do in your first leg when you are fresh and ready … But it’s what you can do in the last leg when you are exhausted and have nothing left in the tank! That’s what it’s all about!”

These relays have a way of getting to know one another and spend some great time together even if it’s compacted into 23 hours! We learned that Sarlacc is who we thought he was … a true HIM who would do anything for anyone at anytime! We learned that Brillo is a great young man full of adventure ready to conquer the world … and I do believe he will be able to do so! We learned that Boudin is a great man to have on your team, full of experience and willing to share that experience to better everyone around him … and he’s available if you ever need him! We learned that Liono was eager and ready to dive in to this adventure not really knowing half the team but becoming part of the F3 Family like a true brother should. We learned that Scribbles is capable of running a lot faster than he though he could and thank God of that, because his dad is in no way as fast he used to be … and oh yea, we also learned that he can sleep anytime he gets still, no matter what! We learned that HeadCase will do anything and everything that’s needed for those around him … and if I’m honest, I’ve known that for years! We learned that Gavel is a great teammate … willing to push beyond what he thought he was able to and that his family is head over heels in love with him and I believe he feels the same way about them!

As for YHC,  I went home … took a HOT Epsom Salt Bath, brushed my teeth and went to bed; exhausted! I woke up the next morning though … wide awake with the words of Boudin in my head … “it’s what you do when you are exhausted and have nothing left, that’s what it’s all about!” I heard those words and saw the guy passing me 100 yards short of the finish line … and began to wonder, what could I have done differently to change that outcome?  What could I have done 100 yards before, 1 block before, or even 1 mile before? It haunted me … and I even used it in my sermon at church that day.

Let’s be honest, 2020 and 2021 have been exhausting at best! It’s time for true HIM to be true HIM … it’s time to show those around us what we are made of, now that we and everyone we come into contact is exhausted and have nothing left in the tank! As for me, I plan to pour it all out from this day forward … like the Apostle Paul, my life will be poured out to the last drop. As for me, I plan to not wake up the next day after the next relay wondering what I could’ve done … I’m gonna leave it all out there somewhere on the road, because gentlemen … that’s what it’s all about!

Until next time…

P200 Van #2 (a.k.a. WOOOOOOOOOO!!!)

Well, the time finally rolled around for the P200. After a year of waiting, we finally get to head south and put the running shoes on for 200+ miles of running bliss (or torture- it depends on how you look at it). YHC had rode with Montross to pick up our Mercedes Sprinter 10 passenger high top vans the day before. These vans are definitely worth the extra money, as long as they don’t leak (more on that later). YHC rolls up to the rally point (Pocket’s house) to find our driver (Big Pappy) wearing shirt, tie, slacks, dress shoes, coat with tails, and a top hat! Needless to say, he took the title of driver very seriously! Way to go, brother! After all PAX were accounted for, we loaded up and Jeeves (a.k.a. Big Pappy) took team Geritol south. We kinda dubbed van #2 team Geritol because 4 of the 6 runners are Respect age, EZ Rider is 49 and 1/2, and YHC is almost 48.

As we were rolling south, YHC told the PAX of my latest book I’m reading. It’s an autobiography of the greatest wrestler of all time, Ric Flair. YHC was glad to know he wasn’t the only PAX raised watching mid-Atlantic Championship wrestling. After the discussing had ended, we discovered we were doing the Ric Flair battle cry – WOOOOO! This would become the battle cry of van #2. Any time a PAX came into an exchange zone, he would yell WOOOOO to let the next runner know it was him. We also would yell WOOOOO out the window as we drove past our runner headed to the next EZ. Big Pappy was really into this. He loved it. We all did, but Pappy was really getting a kick out of it. In all honesty, it was a morale booster for all the PAX during the run.

We arrive at the EZ where van #1 will be passing off to us. Dr. Seuss comes in hot (literally. He was sweating. We have pictures as evidence). He passes the baton/ bracelet off to our salty Marine war horse, Oompa Loompa. Van #2 is on the course!

Oompa put his head down (the wind was a big factor during the whole race) and leads the charge with a great 3.21 mile leg.  He passes of to Purple Haze.

Haze takes off like he’d been shot out of a cannon. This is his first relay race, and he was determined to make it a good one! 3.96 miles at a sub- 8 minute pace. Baton is passed to Rip Van Winkle (a.k.a Def Leppard) who will eventually set a new PR for most hours slept during the P200.

Not to be outdone, the former Nantan pulls 6.76 miles with ease. Most guys believe he was just in hurry to get back in the van and go to sleep! Nonetheless, he passes the baton to our other 1st time relay runner, EZ Rider.

EZ Rider had that P200 first time power going. He pulls 3.53 at a 7:58 pace! WOOOOO! He passes off to Termite.

In his typical calm, cool manner, Termite laces up his Alphafly next% and cruises his first leg of 5.34 at just over 8 minute pace. He makes it look easy! He hands off to YHC.

YHC wanted to keep our van’s great pace up and pulled 8.85 at a 8:06 pace. Besides a left hamstring cramp with 100 yards to go, YHC was proud of his run. The baton is handed back over to Blart in van #1 and van 2 heads out to get some grub.

We stop at Vaselio’s Italian restaurant for food. Most guys carb up with pasta or eat light. Oompa orders a dozen buffalo wings with fries. That’s old school Marine mentality right there, folks. Oompa don’t care. YHC must remind you that our driver hasn’t broken character. He is still fully decked out in his formal driver attire. He got a few odd looks here and there, but he was a celebrity at the EZ’s. He had his picture taken, signed some autographs, and was an awesome representative for the Gashouse region. As we talked about our first legs we ran, Def Leppard looks as if he’s going to fall asleep into his baked Ziti. “I gotta get back to the van” he said. We roll out and as YHC does a head count, we are missing Purple Haze. We couldn’t find him. A couple minutes later, he comes out of the KITCHEN where he had thanked the cooking staff at Vaselio’s for a wonderful meal! That’s the kind of HIM that Haze is. We cannonball down to the EZ to get some R&R before we head out on our 2nd set of legs. It’s dark, chilly, windy and a light fog/ mist is falling.

These conditions are perfect for Oompa Loompa as van 1 passes off to us and van 2 takes over. He cranks out 3.86 miles without getting lost! The ol’ war horse is getting it done. Handoff is made to Purple Haze who told YHC he’d be smuggling grapes on this run. It must’ve worked because Haze crushed his 7.7 miler at a 8:04 pace. YHC is standing at the EZ waiting on Haze to show up. Def Leppard is getting ready (supposedly) in the van to take the baton from Haze. YHC hears the familiar WOOOOO! as Haze rolls into the exchange zone. He runs up to YHC with baton in hand and says “where the F&$% is Leppard!”. Nah, he didn’t. It did remind YHC of my first P200 when Tiny Tank stood in the EZ yelling “where the &*%$ is Slaw?!” YHC called Def Leppard to inform him that Haze was at the EZ waiting on him. Leppard claims it was due to a headlamp issue. Sure it was. Whatever the case, the old sage trots out of the van, grabs the baton  and pounds 5.3 miles of pavement with no issues at all.  Leppard passes off to EZ Rider then goes back to sleep in the van. EZ Rider stretches out, digs deep, callouses his mind and takes off on 8.75 miles of running in the dark. With our trademark WOOOOO! he pushes through the pain and rolls in the next EZ to hand off to Termite. Still calm, and stoic, Termite verifies his course, then runs 6.6 miles at a 8:02. The man makes it look easy. YHC then rolls out on a 5.95 miler straight down highway 17. YHC got a couple kills on this one. With a respectable 8:10 pace, we hand off to van #1.

We decided we needed rest over food, so Jeeves took us to the last EZ where we would begin our last set of legs for some sleep and snacks. YHC believes everyone got some rest on this one. In what seemed like only 30 minutes, Montross texted to let us know that Dr. Seuss was out on his last run. Time to wake the kids up. Purple Haze makes a last minute request to stop by CVS so he can get some Chap-Stic. It has been windy and cool (if not cold) the whole time. As we pull into CVS, Def Leppard comes out of his coma, looks around and asks “wha-wha-what are we doing at CVS?”. He also had to catch up on the progress of the other runners in our van who ran after he did. We all take restroom breaks in a heated bathroom (thank goodness) and head back to the exchange zone.

The last set of legs for van 2 were daunting to say the least (except for YHC). The sun is up, but it’s cloudy and the wind is blowing harder than ever. Oompa is pacing the sidewalk like he’s itching for a fight. He gets the baton and begins 6.53 miles of windy misery that takes him across the Isle of Palms Connector which is low bridge that ends in a pretty high bridge as you roll into the Isle of Palms. We had to wait at the other end of the bridge for Oompa. Oompa makes it to the IOP and is cramping up pretty bad. Since we were out of Midol, he had to settle for mustard packs and Gatorade. He chugged that down and swore he was going to catch the woman who passed him earlier. Haze and YHC look down the course and see no one. Maybe he’s hallucinating. As long as it keeps him motivated, we don’t care. Oompa runs his last 2 miles looking for this mystery woman. He makes the exchange to Purple Haze. Haze is off on his last leg that is 8.6 miles long. He had to backtrack Oompa’s route across the IOP connector, then 3.5 more miles inland to the EZ. YHC wouldn’t have wished this leg on his worst enemy. Haze rolls in completely spent from running against the wind. He finishes his leg by passing off to Def Leppard. Leppard gets the baton, stops, changes his Facebook status to “in a relay race”, then takes off on his final leg of 3.57 miles. He was almost hit by a car while running through a shopping center, but he stayed the course and crushed his last leg. EZ Rider says “hey, it’s a lot shorter than the 8.75 I just ran” and rolls out onto a VERY busy highway 17 for his last leg of 4.56 miles. As we wait on EZ Rider at the next EZ, Termite is stretching and tallying up how many kills he’s going to get on his last leg. EZ Rider comes in strong and passes off to Termite. Termite starts off slow to let the other runners think that they’ve gotten an easy kill by passing him. He then turns on the juice and gets a bunch of kills on his 7.1 mile trek. YHC is standing at the EZ waiting on the baton from Termite. Adrenaline starts pumping as YHC thinks about all the hard work by all his other brothers that has lead to this last leg. “Leave it all on the track. If you aren’t exhausted at the end, then you haven’t left it all on the track”. This keeps going through YHC’s mind as Termite is within sight. As YHC takes the baton, he heads out making sure he paces himself. He gets 2 kills on the way as van 2 rolls by with a victorious WOOOOO! With the finish line in sight (as well as my brothers) YHC finally pushes across the finish line with the guys (with Big Pappy still wearing his suit)! What an awesome experience! WOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!

We stayed for the post-race festivities for a little while then headed for the hotel to finally take a hot shower. There was a lot of mumblechatter around the dinner table at the Mellow Mushroom. We woke up the next morning to cold rain and the same relentless wind. As we get into the van to head out for breakfast, Big Pappy makes a left turn and it rained inside the van! Termite was soaked. The rental company had failed to inform YHC that the roof mounted air conditioner had been damaged and the roof was leaking. They claim they had the leak fixed. Apparently not.

After breakfast, we put the van into the wind and headed home. We talked about the race all the way home. YHC also had time to reflect on van 2’s progress and achievements.

Oompa Loompa- The old Marine had his “Old man don’t give a $h1t” attitude and was as consistent as the day is long. He kept us laughing at his old sea stories (which YHC can definitely relate to).  With grit and determination, he pushed through his legs and got the job done.

Purple Haze- For a first time relay race runner, he didn’t show it. He crushed all of his legs, and was secure in his manhood to smuggle grapes on his 2nd leg. Even in the face of a very windy 8.6 miler, he was optimistic and finished strong. He was the only guy to go into the kitchen (or any kitchen) and thank the cooks. To YHC, that was awesome.

Def Leppard- The former Nantan displayed the traits of a true leader by hunkering down and running his legs hard. Even though he has been battling plantar fasciitis for 6 months, the man still posted times that were just as if he’d never took a break.  We are still trying to figure out how he was able to sleep so well in the van. New PR for Leppard.

EZ Rider- He could be a linebacker for an NFL team but he’s out in the gloom running a relay race. Another first timer to the relay race, he crushed it.  his first leg was sub-8 minute pace, night run was 8.75 miles, and he had to play Frogger on highway 17 for his last leg. When he finished, anyone could see he was proud. He should be. He performed flawlessly in his first P200.  WOOOOOO!!!

Termite- This man is sneaky fast. He loves getting those kills on the course. With all his legs around the 8 minute (and some sub-8’s), he really makes it look easy. He really does. If any of the other guys would’ve gotten hurt, he would’ve stepped in and took their miles without even thinking about it. He’s a machine that loves to run and it shows.

Big Pappy- As soon as YHC saw him in the full outfit, YHC knew we had the perfect driver for our van! He has become a legendary figure dressed as Jeeves. He never got tired and remained at the helm for the entire duration. He has a bunch of great and funny stories to tell, and YHC loved to hear them. When YHC asked him if he would want to be a driver in a future race, he said “Dang right! I’m ready to do another one!”. It’s the camaraderie that’s built during these races  that keeps us coming back for more. Thank You for driving, Big Pappy. We all had a blast!

As YHC finishes this BB, he wants to let the guys know that he had an awesome time and he’s proud that he was part of this team. Everyone accelerated during this race. Thank you guys for the great memories and we will definitely do it again!

WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!

SYITG,

Slaw

 

He’ll Be Aight. The Story of the P200 and Van 1

I was really looking forward to the 2020 edition of the P200 but COVID had other ideas. F3 Gastonia was once again planning to send 2 teams of HIMs down to the Palmetto State push rocks from Columbia to Charleston. Weeks before the race, lockdowns were put in place, the race was cancelled and our registrations were pushed out for future Malak races. It was disappointing, but we move forward. After some back and forth, we decided to field one team this year (those who signed up for the 2020 race and did not run this year still have a spot on a team in a Malak race later this year or the 2022 P200). Incredibly, there were no injuries or illnesses that caused any runners to drop out. Honestly, I’m pretty amazed at that and I’m really thankful that everyone was able to run as planned!

This is the story of F3 Gastonia Fartsackers Van 1.
The Runners: Blart, Montross, Freight, Pockets, Broke, Dr. Seuss
The Driver: Ashhhh Pond

Van 1 met at the Romminger Family Compound at 4:30 a.m. and departed soon after. The team soon realized the Sprinter van was going to take this race to a new level. Guys were laid back in their leather chairs and relaxing to the hum of tires across the asphalt. That lasted about 5 minutes until we established the Driver Feedback Board. Since we didn’t have an actual board, this feedback was simply noted and shared verbally. Often. Sometimes, shared multiple times. Item 1: The Sprinter van shakes when drafting behind a semi-truck. Don’t follow too closely to large trucks. Item 2: That Honda is going slower than we are. Use the big pedal on the left. Item 3: This curve is a loop, we won’t make it at this speed. Remember, use the big pedal on the left. Bless him, Ash Pond was in for a verbal beating on this one! Despite a few adventures at the gas station (Item 4: Diesel goes in on the driver’s side. Item 5: Pockets is behind the van with the doors open) it was a pretty smooth ride. A few guys may have caught a quick nap along the way but we were sure to keep the driver alert and focused.

As we were standing around the starting line, we asked a guy to take a team picture. It was 10 minutes before the start of the race and he told us he couldn’t because he was the first runner on his team and needed to focus. Bro, it isn’t that competitive out here. (I am pleased to report Blart killed him on leg 1) His teammate stepped in and took it, proving he could both walk and chew gum at the same time. Blart smoked 8.2 miles like it was nothing. Note: Though the van window acts like a one-way mirror if you pee beside the van. I (Montross) knocked out 7.2 miles (which, by the way, I haven’t run over 6 since mid-2020). Freight crushed 5.3 miles. Pockets and Broke got some short runs in with 2.25 and 2.5 miles, respectively. Dr Seuss finished things up with a STRONG 8.07 miles, where he average 6:59/mile. 6s on a long run has been a goal of Seuss for a while so it was awesome to see him hit that milestone! He also broke a sweat, which is pretty amazing in itself. The first set of legs went well and were rewarded for our hard work with a stretching clinic right in front of our van. If you need a demo, talk to Freight. I’ll leave it at that.

Van 1 took off for Cracker Barrell for some vittles and banter. Rest assured more driver feedback was given. “Sorry guys” in a somber and defeated voice became a thing. We got some nice rest one of the 13,287 AME churches in South Carolina as we waited for Van 2 to arrive. I think it was at that point Broke realized he had not washed his sleeping bag from last year. It was great rest as hunting dogs howled, porta-potty doors were slammed, and the wind picked up. Seuss looked he had the worlds most comfortable blanket in the back of the van as snuggled with the window.

As the second round of legs began, the wind never seemed to let up. Though it pales in comparison to the challenges facing the Mortimer teams (running trails through rivers in the dark and such..read the backblast), it was not ideal. Blart went 7.4 miles which was very impressive after just running over 8 earlier. Those two legs back to back are pretty darn impressive and I heard Rip Van Leppard commenting on it later. Along the way, we discovered the Holly Hill Airport…errr…Airstrip. We parked at the very end of the runway and were talking about how cool it would be if a plan flew over us and landed and, sure enough, about 2 minutes later, a plane buzzed over and landed. Crazy timing! Blart got a kill 15 feet from the starting line and handed off as I ran my short leg at 2.45 miles with a disappointing pace (I’m blaming the wind). Freight followed with a blistering 9.68 mile run that may have include some bad execution by the fan. Clearly we do not know what Adidas is or where it’s located, right Freight? As we proceeded to the next stop, someone asked if we should stop and give Freight one more water opportunity. “He’ll be aight” was the answer and we rolled to the exchange zone. He was not ‘aight’ and he let us know about it, but he made it to the exchange zone anyway and handed off to Pockets for a 3.77 mosey. Broke knocked out a blistering 9.73 miles including 6 kills. I was so pumped as I was standing among 5 or so other teams, eagerly awaiting their runner to come into the exchange zone, only to see Broke emerge from the darkness ahead of all of them. Nice run! Despite Ash Pond taking off and not realizing Seuss was changing clothes in the back of the van earlier, Seuss was unrattled and knocked out 9.2 miles in typical Seuss fashion in the low 7s after setting the milestone earlier. After handing off to van 2, we grabbed some Wendys. Item 6: The air conditioning unit sits on top of the van and is 11 feet tall. Double-check the height of the van before driving under a drive-thru. (Side note: I later found out van 2 had the air conditioning knocked off during a previous rental and that caused it to leak. Fortunately, van 1 narrowly avoided the same problem!). A few greasy burgers and chicken sandwiches later, van 1 arrived at the exchange zone for some much needed rest. Most everyone except the driver was dozing off during this 40 minute ride. Big shout-out to Ash Pond for staying alert and pushing through.

Some decent rest was had as we waited for van 2. Freight decided to sleep just behind the van. It probably seemed like a great way to block the wind. It got sorta cold though so imagine his surprise as Ash Pond fired up the van to get the heat going. I believe his response was ‘Thank goodness for clean diesel.’ Props to Slaw for showing Ash Pond and I how to lean back the front seats of the van at the last exchange zone! Pockets and Broke also decided to sleep outside, but further away from the tail pipe.

Van 2 arrived as expected and Blart took off for his final leg – a 2.24 stroll through a small neighborhood. It was cold & windy and I have never been as jealous of Blart as I was when he handed the baton for my final run. He was done and I had a 6 mile stroll down Hwy 17. I believe the term “He’ll be aight” was used again as the van headed to the exchange zone and I gritted it out as I finished up my leg. Freight was obviously excited to be running as he as still approaching the exchange zone as I finished. Ash Pond noted that one of Freight’s turned looked sorta sketchy and asked if we should wait. My response: “He’ll be aight”. Fast Ricky proceeded to turn 3.94 miles into about 5 as he missed that turn. Despite what he says, I know he really appreciated those extra miles. Pockets took the baton and proceeded to run 5.37 miles across the Cooper River Bridge and back. There was nothing stopping the wind as he made his final run. I know it was brutal. Fortunately, he found an invisible bathroom at the top of the bridge and did his part to warm the waters below. ‘What else do you when you get to the top of a bridge like that?’ Touche Pockets, touche. Broke took the handoff just after 7:30 am (meaning no more lights) and ran his last 3.13 miles. He also nearly missed his turn as well but real men learn from previous mistakes and we waited for him to make sure he didn’t miss. Seuss finished our runs off with a quick 2.94 mile run and handed off to van 2. We were done and it felt great!

The power of Blart’s moustache was not quite enough as our plan to shower at the local KOA fell thru. He was expecting to sweet-talk a chunky chick but wound up talking to a dude. The Nantan came thru and talked us into some showers at Planet Fitness. No judgement here fellas. The feeling of a shower after a relay is one of life’s greatest treasures and made our 50 minute wait for breakfast a bit more easy. We gathered at “park” and knocked down a few beverages before joining Slaw and van 2 for a short jaunt across the finish line! Another P200 is in the books! Much fun and merriment was had as both vans celebrated, grabbed some dinner and just hung out at the hotel. We were all beat and I believe the lobby cleared out around 10.

All of the guys in Van 1 did a heck of a job in the relay and got a little better. There’s no doubt in my mind that every guy in our van gave 100%. As Freight told me before my first P200, the journey is really the best part of a relay. That’s truth, for sure. The comradery on these relays is incredible. That time in the van is a way to enjoy fellowship with a few guys you know and get to know the ones you don’t know a little better. Every man needs a little time away with his buddies and I’m so glad to get to spend the weekend with these guys!

As I wrap it up, I want to give a special thanks to Ash Pond! We gave him a hard time along the way but he did an absolutely awesome job driving the van. He was paying attention when we were not. He was the one who gave us an opportunity to rest and prepare. He was out there encouraging us and was truly part of the team. I have only met him a few times so I personally enjoyed getting to know him better. Awesome guy and top tier driver! We could not have done it without Ashhhhh Pond!

I sure hope Sister Act can qualify for next year’s P200.

‘Til the next one….

-Montross

Van 1 at the starting line

Let’s go Blart!

Up close and personal

Handoff

Yes, he actually does sweat

Pockets shut the door on this sleeping bag

Snuggle buddies

Holly Hill Fly-By

No Trespassing Freight!

Night moves

Is that a pecker?

Is this stretching or pole dancing?

F3 Gastonia Fartsackers

Medals!

Bad boys bad boys, what ya gonna do….

HIMs & Homeys

I’ve checked another one off my list, not that there ever was a list mind you, but I’m a veteran of three relay races now having added the P200 to drawer of t-shirts serving as Dad’s accomplishments. Having recently completed a half-marathon, you’d think I’m turning into a runner of some sorts but to me, it’s more about facing a challenge and kicking it’s tale a few times. Will I do another one of these things? Most definitely, it will require a bit of negotiating with my M though – so don’t put my name down just yet. At least with the 2019 Palmetto 200, I knew what I was getting myself into and was better prepared for the mileage I agreed to run, the lack of sleep, the inadequate food, all the normal things about this experience. What I was not prepared for was the hurricane that got our van all twisted and thrown around. Hurricane you say? Sure did, so why don’t you climb on my knee and let me share a story or two.

The P200, part Deux once again had 24 men register meaning Freight and Broke divided the teams near equal for experience and ability. They did a fantastic job even with the later substitutions. GasHouse Team Dos as we were aptly named was comprised of our captain Broke, JJ, Moses, Roundup, Allen Tate, and myself as the runners and Huckleberry as the driver, only he didn’t get to drive that much. Tate apparently gets car sick unless he is driving, so off we went on Thursday evening, headed to Columbia in a steady rain so we could gain a few extra hours of sleep before the 6:00 am start. We allowed Sparky and Def Leppard to tag along even though they were team Uno. Their intelligence would clearly aid their effort for the event with the extra sleep.  The Quality Inn was a few letter grades better than the bed bug inn Sargento stashed us in Kentucky but the smoke detector battery began beeping at 4 am in my room, getting us up before we really wanted. We arrived at the starting line to meet the other members of Team Uno. Sparky gathered us for a quick prayer. All men of our F3 Region have talents, some apparent and some hidden. I’m not saying Sparky missed his calling but I enjoy the opportunities when he shares a blessing, it just makes me feel extra good – thanks for the good word Sparky.

The good Lord was smiling on us as we were about to experience the first non-rainy Friday since October. I’d say this was the first great weather weekend of the year. We began the chilly morning with a good start having JJ lead our team. Uno and Dos split into our respective vehicles and headed off to the first drop zone. I’m not sure Allen Tate stretched anything more than is jaws or his mind. He was our 2nd runner, unintentionally paired with Oompa Loompa. JJ smoked his first 6 mile leg and Tate took off for 5 miles. Due to some health issues, he hadn’t trained much at all. There was reasonable concern for Pledge Tate as he called 4 different guys only a few hours before we left, asking what he needed to pack for this event. For those familiar with this relay, we do our best to estimate arrivals and have the next runner ready. Broke began getting loose about 7:30 anticipating an 7:42-ish arrival. Runners began rolling in for other teams. We surmised the Chief of Folsom may be struggling in his virgin run. Then Oompa rolled in. Team Uno crowed that Oompa got a kill on AT, but Oompa confessed he didn’t see our boy on the route. Oompa said there was a turn hidden by school bus boarding kids before sunrise he initially missed but was alerted by another runner to correct the mistake, maybe Allen Tate did the same. A quick phone call to our teammate assured that he was fine and had missed a turn. Something about his watch alerting him at mile 6 he figured we had messed with him and told him it was only 5. Broke got a pass to take off given the circumstance. Another van was kind enough to return our lost sheep. Of course Huck was ready to jab the needles. “Man, I don’t know where I missed the turn, I should’a looked at that map,” he began. “I kept thinking this sure was a long 5 miles.” Apparently Tate traveled 6.8 total miles. He was most proud that he didn’t walk until after he’d traveled the required 5 miles. Missed turns are common in these events – most all teams have tripped over this obstacle at one point or another – this was par for the course.

While the runners managed to navigate the remainder of the course, our driver/navigator (Chief Allen Tate) had a few more stumbles in the van. True he was out of his comfort zone in Dallas and some of the places we traveled on this trip could be listed in the definition of BFE, but the relay notebook and GPS on our phones (except for Huck’s Boost phone) kept us on track. After my navigation fiasco at the Bourbon Chase last fall, I remained in the second row, happy to defer directions to JJ or Broke. My only fear occurred prior to my middle leg because we missed a left turn to which Tate suggested we “drive a little ways and we’ll probably see it…” I reminded the van Roundup was near sprinting his short 3.5 mile leg and could beat us to the spot if we didn’t hurry. Luckily Huck got us back on the trail with time to spare.

Like all of these relay experiences, eating and sleeping are as big of challenges as the running can be. Van 1 started at 6 am and finished the first leg before noon, where we opted for a Cracker Barrel to carb load with the other team. At the next exchange zone, couch pouches and other gear were spread into a field for as much R&R as we could steal until we were back on the clock at 4 pm. Circuit 2 offered some of the shorter legs for JJ, AT, Roundup and myself. Brok and Moses each covered nearly 7 miles on their routes. The good news is Tate didn’t get lost and that was a positive sign. My goal was to avoid getting killed by Dr. Seuss who blistered a 7:15 pace on his first run and passed me at mile 6. The guys ahead of me thankfully had padded a lead but once the sun went down, any headlamp I saw from behind caused me to run faster as my pride couldn’t afford another hit, even if it was from one of the nicest men in our region. My legs and stamina listened as I ran my PR of 5:22 for 5.3 miles. We wished our Van 2 teams good luck as they had nearly 42 miles to cover in their portion. As I noted, we’re in the middle of nowhere in SC so at 8 pm on a Friday, our dining options were limited. We settled on a Wendys, which is #22 on Yelp’s list in Santee, SC, slightly edged by the Taco Bell and Bojangles (Gastonia doesn’t look to bad in comparison now does it?). From here it was on to the Hatchery Waterfowl Management Boat Landing for attempted sleep. Huck found a spot at the tree line above the water which we all agreed was a good spot away from other vans. We were blessed to have a clear night that allowed us to sleep outside or maybe just to lie down. I learned from past experience, the van benches are not comfortable, so I left them to Roundup, Tate and Huck. JJ opted for the asphalt and somehow slept on it. Moses and Broke settled in their couch pouches. I managed to sleep hard for 4 hours on the pine needles and missed the boat that woke most everyone else trying to get on a trailer. Once other vans came to the Exchange Zone, some were opposed to sleep and kept others up. Since JJ and I slept pretty good, we missed the message Dolph was on the course and would arrive a little after 2:00 am – this we learned at 1:55. Think of when your parents arrive home unexpectedly and your subconscious takes over – this was JJ as he got his gear ready and was at the start to get the baton. Most guys would have bagged that run in that state of mind but JJ ran another sub-8:30 – pretty strong work.

Delirium was beginning to set for us as Allen Tate solicited financial rewards to run his final 3.7 miles. I offered to walk it for $1200 while Roundup contemplated $75. Only thing was – Allen Tate wasn’t willing to bid for Roundup’s 7.8 mile leg. Which by the way, Roundup said his foot was sore and he’d probably only run an 8:15 pace for his final leg. He cruised in at 7:37 – strong work. Once I handed off to Roscoe a final time, we opted for a McDonalds breakfast and then to the final spot to await the teams. The good thing about being one of the first vans to arrive was to break the seal on the porta-jons.

Moleskin – I’ve had the pleasure to post a few Saturday’s at Folsom and be among a great group of guys. But never with Allen Tate…sorry, Chief Allen Tate. I’d heard rumors and read a few backblasts but until the Christmas party never been exposed to the legend, he myth and the character that makes the man. For those at the Christmas party, we got a glimpse of AT but having spent over 30 hours in a van with him, well, I couldn’t begin to capture all that was said and learned but more enjoyably, laughed at. Damn near brought to tears on a few occasions. Netflix could get a three year run with the Chief as the lead for their next production. So Hurricane Allen Tate circled through us and it was entertaining, as these relays always are. Before F3, I didn’t know any of the guys in my van which is a great reason for you to jump onboard the next one that comes along (thanks to Freight and Broke for leading). It’s a trip where  you get an opportunity to interact and learn more about our F3 brothers, their lives and families. This isn’t the military by any stretch but throwing guys into close quarters with the spirit of competition being the thread that pulls them along – you fight for each other, even when it’s your other brothers in the other van as your closest competition. We don’t want to let our teammates down so we push a little harder and overcome being tired, cold, or irritable. It was impressive to witness JJ run all three legs under 8:30 – whether it was an intentional goal or something he achieved, it came from hard work and running with faster guys. He credits being the Pub Q as a factor (btw – he’s looking for a replacement site Q who wants to step up?). Moses has been training for a half marathon and ran each of his legs with dogged intensity; head down, plowing through. After one of Allen Tate’s police stories, we shared that Moses was really on the trip for surveillance on his fellow law enforcement officer.  Roundup gets an honest work ethic from his father Hacksaw, that is clear having spent time with both of them. He quietly goes about his business. He enjoyed the trip and is ready for another one – be sure to give him a tough leg – he won’t let you down. We had two birthday boys with us on Friday. Huck and Broke said they were happy to spend their birthdays with us. In hindsight, we should have got them a cake. I got Huck a 6-pack of IPA’s thinking he’d be our driver – so maybe that counts a little. Which I learned that Huck is a snob – who’d have thought that? No, it’s not people – Huck loves almost everyone but he does hate wheat beer. Nothing was more clear than Saturday assortment drinks of IPAs, Captain Morgan, moscato, and other stuff. Needless to say he enjoyed the weekend and did a great job when Allen Tate allowed him to drive. Broke treated himself to a steak Saturday night maybe for his birthday or maybe for the effort he put on the course. I knew he could churn the legs and he did that consistently. His final leg was under three miles and he attacked it with a sub-8 mile to finish his turn. Broke and I have been on the same relays but this is the first time as van-mates so that was a bonus for me.

Moleskin – The Finale – This is my third relay event and the first P200 as well as my first time in van 1. I couldn’t begin to give you an order of preference as each one has their unique attributes that make it memorable. They all bring memories and stories to be shared for the future. More than one mention was made of my blow up at the T200 over the wrong biscuit being in my bag – good times…more were made on this trip circa the Legend in Chief Allen Tate and the others. I heard the P200 2017 attempt at multi-teams didn’t go so well. While in the 2019 version we jockeyed positions a few times, it was like an intra-squad scrimmage. We’ve done this at many a bootcamp. We say it’s a “you vs. you” but our competitive nature has to draw a target from somewhere. Sometimes it just happens to be the guy a few minutes behind or running just ahead. Maybe it’s the guy waiting on you to take the next leg or the guys at the finish. What made my P200 memorable are the fact we had two teams worth of runners and drivers to enjoy the weekend, and what a weekend it was.

© 2024 F3 Gastonia

Theme by Anders NorenUp ↑