Monday, March 03, 2008

Texas, March 2 Events -- Part I -- Our family in the first annual Texas Independence Relay (race)

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Mike and Karen represented our family very well the first two days of March as they ran the first annual Texas Independence Relay race. This race would start in Gonzales, Texas, and finish at the San Jacinto Battle Ground State Park just east of Houston. (links to blurb and map)

They were on different teams, both teams finished in good time. Mike was on the City of LaPorte (Texas) Runners team, Karen's group was the Fast Freddy's Flips & Friends.

The race was 203 miles long with 40 different legs to be run by one of the twelve maximum runners per team for each team. Some approached twenty miles long.

For a nice detailed run-down of the race, the teams, links for awards, etc,
click here.




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Billy and BP pretty well followed Karen's progress during the race. Of course they both went home and slept while Karen was running along the highways alone in the dark, rain (no snow, but yes, up hills and down hills).

Here she has some easy running through one of the small Texas towns.





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Mike, here near the finish line, waiting for the runner of the last leg so they could all run in together. He ran his relay legs even though his previously injured hamstring muscles were hurting big time.

Mike was a little sweaty here but he didn't seem to bad for the wear (we couldn't see the hamstring). They all carried pepper spray (for dogs, etc.), a flashlight, and most of the time a cell phone.

Mike didn't talk about any scares, Karen passed a Texas ice house (country bar) just at closing time, 2:00 AM, that was a little scary because lots of guys were watching her pass. No interference problems were encountered by anyone that we know of. A few did get sick from some bad food at one of the stops.



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Karen posed with me, isn't her medal nice (and heavy)! We are standing in front of the Texas Monument (link to Web pictures) commemorating the Texas Independence.

This monument is taller than the Washington Monument by nearly a Texas foot. Some people want to put something else on top so that Texas won't have this honor anymore.




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My picture of the Texas Monument. Isn't is nice and tall, and well kept too?


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This is Karen's team of twelve. None were hobbling, hardly at all. They run as a group in training and other races. They are very competitive as well. Mike's team of City of LaPorte workers were out for fun and to ad in the spirit of celebrating our Texas Independence.

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It is fitting that most all teams had a photo op sitting on the monument steps.

To see why so fitting, please read this last plaque engraved on the monument side. The one on the right starts, read around clockwise to end
up with this last one.

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You can thank BP and Billy who took some of these pictures you are seeing.


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Comments:
Yes, but we beat out Santa Anna in a surprise attack and that is why the monument is there......YEA! TEXAS!

I'm glad they did so well with the running, over 200 miles is a looong race. Wow! Congradulations. It was a perfect last few days for the race and for our trail riders this year. It's rainy outside right now but the weekend was beautiful.

Are they going to ride in the Texas 150 bike ride from Houston to Austin later this spring?
 
Jim, you are actually #2 in the pay it forward game. Two of those three were not interested in playing. You have my email so send me your address and wait for your surprise sometime in the next 365 days.

Thanks for the additional tips about aknoledgeing debt. TF and I have always paid our debts but we have a son that doesn't always pay his....I wish he had paid better attendion.
 
Looks like a worthwhile effort here. Nice pictures. Especially the one of you and Karen together! Great job Jim! ~ jb///
 
Great celebration of Texas Independence! You have a very athletic and good-looking family, Jim! Including you yourself! :D
 
Jim - Nice photos of that athletic event! Enjoyed the info on Texas, as well... Deb

P.S. Lucy's been looking for Adi's big announcement. Any news?
 
Jim - just found your link to the Adi pics, which I enjoyed. Then I found the UTube Beagle videos... I'm just now, back from the "movies." I grew up with a Bassett hound, so I naturally like all hounds, especially beagles and bloodhounds - thanks for the entertainment... Deb
 
I have an award for you Jim at my blog: Work of the Poet Scroll down a post or two for the award. :)
 
Hi Jim.There will be a few sore feet and tired bodies in that group. lovely photo of you and Karen...
 
A great BIG congratulations to Mike and Karen!!
I am a horrible runner. I can walk long distances, but I don't run very well. I admire their stamina and discipline very much!
Great photos!
Her medal is terrific!!!
 
Jim
Mike and Karen should be applauded. That is a remarkable feat (not to be confused with feet).
I've done events like that they really take it out of you.
Ralph
 
Hi Jim ~~ Congrats to your daughter
Karen for running that long race and doing so well. Nice photos of the two of you and the other pictures are nice also. Glad you enjoyed the things I posted. Take care, Regards,
Merle.
 

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