Running out of 2013

Miles today 17

Temperature; 25

Wind; 14 mph with gust up to 30 mph

 Conditions; fresh powder and slick beneath

Gary ran today, anxious to get more miles per run.  His desire to increase distances seems to be running parallel to the increased intensity of winter weather.  Not running makes him agitated and he worries that everyone who has offered support will be judging him.  He is making loops on Fox Creek that go past the Volvo as a way station to imitate the way the Ultra Caballo Blanco is laid out; with a check point in the middle where you stash food and drink. 

The weather worries me.  Two nights ago he got home in the dark, the high temperature that day was 10 and drops quickly once the sun goes down.  It is pretty common for the water in his hand held container to freeze while he is running.  He knows a lot about layering for warmth, he has two pairs of socks, two alpaca hats, two fleece pants and numerous sweaters of wool and silk on.  He gives me an estimation of time and I try not to worry until about a half hour of his arrival time. I try not to be that wife.

People on the road are talking about his race now.  They are curious about it, about the Tarahumara, about how he is doing.  They even get defensive about the dog; cursing at people who drive the road fast enough to endanger Kaycee.  Of course Kaycee does himself no favors, being a Border/Aussie cross he always feels the need to herd the vehicles. No one seems worried about the vehicles hitting Gary.  They must think his snazzy style will no doubt catch the oncoming traffic’s eye.  He had a run in with the snowplow the other day on one of the narrower parts of the road.  Gary scrambled up the rocky cliff to get out of the way which probably only served to convice the driver he really is crazy.

We are beginning to pack; the first aid kit, the sewing kit and some of the camp gear.  I can’t seem to find any information about the weather in the canyon to organize our sleeping gear.  We want to pack lite but not freeze our butts off.  Additionally I want to make sure Gary can sleep comfortably.  While he rarely mentions his back I know it can get out of whack and that would seriously impact his race.