This one’s for my tall, fast buddy Chad Sellers.
I got up yesterday at the usual 6:30. Made our breakfast, provided for Jed’s morning constitutionals. Made Linda’s lunch replete with “Will + Linda” artwork on the paper bag. Dropped her off at school.
Back at the Bar None, brought the layers, now over 6 weeks, from safe house out into their yard. Over to the cornish coop, they set out in their own run. Then to the barn for morning greetings of our adult layers. Feed the lot of them, now numbering 52. All three watering cans given the once over til spic and span.
To the hoop house, water all the flats. Give the spinach beds a good soaking. Out to the garden, remove the mini hoops from the lettuces, swiss chards and carrots (dilly dallying in their germination as always.) Give them a good watering too.
Back in the Jeep and at Platte River State Park by 9:00. Spent the next three hours in the rugged ATV , learning each and every trail under the expert tutelage of Park Superintendent Joe. Doing some revamping of the Ni-Bthaska-Ke courses, taking notes and photos of critical points, detailed discussions on how to ensure that even Stevie Wonder could not get lost. A few changes this year that we think will be very well received. For the first time in 9 years I know the course like the back of my own hand.
A few operational items cleaned up at the park office and then back to the Bar None by 1:00.
Race day instructions composed and sent out to the couple hundred trail runners we’ll entertain.
Spent the next two hours reinforcing against last night’s expected high winds. Rebar replacing many of the wooden stakes, that should do the trick (and it did.) Too much work and growth already underway to lose anything to a slippery knot. Re-tarped the coop, I’ll finally get it shingled after this busy week concludes.
From three until five spent getting igloo coolers washed, slow cookers cleaned, counting t shirts, inventory awards, all manner of race day details considered and prepped.
Five thirty they start arriving. Those select few that now comprise my Wednesday night coaching group. Nebraska Run Guru Elite membership the only golden ticket. No more public broadcasting of the workouts. You’ll see the results. One hint, my other tall buddy Andrew Jacob may just get what he wished for earlier this year.
The next hour plus spent doing what I love most now in running. These cats that brave my heat now tempered to another level.
Seven thirty and I’m back in the kitchen. Supper prepared, served, cleaned and stowed. I’m amazed that Linda keeps as busy as me in her own realm of responsibilities.
Finally a much deserved shower at 8:30. Pour a shot and a half of Knob Creek Single Barrel Reserve over ice. A chapter of my current read, ANNAPURNA. Round up a few emergency supplies in case the power goes out, turn down the sheets and out go the lights.
A day in the life. The Good Life.