2011 Wild Goose Chase

We were expecting some bad roads on the way to town for the Wild Goose Chase run, and it was a good thing we left early, because they were bad. Lots of blowing snow, drifts coming on to the highway, only one other vehicle in 90 miles of travel. Ninety miles on pavement, on a U.S. highway, and only one other vehicle. It was coming from the other direction, so at least I knew the roads were passable. Although it was 4WD. And after 20 miles I couldn't see it's tracks on the road anymore.

This is what I saw. The road conditions had deteriorated. No plows had been out yet, so we got to break trail with our 4 inches of clearance. Fun times. It got worse than this, but I didn't try taking a photo. And then Desert Boy had to pee. Trips are always an adventure with little kids!

Fortunately we made it in plenty of time to register and were astounded to see so many other crazy fools braving the snow storm for the opportunity to go run and get sore muscles.

They had a 5k and a 10k, and our group of seven from the valley participated in both. Here's Desert Boy at the finish. He said he wanted to run in the race, so I had him run while I warmed up in the parking lot.

Then we were off. I didn't get any starting photos or photos of the route, but fortunately Ben and Breanna got photos of the finishers.

Here's Jeremy, who came in second in the 5k. Actually, his dog came in second, so he came in third.

Christian was the first finisher for the 12 and under group. He ran in jeans, because that's what he always runs in. I'd really like to beat him, but I'm afraid he's going to get faster than I can get faster.

Here I come next to a poor guy who had pulled a muscle.

Chandra managed a big smile on her turn into the finish.

Here's Breanna skirting the puddles. There was still a cold north wind and snow falling most of the time, but it was warm enough to melt some of the ice on the ground. The biggest obstacle was the mud--part of the run was so muddy that I had to repeatedly kick the mud wads off my shoes.

The snow geese made a grand entrance flying overhead.

The kids had fun pushing Desert Girl's stroller around.

Then came the 10k finishers, with Greg checking his time at the finish.

Hector kept taking off layers as he ran. He won his age group for the 10k.

While the race organizers were busy compiling results, on the other side of the road people were gathering for Dunk, Dunk...Goose, a.k.a the Snow Goose Plunge.

For only $10, a person could heave his/her body into the frigid reservoir and get a t-shirt.

The t-shirt said "I got goose bumps at dunk, dunk...Goose."

Desert Boy tested the waters. He really wanted to swim, but I convinced him to wait until later, when we could go to the heated indoor pool.

But there were plenty ready to take the plunge right then. They all charged in.

Most then hurried out of the water.

But a few stayed and played for awhile. It made me so cold just watching them!

We went back to the Pavilion for the raffle prizes and also to hear the results. Our group gathered for a photo. It was really fun knowing other runners in the race.

I'm not sure of the official count, but there were probably more than last year's 150 runners/walkers.

Christian showing off his certificate.

Emma was a good sport, not minding the cold.

Photo shoot for the newspaper. I love the dog sitting behind them.

And photo shoot of our group again. We were delighted that everyone placed in their age group.
Next year we'll have to do it again, and maybe we can even recruit a few more people.

One of the perks was a nice shirt.

So thanks to everyone who helped sponsor the race! It was worth the long drive, crazy weather, and mud. And we did eventually find the Navajo tacos after the race, but we had to huddle in the van to eat because it had started snowing again and was too cold to stay outside. Maybe next year we'll get some warmer weather!