big’s backyard hour 2:
no hour one update,
we were busy taking the crews around to watch the runners at several locations on the loop.
and then showing them the official halfway overlook they can go to spectate over the next few days.
all 15 runners showed up this morning
and everyone is in a festive mood.
team spirit is really high,
normally a backyard is like all backyard sports.
athletes of all skill and experience levels can play together
and for some people the first yard is the furthest they have ever been.
so every hour someone is reaching a goal
or exceeding it…
the atmosphere at an elite level backyard is very different.
days will pass before things get serious.
if anyone goes out today it will be a personal (and team) tragedy.
still, while it seems very casual and relaxed
there is always,
in the background,
the low hum of pressure….
you must be in the corral when the bell rings
you must complete the yard within the hour.
you must pay attention.
.
we had a couple of runners carelessly miss a turn on the second yard.
fortunately a teammate saw them and hollered.
what a catastrophe it would have been for them to wander off on a wrong trail
and end up not having time to get back.
i think in a few more hours there will be such a track worn into the fallen leaves that it will be impossible to get off the trail.
until then, awareness is important!
