Tessa's Rain Dance Brings Out the Best at Tom B

Tessa's rain dance was a total success.

After the driest spring in recent memory some serious rain would have to happen to make Tom B. participants even the slightest bit excited about the conditions. After all isn't at least some of the reason for "doing" these trail runs so you can all stand around "bragging" about the conditions? Before the event it's imperative - and especially after - I guess it's to make you feel more "manly" or "womanly".

For anyone who missed Tom B. this year it was a real treat, in fact one treat after another. There was a good turnout of participants, including several who had good competitive attitudes. As the starting time approached even Tessa's last minute early morning preparations of the rain dance were looking like they might be successful. Competitors huddled under the shelters near the start as drizzle turned to showers and then to wind and real rain at the starting line.

It was yet again a slightly different course (no complaints here) that was very well marked so even I didn't get lost this year. The "hot dogs" went off ahead: Earl S., closely trailed by two young IC fledglings and Dan F., all led the race up, down and through some beautiful trails and woodland. Even the occasional sighting of mud was reported on the course-- and a tree down-- ooh! Many ran more than just the one circuit trying to have even more "fun in the rain".

The post race feast was fabulous. The race director had made a multitude of delicious preparations to compare to a King Arthur banquet, great job.

My only complaint is that, next year maybe moderate the temperatures a little. 80+ degrees the day before the race and feeling like 40 after the race left me a little chilled. But then again without much mud there has to be something to complain about-- or it wouldn't be a complete success-- right?

-- Tim Ingall