November Wrap Up Rap

PBun decided to give EX2 Adventures Fall Back Yard Burn races a go
Seeing as these are on trails makes for a challenge, don’t you know?
She signed up for two of the three fall events
If you real along you’ll see how they both went!
River Bend Park BYB was a fun race
Lots of flat ground mixed in in this case
Only tripped once in the last mile
And you know she finished with a smile
Meanwhile, two rabbits made their way to southern West Virginia in the rain-
TBun and STUR thought they were a bit insane.
The Southern Harvest half marathon was in their sights
After ordered in pizza and some sleep they felt alright!
Easy parking and packet pick up- so great!
Being part of a very small race was their fate!
Part of the course ran along a magnificent wall
That protected the town from floods y’all!
Ran up the highway named after Robert C Byrd-
Part of it in Kentucky - have you heard?

Pesky rain fell for a good part of the race-
To stay warm they had to keep up the pace.
Had some candy and pizza to stuff their face-
Then surprisingly learned that they both won Age group second place!

The amenities at this small race were second to none-
Even got to take a shower when they were done!
In the end these rabbits happily checked off two states
Time to get some more Chick-fil-A?!! It’s a date!
Next up PBun took a quick trip down south but not for a race
She was visiting her son PGoods, in this case
Lots of fun was crammed into a couple of days
Like duckpin bowling followed by axe throwing games!

Also had to get a visit in to Waffle House
This is their tradition without a doubt
Then there was the Harry Potter the Exhibit – bonus
PBun was over the moon over this!

Lots of displays of original movie artifacts
She truly enjoyed herself, that’s the fact, jack!
Two races happened on the 20th of November
Very different but both bad ass, for sure!
KBun down at Ironman Cozumel, kind of her old stomping grounds
And with pacer Richard she could be found
She said it was a long and tough day
Finished cramping and bent over by the way
Point is she did it, so a good way to end her racing season
And with a visit to paradise, son of a gun!!

Despite her troubles she ended up in third place
That is pretty sweet for a Ironman race!
PBun was at Fountainhead Park for the final BYB
Where she saw Bambi or his friend or family
She was just happy it wasn’t Flower the skunk
Getting sprayed by him would have certainly stunk!
Her goal would be to stay upright, it’s true
But tripped and touched the ground one time for each mile. Shoot!
But through four creek crossings she kept her feet dry
This course was a challenge, she’s not gonna lie 

Happy for the Hot Hands to keep her hands warm
Without them it took her feet a bit longer, darn.
At the finish saw some swim folks from L4
It was good to chat and snack for a bit for sure!
Two Rabbits hopped onto metro Thanksgiving morn-
Would they be running a Turkey trot? Yes! They weren’t torn.
PBun and STUR got there in plenty of time to do necessary activities pre-race,
Packet pick up and porta potty visits in this case!
The first mile is always a bit chaotic -
Just relax and get by all the walkers - don’t be neurotic!
So many fun costumes including those running in overalls and PJ’s…
A woman in a pilgrim dress was also on display!
Michael Wardian won first place with his Vizsla dog-
Under 30 minutes it was WAY more than a slog
The Alexandria Turkey trot is five miles
Besides runners there were strollers and dogs and walkers oh my!
PBun was happy for this race to stay upright
The sun felt warm and that was outta sight
In the second half PBun met a cute dog named Wrigley
The both met a cool dog that was a mix of Egyptian Pharaoh and Pitty!
Apparently Egyptian Pharaoh hounds are using for hunting rabbits
So Team Rabbit meeting him after was just about perfect!

End of the Road Rap

On Saturday, PBun picked up TBun super early
Were they headed to Waterfall PA? Surely!
They were set to run to the End of the Road and back
Half Marathon running race that is – natch

TBun had wanted to do this race for a while
Which she explained to PBun during the drive with a smile
Rolled up to the start and the announcer said this is not a road race
If you don’t watch your step you could trip and fall on your face
A man came up to them and they were told
Let me get your photograph this is marketing gold!

The race (what race?) course was an out and back
On the abandoned PA turnpike and through two tunnels - no jack

So much graffiti in the tunnels and on the broken road
The most popular was a male appendage - how bold!!

 

Use of headlamps or flashlights  was also mandatory
These tunnels were not lit up - sorry, not sorry!
It seemed like they went uphill in both directions …
Of course this was just an optical illusion
PBun felt like Dr. Richard Kimball in "The Fugitive" movie
Jumping off a dam was not required, thankfully

When not in the tunnels they were surrounded by gorgeous fall scenery
And perfect fall temps, you don’t say

They had Coke and Halloween candy at one of the aid stations
$100 Grand and Milky Way bars there for the taking

At the finish they scooped up some snacks and headed out
Chick-fil-A was waiting up the road no doubt

EOTR Half was a super fun event
Their ears were a hit as always - the rabbits are glad they went!

Winning Rap

On Friday TBun and STUR hopped over to the Delaware Water Gap
Obviously this is the Ultra run part of the rap!
(Oh, and yes CBun has decided on a new rabbit name -
TBun for “Trail Bunny” is her new claim to fame!!)
Arrived in plenty of time to hit up the Olive Garden -
Don’t worry they considered Chick-fil-A, I beg your pardon!
The race had a luxurious 10:30 AM start -
So they could sleep in and have hotel breakfast - smart!
Arrived at the race site - was a bit of a ghost town
The parking lot was empty - no peeps to be found
Turns out the race was really, really small…
Doesn’t matter, the race director was super nice, they’d have a ball! 

The first 3 miles were “fast” and flat!
Non-technical trails are where it’s at! 

Soon after things changed a little bit…
Lots of up and down, but no reason to quit!
The turn-around was at mile 8.5?!
Going to be much more than 25k - nobody dies…
STUR saw TBun a bit after that spot -
TBun admitted she “forgot” about some of those hills - well thanks a lot!
For STUR the back half was a bit of a slog…
But her attitude stayed positive as she spoke to every dog!
The race director’s daughter helper STUR run it in -
And was there with a fist bump – win WIN!

TBun had CRUSHED the course and waited for STUR’s arrival
At this point for her it was all about survival
FINALLY, it was Chick-fil-A time and a bee line for home -
Away from the usual – it’s always good to roam!

Meanwhile, K and P Buns had headed out of town by car
Headed down to Chattanooga…it wasn’t too far
Would you believe they also partook in some Olive Garden?
Great minds definitely think alike, son of a gun!
Met up with Connie from TriDot on Thursday morn…
Athlete check-in, easy bike preview, then a short run 

That evening was a nice group dinner
Big River Grill was definitely a winner
Friday brought a swim practice just above the Chickamauga dam
This water temp on race day wouldn’t be wetsuit legal, but in them they swam

Next they did a short run over near the start of the swim
Which was also on the run course so double-win

In the afternoon they drove the bike course and once around the loop
It was good to see the far turn around if you want the scoop
Speaking of scoops, they stopped for ice cream
Clumpies shop was delicious – it was not a dream 

Several times they visited the City Cafe Diner for different meals
With over 400 menu items and friendly prices it was a steal

Saturday was busy with so many tasks
And dropping bikes and gear bags it seems like the time never lasts

Then trying to get sleep the night before the race is always hard
Maybe four hours was all that was in the cards

Race morning they strolled down to transition and were joined by others
Then boarded buses to the swim start to get queued up, no bother
The swim was a swift current assisted affair
PBun had a nearly 20 minute PR out there!
Had clear water most of the way down river
And would you believe ran right by the glasses table upon exiting? Yes sir!
Had to double back to pick them up
While dodging other finishing swimmers sure enough
KBun unfortunately took a kick to the chest
Got her breath knocked out of her so she took a little rest
She also exited the water in a swift swim time
Happy to have that part done, it’s not a crime
There was some rain out on the bike ride
PBun didn’t actually mind it most of the time
At one point, KBun said she couldn’t see the road which is a drag
And eventually called it a day and took a ride back with the SAG
PBun enjoyed the entire course especially the faster half of the ‘lollipop’
The hills were very manageable – no climbing up to a mountaintop
A fun thing they both noted on the loop part
Were five goats staked out cutting the grass in front of a farm
There was also a person dressed as Pennywise the Clown
Red balloon and all, hopefully nothing too crazy went down!
PBun also noticed a house with a chalkboard out by the curb
They were updating the NFL games scores – how superb!!
PBun actually enjoyed the run course, too.
Even though she walked more than she planned to
Well, maybe not that Barton hill,
Which as advertised was a pill!
On the run got to say hi to a cute kitty cat
And it followed her for a bit - imagine that!
A group of dudes really loved the bunny ears
And did chants of Easter / Bunny perhaps while drinking some beers
Around mile 23 or so she thought she was going down
As it felt like her right foot was moving straight through the ground
She tried to add bits of running here and there
But mostly it was a shuffle and pump everywhere
She saw various peeps from TriDot
Those sightings really hit the spot!
Best of all, KBun was at the finish line
Seeing her might have even made PBun cry

Got surprise live stream finish screen shots
STUR had stayed up after midnight to watch

A10 Rap

On Saturday there was a long ride out in Cambridge M-D

KBun and PBun getting ready for the Ironman down in Tennessee 

L4 lane-mate Amy joined in on the fun

And showed them a cool out and back stretch they got done

Also along for the ride were Jason and Jeff

Jason is doing IMMD with Amy you can bet

Sunday early way, way before the crack 

Headed out to the Naval Academy stadium for the Annapolis 10 miler. Fact.  

Big thanks to CBun who’d picked up all their packets 

Because starting out even earlier is just plain nuts! 

As they approached the stadium PBun exhibited some amazing driving skillzzz -

Got them efficiently parked and ready for the hillzzz

Stilt, CBun, and STUR were all hoping to make the time cut off -

All for various reasons so please don’t scoff!

Turns out they had not a thing to worry about -

Breezed in way under - let’s give a shout!

For the most part the race (what race?) wasn’t too sunny -

As a result someone called STUR the energizer bunny!

Someone made kind of a negative comment to PBun about her ears...

Maybe she was jealous of all of her cheers?

PBun had 2x10 marathon repeats to knock out

Then it was all nice and easy to the finish without a doubt

Met up with Amy again before the start

Saw her on the out and back knocking it out of the park!

CBun thought the course was going to be as tough as Riley’s Rumble

Thankfully not as bad and NOBODY took a tumble!!

Then before breakfast the rabbits needed a refreshment

Finding a 7-11 would be heaven sent

Preferably not the one in the mall

Is that an odd place or what, y’all 

Coke Slurpees for the absolute WIN!

Not having this rite of summer would be a sin

The rabbits' waitress at Bob & Edith’s mentioned she wanted to take some Valium?!

Left them wondering what kind of waitress she would become!

It was nice to sit outside and not freeze

Had to rearrange the chairs to not get blinded by the sun you see

Apparently the rabbits are not too rusty at rhyming 

Because you wouldn’t believe the lines back and forth they were volleying!

Ultra Shuffle Rap

Stilt drove from PA to VA en route
To Alcoa TN for the Pistol Ultra Party – shoot!
STUR, PBun, and Stilt thought running a 50k seemed like a good plan
While also supporting KBun on her first hundred miler, understand?
PBun was also going to rent a bike so she
Could ride some miles with her on Sunday you see
KBun's friend Richard even flew in from Houston TX for the fun
He was going to pace her for 20 miles overnight till after the rise of the sun

Pistol Party Gloves!

The Belmont woman’s basketball team was staying in their hotel -
And on Saturday they won their first Woman’s March Madness game as well!

Stilt had played b’ball back in the day
Did the original Belmont coach try to recruit her? Yes way!
Saturday morning dawned overcast and cool
The 50Kers lined up for a 7:55AM start at the Springbrook Pool

The 100Kers and Hundos started five minutes behind
All the racers out on the out and back course were so kind!
The three ended up in the tent together after the first loop
STUR took some extra recovery – that’s the scoop!

After the second loop the rabbits were back together in the food tent
Both STUR and PBun thought the PT care was heaven sent!
STUR got help for a pesky blister on her big toe…
And PBun for a knee issue, don’t you know!
Stilt and PBun departed the food tent first
STUR was not far behind - they did not leave her in the lurch!
Soon Stilt commented that STUR would catch up
And wouldn’t you know it she was right behind them sure enough!

Scenes from the Lucky Aid Station!

For PBun it was actually easier on her knee to run then walk
So she crossed the finish line a smidge ahead of the other two – she wouldn’t stop
Nearing the end, STUR glanced over her shoulder and saw a vision of pink
A lady being pushed in a wheelchair was going to pass her in a blink!

She looked at Lynn and told her to RUN!
They wished the best for those ladies - all in good fun!

After a short recovery they hung around to wait
To see KBun finish 40 miles – there was no debate!
KBun took a French fry and some Coke on the go
They barely had time to say keep up the good work – hello!
The 50Kers returned to the hotel from the race and walked by an ongoing prom -
Almost getting involved in an unfortunate photo bomb!
After cleaning up they were ready for some real food
That and Diet Coke would put PBun in a good mood!
STUR tried to call in an order for a pizza
They weren't sure if it would get there but in the end it did, oh yeah!
After that she and PBun went back to the race site
To see Richard head out with KBun by the near full moon light 

When they returned back to the Knoxville Hilton
The Belmont team was not far behind them – what fun!
Lynn sprung out of bed to greet the returning team -
Could she still run? Perhaps it was a dream....
Sunday morning was even colder but sunny
PBun opted to ride the bike to the race and beat the others – how funny!
Not long after Richard and KBun appeared
Now she just had another 20 miles to go – never fear!
PBun took over the pacing while Richard and the rabbits hopped in the car
They planned to meet up at all the aid stations to see KBun the superstar!

With just under 5 miles to go, Randy from the Wild Trails aid station showed KBun how to “shuffle and pump”
Because across the finish line they all wanted her rump!

Richard paced KBun first for 2.4…
Then STUR brought KBun from Lucky Leprechaun to the finish – SCORE!
STUR put on her best drill Sargent hat to literally LEAD KBun to the end!
Inspired someone on the trail to say “aren’t you going to wait for your friend?”
Cookies from a Walgreens stop exploded in the rental car-
Borrow vacuum from the hotel? How high that would set the bar!
Even though KBUN was a minuscule amount above the time cut-
She wants to try that hundo again-she won’t be in a rut!

KBun did it! She went 100 MILES on her own two feet!!

Sunday afternoon PBun and Stilt rushed to return the rental bike
And in the process Stilt's phone took a trip at 70 mph along the pike

Made it though, in the nick of time
Then they could just relax for the night – all was fine!
On Monday they celebrated at IHOP before hopping on a plane-
Safe to say they were all in some degree of pain.

Cute bear sculpture on the course

Team Rabbit saw the original Belmont coach on TV Monday night!