A Ritchie-record 14 pax gathered for one of the most tempestuous version of this run in the two years we’ve been hitting it, braving thunder, lightning and a steady rain to complete the 12-mile loop.

The Thang:

12 miles, launching from the Freedom park Train, taking in Dilworth, the South End, West Morehead, Freedom Drive, Enderly Park, Seversville, Wesley Heights, Fourth Ward, First Ward and returning across town on the Little Sugar Creek Greenway.  Times ranged from around 1:30 for the lead pack (Stickbug, Robo, The Show, 5-0) to around 1:42 for the pax (OBT, Kit, American Pie) who upheld their commitment to long, slow distance (and still ended up going faster than usual).

Spreadsheets from the Gloom:

_ Ranks were swelled by the approaching Blue Ridge Relay, and this run is great prep since it includes a long, steady BRR-like uphill from Freedom Drive to State Street along Thrift and Tuckaseegee roads, as well as shorter climbs that also make for good hill training.  There were even some obstacles, with storm water pouring out of the drains and onto the greenway during the final stretch along Little Sugar Creek.

_The REAL Show proved once again that he has been sandbagging by rolling out with the speed group. He’s thee fastest bag of wet bowling balls in CNC

_The Colonel posted wearing every color of neon Reebok makes, together with 12 pounds of goo-belt strapped to his waist. Nonetheless, he announced to the PAX upon arrival (8 minutes  late) that his intent this AM was “deadly serious”, and then went out and proved it. Interestingly, he seemed surprised to learn in the COT that Swanee and the University of the South were one in the same, despite (supposedly) having attended one or both institution(s).

_ MMOB returned to the Ritchie for the first time in a while, but his famed “This is My Ciy” view from the top of State Street looking toward downtown was obscured by clouds and a steady rain this AM. Fittingly, his normal blonde bouffant was beaten down by the rain and most of his makeup was washed off, leaving him looking a vision of your mom you’d rather forget

_The rain turned 5-O’s usual #RobertUrichDo into a #fauxhawk, making him look like an extra in Last of the Mohicans.

_ Holtz is struggling with medical issues, but joined the crew until the turn off Mint Street onto West Morehead. T-claps and prayers for a speedy (or at least pre-BRR) recovery.

_ AP and YHC have collectively logged more Ritchie Run miles than anyone over the last 18 months and have our own thoughts on pace and how an “easy like Sunday mornin’” day fits into an overall training plan.  However, attempts to share those thoughts were roundly derided by the speed merchants who set the pace, particularly Dredd — who opined that that’s exactly the kind of input he would expect from losers who bring up the rear.  Ouch, the truth hurts …

OBT