The race is run in a series of loops, first 9 miles, which takes them about 3 hours to complete, and then 4.5 miles, which takes them 1 1/2 hours. Therefore, I get to see them quite a bit throughout the day.
8:40 a.m.–BT and Tad completed their first 9-mile loop. They startled me when they stopped by the car–I had gone back to bed. They were energetic and in good spirits despite the deplorable weather. After quickly grabbing a few provisions, they headed off again, this time to complete the 4-mile loop.
9:42 a.m.–BT and Tad completed their first 4-mile loop. Tad’s face looked pale and blue, but he assures me he is fine. I can’t assess BT condition by his face it is muddy and scruffy. I don’t know how they aren’t freezing! I’m cold just sitting here in the car. You gotta hand it to them. They are TOUGH!
12:48 p.m.–22 miles completed. It’s still raining, and the wind has picked up. Nonetheless, they are still smiling.
2:00 p.m.–26 miles completed. They are a little more than a quarter of the way done. BT brought me a Valentine surprise–one heart-shaped, and two L-shaped rocks. They’ve got some weight to them, so I’m touched that he would carry that extra weight just for me.
Listen to the wind in the video below!
By 2:10, they were off again. I admire their optimism and determination.