When I “injured out” of our trail-running team’s first Moran Constitutional Relay in 2019, I agreed to act as the volunteer for our team, Type 2 Fun. My experience was more bitter than sweet: all I could think about was what I was missing and my bitterness fogged my vision. What a fool!
This year, I injured out again, but it was a totally different experience. For two days, I floated along on the joy of hanging out with great friends and the collective glee of people doing something they loved. Here’s my report, mostly in photos (and if you like photos, take a look at Somer Kreisman’s full portfolio or her website or her IG.)
Day One
At the start … little did Alex (all black, near center) know that two runners to her left was the fastest guy on the mountain. We nicknamed him Tank Top Guy. Not visible in this shot is our favorite team, nicknamed Cookie Shorts.
Alex enters the home stretch of the first leg …
… and hurtles toward the finish
Aaron is looking pretty chill finishing out the second leg
Sammy P. storms in to finish the third leg
Runners and Nick (also injured) wait for Lou at the top of Little Summit
Louisa finishes the massive hill climb and prepares to hand off to Sam. She had some choice words about the quality of the fourth leg …
… but she was smiling again soon
Lou closes out Day One
We enjoyed a fabulous sunset from our AirBNB
Day Two:
I walked Cascade Lake at the start of Day Two
Lou and Aaron scoped out the running routes …
… and tried to stay warm in the sun.
It was just so cool watching both the runners and the spectators. Everyone was having a ball.
This was my favorite kid at the event …
… and this my favorite dog (howling dog came in a close second).
Is that the happiest finger you’ve ever seen?
Some teams followed their finisher into the chute …
… while other runners were trailed by their fans.
Happy team at the top of Mount Constitution …
… and having a beer while waiting for the ferry
Type 2 Fun at the Finish (Louisa, Aaron, and Uncle Al; Sam left early)
This looked so fun! And good for you for leaning into the spectator experience. I used to run a lot, but have pulled back considerably to avoid injury. It's a cold, rainy day in Brooklyn, but after reading your post, I'm looking longingly at my running shoes.
Big smile on my face as my son and granddaughter and her husband share healthy outdoor fun. In raising my kids in the the outdoors, with hiking and backpacking and farming, I always hoped they would appreciate nature and physical activity as adults. Not only do they live that lifestyle, but they have passed it on to their children, my grandchildren, as well. Big smile on my face.
This looked so fun! And good for you for leaning into the spectator experience. I used to run a lot, but have pulled back considerably to avoid injury. It's a cold, rainy day in Brooklyn, but after reading your post, I'm looking longingly at my running shoes.
Big smile on my face as my son and granddaughter and her husband share healthy outdoor fun. In raising my kids in the the outdoors, with hiking and backpacking and farming, I always hoped they would appreciate nature and physical activity as adults. Not only do they live that lifestyle, but they have passed it on to their children, my grandchildren, as well. Big smile on my face.