May 7 Handicap Results
 
Hmm... Let's see.  Compared to the April Handicap in Edgewood, the May handicap in Placitas from David and Katherine Wilson's home was 1) 60 degrees warmer, 2) 1,000 feet lower, 3) 10 miles closer to town, 4) bright and sunny as compared to driving snow, 5) and 1 mile shorter; therefore, we had twice as many runners, right??!  Nope!  About a third as many runners showed up.  Being as this was a Mother's Day themed handicap Al and Glenda went all out and painted flowers on their arms.  Most of the others were searching for ways to claim having a flower as they arrived at the handicap.  John was lucky enough to have a flower on the shirt that he happened to pick, the others had to be a little more creative.  Most of them wound up with the extra 5 points for a Mother's Day flower. 
 
The course started just off the main road into Placitas, and I was told that hills were not too long or too steep.  I guess we're getting used to hills.  The scenery, of course, was gorgeous with the full moon rising just behind us at the start line.  Although billed as a 3.5 mile run, David and Al decided at the last minute that 4 was a rounder number.  Like I say, we are getting used to hills. 
 
Kathy Kirsling is recovering from an injury, so she walked the course.  Not knowing what to pace to select, we relied on Al's infinite wisdom when he suggested a 15 minute pace.  Honestly, I didn't really think Kathy was up to a 4 mph walk up and down hills, but she seemd okay with it.   To my surpise Kathy was the first to appear on the horizon with the setting sun to her back, walking every so steadily and never breaking her stride.  She actually managed a little better than a 15 minute pace, so she picked up a $20 gift card to Fleet Feet for her efforts.  Dennis Muirhead and Ed Zanelli won the other two gift cards as drawing prizes. 
 
Catherine Freund joined us for a handicap for the first time, and also for her first 4 mile run.  I remember all too well my first 4 mile handicap, so I decided to pass on telling her she had plenty of time to warm up.  She had such a happy smile on her face as she stood at the start line waiting her turn.  Why ruin it?  Catherine finished, still with a happy smile on her face.  That's how a handicap should be.  After everyone came in, we headed up to the Wilsons' house for a potluck.  In case you don't know, David is an architect, and their house was rebuilt by his former architect partner.  This is one house you really have to see for yourself.  David had told me it was "interesting," but that was the understatement of the year.  Their house is a lovely place for a friendly gathering with several balconies and magnificent views.  The spaces are inviting, not too large, but the house has plenty of room. 
 
For the June handicap, Donna has promised 20 degree weather with blowing snow, a 10 mile out-and-back with a 15% uphill grade in both directions.  See you all there!  It's okay.  Your mothers love you... even if you are weird. 

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