This past weekend 11/15/14, I helped with a race, I have heard that every runner should help with some races in order to be a better racer.  There were not very many photos taken.  I helped with aid station 5 at the 25 mile turn around for the 50 miler race.   We however also helped out station 2 which was on the course for the 50K and 50 miler.  What I enjoyed so much about this race is that no one cared how fast you ran it just as long as you finished.  Yet folks understood about those who dropped out due to injuries or feeling so sick.  This was the group photo one of them took.  I helped with the wascally group.   It was nice getting to know some of them.

In the photo is a dog of Brad and Stephanie. Brad is in the orange and Stephanie is taking it. We were at this time setting up the aid station. Due to the tree coverings we were not hot for long and it was a windy day.  We spent much time adding water to whatever water bottle that folks had.  Our aid station was said to have the best food of baked potatoes and salt.   Most folks dipped the potatoes into the salt.  Many wanted salt tables also not sure why but quite a few asked for them.  I will have research that one.  At the time they got to us, the folks had run over a marathon and had another 25 miles to go.   There were 29 50 miler entries, and 5 did not start.  We were looking for 24 folks to come through.   We did find out that two had scratched by the time the sweepers were letting us know that the aid station could be closed.  It was then that we went to station 2 to catch those getting to the second to last station.  We waited for our friends then moved on to the ending and watched them end.  I was shocked how many runners had beer while running.  I would be afraid to drink then run.   I know the calories they were burning the beer helped replace but how much would it help them stay on their feet.  On the second half of the race, I saw quite a few drinking some.  It was long day but fun one.  It did take me a few to feel human again.   I did not drink enough or eat enough that day.   I also did not drink when others in our group did.  I look forward to the next race and seeing some of these guys out running with me.  My next race is Dec 13th, the toys for tots race which is only a 5K but should be fun.   It at least gives some focus for me.