CrossRoads Blog

Our recent trip to OK for the Half Marathon was really not for the race at all. In fact, it was just good fortune that it lined up. There were actually three other reasons we needed to get over to the ‘heat-humidity-tornado alley’ neck of the US woods. First, of course there is the fact Grandma needs to see Michael III every few months or she gets to be ornery. Second, good family friend Michael Larose was tying the knot with the lovely and already his much better half Marianne. And lastly, it would give us an opportunity to hang out for several days with Clay and Kathy – which means great company, lots of golf, amazing pine nut pasta, and good vino that I didn’t have to spring for (how can you beat that?).

The whole couple of weeks were perfect as planned. Though if we could get some non rain days in McAlester it would be nice. The grandson is growing by leaps and bounds every time we see him. I am sure next time will be the same. We also got to meet Zac’s ‘very close friend’ Amanda and her wonderful brood of youngin’s. We got to score M3 his first bike (yeah it’s a tricycle so what) – we can’t wait until he is big enough for his first Electra Rat Rod! And of course as always it was enjoyable hanging with the old folks , M2 and Antoinette.

Down in Texas Mike and Marianne’s wedding was great. A really cool island vibe, a lot of sentiment, and a good night for sure. We ended up topping that night off with a trip down to The White Elephant Saloon in the Ft. Worth Stockyards to see a very young talented singer-guitar player friend of Kathy and Clay’s that was performing that night.

The week at Chateau Reeves was great as always, and of course included all of the aforementioned vino, pasta, golf, and great company. The only bummer in Texas was they canceled the Mayfest and Mayfest run because of the swine flu thing going on… that’s just silly!

As always, you know we got some pics of the trip. You can view them HERE

It was one of those ‘everything lined up perfect’ situations. We were well due a trip to see the Grandson and family again (at least according to Grandma Kimberly). I also needed to get down to Texas to see Clay, do a little business, play a little (or a lot of) golf you know the story. So we picked a couple of week stretch that seemed to make sense and started to make plans. As I do now when we travel like this I search to see if there any little local running races close to where we’re are staying that would give us a little something to do on the weekend. Well low-n-behold, not just a little race but the OKC Memorial Marathon and Half Marathon events and was the weekend we would be in OK. Not only that but when we were in Texas the Mayfest Run was going on over Memorial weekend! (the Mayfest ended up being canceled because of the swine-Flu – stupid, but a whole other story). Anyway, we signed up for the Half Marathon and we were good to go.

We got into Oklahoma a couple of nights before the race. We would be staying with family for the next week so it was nice to get in early and check out Oklahoma City some. The race is ran in honor of the victims (168 lives lost over 600 injured), survivors and all the people who helped out during the tragic bombing at the Murrah Federal Building in 1995. In fact the whole race and weekend are really focused on the event. This would be the 9th annual event. It starts and ends right at the Memorial (which is of course on the grounds of the old Federal Building).

Like most big races (this one has 19,000 runners and walkers for all the events) there is a pretty big expo where you pick up your bib and other items. This one was at the OKC convention hall just up the street in downtown OKC. We got there early on Saturday to walk around and grab the freebie stuff too (always fun). When first walking in we noticed a table with volunteers that were talking about the victims. Turns out, one of the things you can do (and many do) is run in honor of one of the victims. Of course many locals would have known someone directly or where touched by the bombing somehow, but we did not so we really did not know who to ‘run in honor of’. One of the ladies there suggested that there were a many of people that no one was yet signed up to run for. Well… that was perfect, it made it feel like we really were honoring their memory then.

Kimberly found a young little three year old girl named Peachlynn Bradley who was at the daycare. Peachlynn’s Mother, four month old brother, and Aunt were also victims (her Aunt and Brother perished and her Mother was severely injured. I found a father who was a Stevie Ray fan, loved his kids and was and seemed like a kind soul named Lucio Aleman. We already knew this race would be an emotional one. Now it was going to be that much more. What was cool was there would be banners (we actually found them before the race so we would know when we passed) along the course with Peachlynn and Lucio’s names.

Along with your race packet came admission to the Memorial Museum at the bombing site. We had not seen this when we were here before. We had seen all outside the museum is the reflecting pool, the chairs, the Memorial Tree and of course the fence with all the items left in remembrance. So after getting all the Cliff bars and free rubs and GU’s we could, we went over to the museum.

They did an amazing job I think with the museum - a perfect balance of honoring and informing without exploiting. We really appreciated our time there. There were so many heart-wrenching stories and so many amazing volunteers. The place brought smiles and tears for sure. The only part we skipped was the area where they had a bunch on the trial of the piece of #%$% that did this. In my mind no reason to invest any time learning about him.

Jumping forward to the night before the race, we have to give a huge plug for the Italian restaurant we ate the night before the race. When I think OKC, I sure don’t think Italian, but we needed some pasta carbs and rolled the dice. The place was amazing – Bellini’s. Both our dishes were outstanding. In fact, Kimberly’s pesto may have been the best I have ever eaten. For sure if you ever get to OKC check it out.

After dinner we went back to the hotel to get some rest and watch the tv for weather updates. We were actually getting a little concerned that we may not get to run the race. There had been extreme storms and tornadoes for the last couple of days in the area. Each night the storms barely missing OKC with the worst, but still huge winds, rain, and hot humid weather. It was for sure a risk. That night in fact less than 20 miles from us there were tornadoes and 100+ MPH winds. Luckily, we fell asleep, and awoke to what seemed like weather that would be hot, humid and WINDY – but no severe storms.

I can’t tell you how much we enjoyed this race. The city is great, the support from the fans and neighborhoods you run through was amazing. And the emotions….wow. From the very start where you observe 168 seconds of silence (in honor of each victim) until the end where you run down the finish line shoot to huge fan support all cheering you on, this race is great. The weather was another story. Both Kimberly and I were very thankful we had Lucio and Peachlynn helping us over the hump. There is a stretch of the run from about mile 9-11 I think that seemed all slightly uphill the whole distance, plus the winds of about 25-40 MPH were right into your face. It was tough, but it was where Lucio and Peachlynn’s banners were too – so it was the extra kick needed when we passed those.

We both had good runs. I weaseled into the top 4% overall at 1:45 and Kimberly hit 2:11 which was top 20% in her age group and woman overall. After the run they gave out Carl’s Jr. burgers – HA. Funnier yet, we both had a half. We walked around a little more, dropped off our bibs with special messages for Peachlynn and Lucio at the fence, then hit a real lunch and within a couple of hours were sitting on the porch with our Grandson on the lap. Life is good….

SOME PICTURES IN OUR RUNNING FOLDER HERE

Seems like if it gets more than a few months or so we get the need for what we call a “RCB Fix” – a need to see the Robert Cray band live. The fix was well due when the Tucson show was to roll around. Between no new albums recently, our travels having been more grandparent oriented than groupie driven, we just hadn’t seen the band in quite some time. This would also be the first time to see the band without Kevin and Karl. We also knew seeing there is an album due we were going to get a few new tracks previewed. So while the (perhaps best said…) disappointment with the personnel changes still lingered, we were pretty excited to see the show and catch up with our buddy, the man myth and legend, Mr. Jim Pugh.

It was a great night and a really good show. We did get to have a nice dinner and hang with Jim before the show. He really is a great guy and we always enjoy his company – I think it’s half the reason we enjoy seeing the guys live. Anyway, seeing I did a semi review for the show on the fan site, I’ll just finish by copying and pasting that here following.

RCB YAHOO CLUB POST I DID

As for the new tracks and the new lineup, I’ll be brief. I, like I am sure a few others here on the site, have still not really grown accustom to the idea of the RCB without Kevin and Karl. Maybe a little corny but it just seemed like the Band was `family’, and now it’s …. well…. changed.

Quick thoughts on the lineup. On the positive, Richard seemed engaged and I enjoyed his playing. His mix seemed right, and some of the old cuts even seemed a little more genuine for lack of a better term. Though he, like it seemed the rest of the guys, kind of “night at the officed” Bad Influence. I think that one needs to step away from the set list for bit. His tempo and groove was especially nice on the new tracks.

The other positive, we are obviously going to get a new Disk any week now is my guess. There were 3 new tracks, maybe 4 but I think 1 is a remix which may or may not be on the album?? And by the way, all were a treat!

Now for the not so positive. The drum mix was awful. I really tried not to be biased, but the freakin’ bass was WAY TOO LOUD (T get your man on that okay?). Every foot stroke on several tracks was like `oh yeah here I am forget about any of the other instruments’… With Robert’s vocals under-mixed, it made for a couple of quite, how to say…., less enjoyable than could be versions. Okay enough of that.

Sadly, as time has passed I have I am sure forgotten several things I would have mentioned. But best I can recall:

1. Our Last Time – A little bit of `day at the office’ but still a great track and a better opening choice than other could have been

2. Poor Johnny – Nice… what can I say, feels near the same as I have heard live now I think all shows since release.

3. (NEW) Chicken in the Kitchen? – Great old vibe as others have suggested. The Strat is there, some real, real nice Organ vibe from Mr. Jim. Overall an old school backyard bbq fun done wrong Blues track.

4. Right Next Door (BOM)

5. 12 Year Old Boy – not near as `energetic’ as several version I recall. Seemed more subtle on purpose.

6. Bad Influence

7. One in the Middle – Nice as most always, though I still long for the time where we got extended solo versions from Robert and Jim.

8. (NEW) Love 2009 (assumed name as I think this is what Robert said) – It’s good, could be real good hard to tell Live from Studio of course, but for sure a track that seemed to say RCB circa SPP. I which I had written down more, I know I had some comments at the time. I guess it will require another show soon.

9. Back Door Slam – my first thought here when I heard the first few beats was somehow this seems wrong. Funny I think Kimberly thought the same as we looked at each other smiling as we shook our heads. Now having said that, wow, a real nice version. Tony got after it on this one doing right by our man Kevin. Though no `mouthing of the words’ which of course is much missed.

10. (NEW) You’re the Reason I Can’t Fail (assume name of track is some such) – freaking sweet! Man it’s so nice to have another new track like this. It’s why RCB has always stood out. Now of course with caveats that I only heard it once, I of course have been beyond jonesing for new material, etc. etc. it is at least a notch above `Lotta Lovin’ quality. Mature lyrics, presented as only RC can, sweet Strat (that actually speaks again on this one), perfect organ and bass accompaniment, etc. This had the feel (again 1 listen) of one of the most
musically articulate “Man Love’s His Woman” material. Can’t wait to hear it again.

11. Smoking Gun – yep (in a Hank from `King of the Hill’ tone)

Encores

1. (NEW-REMIX??) Keep Me Rockin’ (assumed name) – I am sorry, I am sure, at least I think, I have heard this, though without lyrics to do a net search and seeing I forgot them a couple days after we were gone anyway, I just can’t be sure. So it could be a remix, that may or may not be on the album, or it could be a new track. If new, it for sure would be the most `old school-up tempo-bop and rock type tune the guys have ever done. Fun for sure, and I want to hear them do it again as it came as such a surprise, but I am not sure anything groundbreaking here.

2. Time Makes Two – Man-o-man this is still worth whatever it takes to get to an RCB show. It just is something special to be exposed to. Still to my ears the best track over the last several albums. Damn near trance inducing.

A real, real enjoyable night. Nice to hear some new tracks, and can’t wait for more that will soon be on the disk we have and the live shows we see. And lastly, did we mention we love that guy up there on the Hammond…

There are a lot of things that make the Lake Pleasant ‘Dam Good Run’ one of our favorite local running events. It is sponsored by, takes place in, and of course supports the Maricopa County Parks. Between Kimberly and myself we use “our local parks” multiple times every week and much appreciate having them. So to me when they get a chance to showcase (if you will) a Park it’s a great thing. Plus the fact that the Rangers and folks who work for the Parks are all really great people who do one of heck of a job with the resources they are given. This event is one of the places this is highlighted for sure and I love to see the passion they bring to what they do.

I also really like the course. It combines many way cool aspects that most local runs don’t share. The biggie for me being about 2 ½ or so miles of the 7 Mile course is Trail. And cool trail at that. Aside from the Cactus ChaCha, and a couple of long ones by the Arizona Road Racers there are just not that many organized local trail runs. You also get to run across (and back) the New Waddell Dam as part of the course, and it is the only day of the year that you can do this.

Kimberly and I got out to the Park about 8:00 to check in. The race did not start until 9:00 but they have a nice little setup and it’s always good to have a few minutes to check in and say hello to some of the folks you have come to know from other races (or friends in general – Hi there Coulson family ). They have a nice little setup for the races including some cool birds, snakes, and lizards which you know the young runners dig.

There are 2 courses, a 7 Mile and a 4 Mile. While the 4 Mile does get some runners, for the most part I think a lot of the Hikers do the 4 mile and Runners do the 7 Mile. Overall there seemed to be about the same amount of people as last year, maybe a little more. As a quick side, I think this year they would have gotten a ton more runners had it not been the same day as Emma’s Run, the Pioneer Days Run, the Havasu Half, and the Sabino Canyon Tucson event (see report from running friend Pat HERE).

We were running the 7 Mile course. The race started on time from the 10 Lane Boat Ramp Parking lot. You head out and almost immediately begin a fairly quick decent down toward the Morgan City Wash. While not a true ‘technical trail’ per se, with such a steep decent and the loose gravel, washes, etc you have to be pretty careful running down. When you get to the wash maybe 1/3 mile into the run the next 1/3 mile or so presents a good challenge on the ankles as you are essentially running in the dry river area and it’s that quick sand type of gravel where you sink in some. Good thing this lasts just a bit and soon you are running along water in a true Riparian area. It’s amazing how this seems to come from nowhere. If you drive around Lake Pleasant area you would never guess this type of topography could be there. It’s really nice for the next ¾ or mile or so as you duck branches, cross the creek a couple of times hopping on whatever to miss the water, squeeze between trees and the such. I wish the whole track could be this.

As soon as you head out of the Wash you begin an accent that lasts about 2 miles and 400 foot or so of elevation gain. For a bit of this you are still in the dirt before hitting the service road. While 400 feet may not seem like a lot, the steady, for the most part even, climb up sure makes you happy when you see the Dam finally and know the uphill muscles get a rest (1200 ft elevation gain and decent total for the race). Right before the Dam there is a paved quick drop, maybe 100 foot but you do it in about 10 seconds – so it is very steep (umm… nice to fly down carefully, but you know on the return you will have to climb it). You get to run across the Dam for what seems to be about a mile then return, a quick left off the service road and then a nice mostly even trail run for the last 2/3 mile or so.

The race is really non competitive, but they did do a ‘trial run’ this year for timing the folks who wanted timed. They also gave out medals for the Top 2 runners in each race (2 is odd I know?). This was nice however because I managed to weasel into 2nd Place overall in the 7 Miler this year. The medal was cool with a Lake Pleasant logo and the year customized it. Kimberly while unofficial I am sure was first among any females close to her age and about 12th overall. We also were lucky enough to win one of the better raffle prizes too - a whole basket of rubs and BBQ sauces from Famous Dave’s.

We of course will be back next year. I hope the timing lines up different with the other races though as we would have loved to do Emma’s run up in Anthem and hang around with family that live up there or even Havasu would be a riot.

We finished the day by heading over to the Glendale Blues and Jazz show for some good Blues, chair loungin’ and a really good caramel apple. That’s what I call a nice Saturday.

MY RUN INFO HERE

COURSE MAP HERE