April 14, 2007

  • The Imperfect Storm

    Tomorrow it arrives.  The N'or Easter that shouldn't be and shouldn't be arriving on April 15th will definitely arrive.

    With four to five inches of rain, temperatures in the lower forties and wind speeds as much, this storm looks like it may derail the Marathon on Monday.

    Carol and I look forward to volunteering for the Marathon every year.  It is truly a great event; from elite runners finishing the course at an average speed around 12 1/2 mph. to the guy who hauls his butt over the finish line in four and a half hours they are all champions for just having the temerity to start the race.  On Monday it might not happen.  On Monday it shouldn't happen.  There will be too many without the right gear and too many unprepared for what can, could, will happen to them.  Constantly wet and with a strong and constant headwind hypothermia will set in within the hour if you are not prepared.  The extremities are the parts that will loose heat first and fastest.  Head, hands and feet.  If we were hiking in the White mountains in conditions like these we would have full headgear, waterproof jacket and pants, hiking boots and gloves.  Do you think anyone who can run 26 miles would be wearing that kind of stuff?  Hmm?  (As an aside there is a troop of Army guys that does the race in full pack every year; I wonder how they will handle the race this year?)

    Let's hope the officials come to there senses and call this off.  If it runs, lets hope the smarter ones will not run and the truly unprepared stay home.  I hold little hope that officials who put so much of their ego and name in to one event, and all the money spent advertising and preparing, will allow good judgement to could their thinking.  As for the unwary runner ... god help them all.

    We have a flood watch in effect from noon Sunday through noon Monday; we'll have to see how the river rises ...