Run Your Bass Off

Hanging on the thermostat, in our Upper Peninsula cabin's dining area you will find three bronze, age group medals, representing some past consistency while participating in the "Run Your Bass Off" 10K. Breaking with tradition, another medal has been added this year, one manufactured from the finest simulated silver.

In addition, situated on the fire place mantle, leaning on a section of newly crosscut log, courtesy of Patrick and Uncle Bill's log sawing competition held at the Amasa Fourth of July celebration, sits a Master's first place placard. Even though I earned it, this prize would have been lost had it not been for the timely return of my wife after grocery shopping.

The Masters award, for experienced runners who have obtained the age of fifty five plus is the very last award presented. So as you might imagine, by the time the race organizers get around to it the crowds have dwindled to a half dozen or so hard core runners ready to offer cheers, handshakes and recognition to the winner. Or perhaps, as I suspect most are volunteers from the clean up committee just waiting to finish their job and head home.

I thought I had won the Masters division but another name was announced. Perhaps, I thought, they had changed the age group or Sue and I had simply missed something on the results board. Oh well maybe next year, and off I headed for the car.

Sue on the other hand wanted to find out what was going on. As luck would have it, the "winner" was not present and this gave time and opportunity to get in front of the race director. Politely, Sue first asked if the Masters age group had been changed. Upon learning that it had not Sue politely again pointed out they had made a mistake.

Walking slowly back to the car I turned around twice. The first time I saw Sue with the race director pointing at the results board, the second time she was walking towards me smiling, Masters plaque in hand. I hope she saw the big grin grin on my face.

For those interested I ran forty seven minutes and forty five seconds on a hilly, almost hot and very humid course. I finished sixth overall in small field of perhaps sixty runners with my age group taking second, sixth and tenth places. Proof that we fifty plus may not be ready for the pastures yet!

Later...... Mike