| Author |
Topic: Wayne's Revenge RR |
smpankowski
Cool Runner |
 posted Apr-14-2007 01:27 PM
   
To get a feel for today's race, you'll need a brief history of how "Wayne's Revenge" began and grew into the great event it is today. Inn the mid 1920's Traverse City was a port of call for the logging industry and a hot spot retreat for wealthy vacationers. One local hang out, "Sleder's" is still open and operating today. That's where our history lesson begins.
Dr. Thomas Wayne and his you son, Bruce, were enjoying each other's company over lunch. Young Bruce had all of the wide eyed curiosity of any 4 year old at the time. "Poppa?", young Bruce asked."Wouldn't it be great to wear tights and hang out with boys and drive fast in cars like Aunt Robin does? I want to be like her when I get big."."Waitress!!!!!!!" Bellowed Dr. Thomas. "Gimme a scotch!... Make it a double!!". He was wishing their burgers would be ready pronto. After a long pause, the senior member of the Wayne family told his son, "That's why we have a restraining order on Aunt Robin son. She has bad ideas sometimes.". The young man strained the words, "Rastrainin Order.". "Can I have one of those Poppa, can I?". "I'm sure you will Bruce". Dr Wayne was once again praying that his wife was fooling around with that creepy butler again at the time of Bruce's conception. The arrival of the hot hamburgers and fries broke Mr. Wayne's train of thought and delighted Bruce. "Can I have salt Poppa?? Can I?" "If it will keep you quiet.". As Bruce sprinkled salt on his feast, the top came off the salt shaker and the meal was ruined. Tears welled up in the boy's eyes as his father assured him that the clown who did that was just trying to be funny. In a very adult voice that made his father's blood run cold, Bruce Wayne said, "One day father, I will find that Joker and I will have my revenge" And he did and that's why we raced today. Fashion Report: Asics, black wind suit, black Batman tank top and back Batman sunglasses. The morning was beautiful, though unseasonably cool. At 9:00 a group of maybe 45 runners gathered for the 4th annual running of Wayne's Revenge. It's a five mile course whose challenge is that fact it's up and down Wayne's Hill. Hence the name. A race this size is like a good ol runner's club. Most of us knew each other and those who didn't soon became fond acquaintances. Much to many a delight, Lisa was there. She's been running more that 25 years and though she usually finishes DFL, she always enters. She's been DNF more than once and she always enters. She ran the Bayshore HM with a metal knee brace and she finished.
As always, I started in the rear. My position can only improve from there. As we were off, the runners quickly thinned out and I was running solo. That's OK. The first part of the course took us along Grand Traverse Bay and it was smooth as glass and simply breath taking. I started passing a few runners and then two guys passed me. They were deep in conversation and didn't seem to notice other runners as they passed. After coming back along the bay, we turned a corner and there was the hill. It's about 3/4 of a mile but very steep. Out of the huge houses on the hill, it was hard to determine which was stately Wayne Manor. As we were nearing the top, many runners began to walk. I didn't. I know hills and this one is in truth a poser. At the very top of the hill is a view of Grand Traverse Bay that belongs on post cards. There are very few scenes like it and if you are ever in the area, take a gander. On the down side of the hill, we were directed through a field. In truth, I wish I had snow shoes. But we muddled through it cheerfully. And I passed another runner....cheerfully. We shouted back and forth to each other through the field and when we got back onto the road, I opened up. My legs had a life never before experienced. I chose a stationary target and picked up the pace until the target was reached and than I kept the pace. Were these really my feet doing this? Then the pace got turned up another notch until the last turn. As the finish line was in sight, I picked the speed up once again. I've been getting less than an 11:00 min mile. Today, 5 miles 44:40:41. Flippin sweet. I don't know how I placed yet. Out of the corner of my eye, a dark figure in a cape disappeared into the shadows. Indeed, it was a good race. ------------------
Never regret anything that made you smile, SteveP My User Profile
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Spareribs
Cool Runner |
posted Apr-14-2007 01:50 PM
Well, if we should never regret anything that makes us smile, I have no regrets about reading this humorous and fun RR. Nice going. Spareribs
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La Tortuga
Cool Runner |
posted Apr-14-2007 01:55 PM
Wait - a hill, a field and a kick (at the end). Sorry, I was not able to word that quite as nicely as "a man, a plan a canal...". Nice history to go along with the race.Hope that your mother is better!
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rosecoloredglasses
Cool Runner |
posted Apr-14-2007 02:07 PM
Oh SteveP!This story is riddled with jokes and puns... Commissioner Gordon would be proud. Congratulations on a well run 5 mile race.
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tselbs
Cool Runner |
posted Apr-14-2007 02:14 PM
That was quite a history lesson, smpankowski. The race sounds like a tough one with snow, field, hill, etc. You sure pulled out a good race, though. Congrats on your accomplishment.I don't know if I mentioned it when you first started posting, but I lived in TC for two years around 1950. One year we lived in a log cabin on the east border of the state park. I went to kindergarten in a two room country school called East Bay which, I believe was to the east of the state park and inland a bit. One year we lived in a cabin at a place that now has a sign out front that is something like D'Orr. Even though it was a long time ago, I have been through the area several times since and find it amazingly pretty. TomS ------------------
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ksrunr
Cool Runner |
posted Apr-14-2007 02:41 PM
Biff, Bam, Boom! What a story and rr! I wish you would post a picture on your profile so I could see what a true nut looks like!ksrunr
to the bat cave
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egrd
Cool Runner |
posted Apr-14-2007 02:58 PM
snorkWhat a fun RR.
Sounds like a greta race.
Thanks for sharing. egret
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dg9
Cool Runner |
posted Apr-14-2007 03:06 PM
quote:
Never regret anything that made you smile, SteveP
That always includes you. Great report. Great race. I'm more motivated than ever.
greetings & healing wishes for your mom.
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smpankowski
Cool Runner |
posted Apr-14-2007 03:11 PM
quote:
Originally posted by La Tortuga:
Hope that your mother is better!
Thank You.
Like many people who have set backs, illness and disabilities, we find that attitude is everything. Our running friend, Lisa, mentioned fondly in the RR is an example as are many of the Boomers here. As John Denver said "Some days are diamonds, some days are stones". Much of the difference between a stone and a diamond is how we cut it.
Tselbs, with as much good sence, wisdom and humility as you show, it's very evident you've spent time up here. Hopfully it rubs off on yours truley. ------------------
Never regret anything that made you smile, SteveP My User Profile
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Elaine3112
Cool Runner |
posted Apr-14-2007 03:19 PM
Nice going Steve over what sounds like a challenging course and good time too well done.
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Fortunate One
Cool Runner |
posted Apr-14-2007 03:48 PM
http://www.batmantas.com/img/batgif.gif
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pmcneb
Cool Runner |
posted Apr-14-2007 06:35 PM
Hey tselbs...it is a small world...I grew up not far from East Bay. (Williamsburg) I drove by that State Park every day on my way to school in TC.....of course I was not born in 1950  SteveP...You rock! Makes me want to go home to run. ------------------
Patty
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Ileneforward
Cool Runner |
posted Apr-14-2007 07:00 PM
Thanks Fortunate One, I'll borrow this:
 smpankowski, swoon that was an awesome report, history (and I believe every word!) excitement, drama, humor..it has it all. Congratulations on a great finish time too! ps, what is a 'wind suit'? [This message has been edited by Ileneforward (edited Apr-14-2007).]
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SkipAZ
Cool Runner |
posted Apr-14-2007 07:36 PM
Holy Bat Cave SteveP! What a race! What a race report! Next year if you can try harder to keep Bat Girl in sight, I'm sure you'll cut another couple minutes off that time.Nicely done. Skip
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runningindc
Cool Runner |
posted Apr-14-2007 08:24 PM
Wow, what a great race and report. It always feels good when you know your given it all you've got. Thanks------------------
Running in wellness Liz Lizs Profile
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Canfit
Cool Runner |
posted Apr-14-2007 08:50 PM
What a great read! I'm sure the FBI and CIA will be calling to recruit you given your level of detail not to mention your Batman connection. Seriously, really liked your RR and I'm sure it reflects some lasting memories. I really appreciate your positive comments on the Boomer threads. Great race!
PJ
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Econo
Cool Runner |
posted Apr-14-2007 10:01 PM
Kapow! Oof! You flew like Spiderman today -- oops, I mean you rocketed over that course like Batman in the Batmobile! Pictures, please!
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choover
Cool Runner |
posted Apr-14-2007 10:46 PM
 "With great power, comes great responsibility...." Oh wait, that's a line from the Spider movie... NICE RUNNING, Steve! Seems the force was with you today. Thanks for the fun RR! ------------------
choover
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jura
Cool Runner |
posted Apr-15-2007 01:29 AM
Thanks for the fun read, SteveP, I am sure that every word of the history of this race is true  . Awesome time, great costume, and a tough course. Well done.
j
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DaveinAA
Cool Runner |
posted Apr-15-2007 09:00 AM
What's that flashing into the cloudy night sky over Traverse City? It looks like the smpankowski signal! I think it's calling you to another PR soon!
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Karl Rysted
Cool Runner |
posted Apr-15-2007 05:46 PM
This was fun to read. I don't think you have that dark side that Batman has.------------------
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smpankowski
Cool Runner |
posted Apr-15-2007 06:24 PM
quote:
Originally posted by choover:
"With great power, comes great responsibility...."
Pa Kent said that to his adopted son, Clark, as well. I remind DW of that when ever he wins the remote from me. quote:
Originally posted by ksrunr:
I wish you would post a picture on your profile so I could see what a true nut looks like!ksrunr
to the bat cave
Done. It's Myself, DD#3 and DW at the Ice Cream Mile. 100% family participation. ------------------
Never regret anything that made you smile, SteveP My User Profile [This message has been edited by smpankowski (edited Apr-15-2007).]
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FlyingFinn
Cool Runner |
posted Apr-15-2007 10:21 PM
Way to go Batman....I mean, Steve...or Clark?..hmmmm.... Great race! Hills and fields of snow are no match for superheroes like you! Very funny report!
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TammyM
Cool Runner |
posted Apr-15-2007 10:26 PM
Fun run report to read and you did a great job running!!
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hollys4874
Cool Runner |
posted Apr-16-2007 02:24 PM
SteveP – I love your race reports! Thanks for the fun read. Oh, and great race and PR! BTW, thanks for posting a picture – I always love to put a face(or a mask) to a name. You have a lovely wife and daughter, too. 
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Holly
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