let us talk of many things

OK, oysters, listen up:

1. Make sure you saw Chuck's instructions for Saturday's run. It's 14 miles, though ten of it is on the Town Lake H&B, so you can easily run shorter distances - Mandy and Amanda, I suggest we shoot for 10.

2. Today, 6:30pm, Whole Foods on Lamar, in front of the door by the gelato counter. We've slacked on our drills and speedwork, so I'm taking us back to simple straights and curves down at the Austin High Track.

3. Please sign up for the Cops and Joggers 5K. They're really trying to make this a great event - it's chip timed, and the first 25 or maybe even 50 finishers of each gender get caps. They also have about eight volunteers at the moment, and they need 30.

4. Mandy and I are on for the Prude Ranch Half Marathon, on August 5. I'm pasting in the email from the race director. They also have a 5K and 10K out there, so think about that (ERIN).

That is all. For now... BWAHAHAHAHA!

Email from Barbara Kennedy, Prude Ranch Half Marathon Race Director:

Hello, from Round Rock! Yes, believe it or not, I live in Round Rock but direct the race in Fort Davis. That is because I sit on the Board of the Davis Mountains Fitness and Training Camp, a non-profit adult running/cycling/swimming camp that takes place every August at the Prude Ranch. The Prude Ranch Races serve as a sort of "kick-off" for camp week, though the two events are separate entities.So, in answer to your questions:

1. Which of the local hotels would be closest to Prude Ranch?
The area is quite small, so any hotel in the town of Fort Davis will be very close to the Ranch/race site, about six miles away. If you Google Fort Davis, they have a pretty nice web page with lots of hotel links. If nothing is available any more, you can try the city of Alpine, an easy 30 mile drive, though that will probably not be necessary. You might also try calling the Prude Ranch itself as they normally have rooms for Saturday night. The Indian Lodge at the State Park is less than a mile from the Prude Ranch and is a wonderful place to stay. Check them out, though I believe they are already booked.

2. I know you're out there in the mountains, but what's the elevation like for the half marathon course, in terms of hills? Is there a course map somewhere?

I am sorry that I do not have an elevation map of the course. Here is a link for an elevation map of the Scenic Loop, a small portion of which is the 1/2 Marathon route. On the link, the Scenic Loop map is at the very bottom of the web page. http://www.nmts.org/rides/bigBendRoundup.htm

The Prude Ranch (race start and finish) is at about mile 6 on the map with the turnaround just past the mile 12 point. I know this map does not show much so let me try to describe the race route. It is an out and back which starts at about 4,900 feet elevation and begins with some relatively gently rolling hills for a slow but steady climb. The hills get steeper and rise up fairly sharply for the last quarter mile or so before the turnaround point, which is at an elevation of about 5,600 feet. Once you turn around you enjoy a fast downhill and the reverse of the trip up. It is a quiet road with beautiful views, really nice. Many call this area around Fort Davis the best kept secret in Texas.

3. How many runners do you usually get in the half marathon?
This is a small race, due to the remoteness of the location. We typically have between 60 and 100 participants in all, with about 1/4 of the participants racing the Half Marathon distance (15-25 Half M'ers). This is an old-fashioned race with no chip timing, just a clock and self-reporting.

I hope I have answered your questions. I do hope you come out and try the race. Many past participants have commented on the great atmosphere of the race, the incredible beauty of the course, and the friendliness of the competition.

Please let me know if there is anything else I can help you with. Looking forward to welcoming you and your friends to the Races!