Race Reports

Mutts & Master’s Fun Run

Team Hak hit the road early this morning for our first go at the Mutts & Masters Run in Summerlin. The event had maybe 50 people entered in it. Nice, small and cozy. There were a few 5K runners and a good chunk of poodle chasers in the 1-mile fun run. Assistant Coach 1 and I registered for the latter with the purpose of making this a fun outing for the entire family and to get everyone involved. Plus, my calf was still dicey, so I thought to just take it easy and relax.

Team Hak: Hakado Ru, Assistant Coach 1 and Max

We brought Max along for his first official run and he was given a nifty little bandana to wear. Head Coach and Assistant Coach 2 came along as our superb support crew and cheerleading squad.

AC1, Max and I hit the starting line about 1 minute after the 5K folks started. At the sound of the air horn, we took off jostling our way around the folks and their dogs. Good training on getting out front from the starting crowd.

Due to inexperienced volunteers or lack of volunteers, we, along with a good chunk of the participants, passed the turnaround for the 1 mile run and kept going until the route veered from the road to a concrete jogging path in an arroyo. The volunteer stationed there told us that this was the 5K route we were about to embark on.

AC1 and I just looked at each other and said, “Why not? Let’s go for it!” The first 5k for the Three Amigos!

As we turned down the path, the proximity of all of those sage bushes was too tempting for Max and he had to answer the call of Nature. AC1, who was managing the leash at this point, got in a tangle with Max and he whizzed on her leg. A good solid soaking. Even AC1 was laughing as she was trying to shake the piss off as we resumed running.

At about the halfway point, my calves started acting up. Primarily, the left, just below the midpoint. It was the same sharp pain from my earlier runs. We had been alternating jogging and walking up to this point, so it wasn’t like I was really pushing it.

From that point foward, we alternated jogging 1 minute with walking 1 minute.

On the return leg, I heard a little boy behind us say “DOGGIE!” and turned to look and see a guy running and pushing his son in a jog stroller. We exchanged a “hello” as he passed us and I said, “Damn. That guy looks familiar.”

It was Olivier Gruner, an A-level European kickboxer from the early 90s who made some attrocious martial arts flicks in an attempt to be the next Van Damme. Who knew he was living in Vegas? Who knew I’d even remember his name? Actually, I always thought he was cool in his movies and had a killer physique.

About 10 minutes later, we crossed paths again on his return leg. I said “Hello. By the way, I loved your movies.”

He gets a big shit-eatin’ grin on his face. “Thank you sir!!!” and kept going. I’m sure few, if any, recognize this guy. As he ran off in the distance, he still had that big grin on his face. He had the vibe of a genuinely nice and humble guy. My compliment just made his morning. Even as my calves were whimpering, it brought a smile to my face to think I put a smile on someone else’s.

Shortly after, Team Hak hobbled back to the finish line. Since we were  nearly the last ones to return, Head Coach was getting perplexed and was ready to send out the rescue team. She only knew that we were running 1 mile and should have been back a long time ago. Even though we’ve been married for a decade, she keeps forgetting that I am Hakado Ru. I live by the seat of my pants.

Total time for AC1 & Max: 40:55

Total time for Hak: 41:03

Upon return to Hak Manor, it was time to slather the calves in Tiger Balm. My damned legs are driving me nuts!

hak

Share on Facebook

Popularity: 3% [?]

© 2006 The Outdoor Journey.