The Witchy Wolf or Wolves wander the Omer Plains defending the graves of ancient Chippewa warriors and attacking anyone foolish enough to venture out into these woods at night. Since no one has ever seen one of these spirit animals, race director Chuck Hilyards decided to hold an event at night on these trails to see if we could coax one of the wolves out into the open. I didn't see any of the wolves this year. Maybe they aren't as tough as legend would have us believe? Or maybe they thought the frigid temperatures would do enough damage? Or maybe it was simply that the ground was frozen and we posed no threat to the spirits of the ancient warriors?
This was my second year running this race and both years have been extremely cold. The temperature during the run was 5 F without factoring in the wind chill. It was cold. It took about 30 minutes for me to warm up and that only lasted for an hour. After that my fingers started to go numb under my gloves. My water bottle froze somewhere around the 2nd mile. All I could think about during the run is seeking warmth (and a cold beer).
ktea and Charlie ran the relay and came home with some of the unique hardware this race gives out to people faster than me.
I was about 20 minutes slower than last year. That might be due to my bout of laziness that has lasted for more than 6 months now. Elisa maintained the honor of finishing DFL. She is getting to know the course sweepers on their ATV's quite well.
If you are looking for a fun winter race put this one on your list for 2009. The wolves await your arrival.
Oh, I forgot to mention - if you do decide to go to Omer keep in mind that Omer is also home to the case of the cussing canoeist. In August 1998 Timothy Joseph Boomer and some friends were canoeing along the Rifle River. Timothy fell into the water and let flow a stream of expletives. He did so in the presence of women and children which was a crime in Omer Michigan at the time. Boomer was fined $75.00 and ordered to work 4 days in a childcare program. He appealed and the case was taken up by the ACLU. The ruling was overturned and the 105 year old law thrown out. Still, I would watch myself if I were you. It is better to say things like "It's freaking cold out here" or "I'm freezing my behind off" than it is to risk spending the night in the slammer. Better safe than sorry. :-)
