We’re not in Kansas, are we?

YHC must admit he was a little intimidated by Q’ing The Stampede since this was only the 2nd time he’d even attended this AO.  He had already made an executive decision to launch from the Sanitary parking lot to honor a request from one of the Beaufort studs.  With the threat of high winds, he was a little uncertain of the planned route, was the bridge in play, what other options were available?  So many decisions!  A study of Google Maps showed that a run down Evans St to the Visitor Center would give the gazelles a 5 mile jaunt (@gertrude later confirmed that the Visitor Center was EXACTLY 2.50037 miles).  So a Plan B was confirmed.  When YHC arrived at the AO, @crabby_englishman was already there, running a standard with his 50lb vest.  A survey of the weather conditions led YHC to see that the predicted 20+ mph winds were indeed a reality and a quick decision to OMAHA to Plan B was made.  Unfortunately YHC did not check a compass and note that the high winds were barreling directly down Evans St. in the face of the outgoing runners.  As the steady stream of Pax continued to roll in, 5, 4, 3, 2, and 1 minute warnings were given.  At the appointed time, the world’s fastest F3 mission statement was delivered and we were off into the teeth of the mighty wind.

A small group of the most gazellian of the Pax was out of sight by the end of block 2.  YHC, huffing and puffing, somehow managed to stay in the middle of the pack.  Some of the Pax ran to the Visitor Center while others, YHC included, turned around about a half mile short at 30th St.  It was at this point that someone realized that @gertrude was missing.  @winniethepooh confirmed that he had withdrawn from the event with a leg injury.  Fortunately the injury was not serious and since @gertrude is not a horse we did not have to shoot him.  Although YHC is aware that if a vote had been taken, a different decision would have probably been reached.  Back at the shovel flag, a few of the Pax went back in search of @bigmic.  After a few blocks and no sign of the big guy, concern began to creep in.  Suddenly, out of the darkness, a hulking shadow appeared.  No problem, he had just wandered off the path in search of a Porta Pottie to answer nature’s call.  The Evans St residents are thankful that he did not just use their azaleas, someone would likely have reported what appeared to be Sasquatch scat on their lawn.

Prayer concerns were lifted up for @doublemint and his family and a Chick-fil-A employee by YHC.

Thanks for the opportunity to lead.  And a special thanks to @rameses and @madoff for slowing their pace so YHC could run with them.