Author: Splinter

  • Hunt, Scavenger

    This morning, 14 of WWesthoe’s finest gathered with teeming anticipation for a special edition of Spider Run. As directions were starting, YHC was reminded by Upchuck that directions would be false advertising. So rules were stated for today.

    Rules

    • Everyone visit each of the 4 corner entrances to UR (River & UR Drive, River & College, College & Campus, and Campus and UR Drive). Bonus points if new entrances were found.
    • Additionally, the following landmarks needed to be visisted: Robins Center, Boatwright Library, Cannon Memorial Chapel, Jepson Alumni Center. Bonus points for extra landmarks.
    • College Drive between Robins Center and Westhampton Way was out of bounds.
    • 6s couldn’t visit two corners in a row. A landmark must be between each corner.

    Numbers, names, YHC took us out.

    Moleskine

    For over ten years now, YHC has driven by two stately University of Richmond entrances wondering if there was a way to hit all the signs in one run. Rather than plan out a route, a scavenger hunt seemed like the right way to do it.

    Thanks to the PAX for the solid showing today. It was one of those days where YHC didn’t want to worry about mileage, so hopefully this was a good distraction from the humidity.

    Official Scorebook:

    +100 points to the 6s who took a picture in front of a 5th entrance sign

    -100 points to the 6s who admitted to cheating

    +100 points to Faceplant who asked what he won. He wins points.

    Announcements

    • Check Slack for meal-train info for one of our PAX

    Splinter out.

  • Scared of the Weather App

    Twelve Spider Run veterans gathered in the threatening gloom for today’s iteration of Spider Run. After what may have been a ruse Q sign-up, only to have it empty this morning, there was brief discussion of what to do. Luckily we know these roads.

    Three options (and a laughed at 4th) were offered. Mount Henrico, Across the River, or The Cardinal. Originally, the PAX wanted a flat route for the thick air but opted for The Cardinal to outrun the storm. The storm never came.

    The Route

    Out and back. Around the baseball field, up Boatwright, across to Honaker, left on Patterson, right on Charles. Yes, right on Charles. Yes, right on Charles. Out till you hit your half mileage then reverso.

    Directions were repeated and the right on Charles was once again confirmed.

    Numbers, names, Marv took us out.

    Moleskin

    Discussion amongst the 5s was around the show Alone, which prompted introspection and sharing of the loneliest times of our lives. Great philosophy for 0530 in the morning.

    Announcements included Bodo’s showing off his Scrabble or perhaps Balderdash prowess. Upon learning of his donation of the legendary Volvo, impecunious was shared.

    Riotous cachinnation ensued.

  • Do Whale Sharks Sound Like Eeyore?

    Twelve curious casual baseball fans gathered to ponder which was more lethal between a shrimp and a shark. The answer may surprise you. Once again, every mode of transportation was covered. Runners did a variation of the Devil’s pitchfork. This time with a loop instead of an out and back.

    Route

    Batcave to Westham Station to South Ridge to Westham to Pinetree to University. Back around the lake to the start.

    4s: + Ross

    5s: + Highland & Ross

    6s: + Panorama & Highland & Old Bridge & Ross

    Numbers, names, YHC took us out.

    Moleskin

    Chippendale and I were enjoying a lovely stroll until, out of nowhere, Faceplant stormed up behind us and joined the 5s. Apparently he Ferris Bueller’d his way through private property to catch up. Didn’t he realize these were out and backs? Nevertheless, he caught up.

    Post run discussion was centered around middle-aged men footwear style choices. Socks with Crocs wins the day.

    Have a great day fellas.

    Splinter

  • Every Method Covered

    Six stellar USA fans gathered in the stale air behind the Commons for this week’s iteration of Spider Run. After confessing to not staying up to watch the 2nd half of the game last night, YHC called time and off we went.

    Route

    5s: https://onthegomap.com/s/mimfd0g2

    Numbers, names, YHC took us out.

    Moleskine

    YHC saves this route for when there is ample daylight. Primarily to avoid tripping on the path to the park, but secondarily to observe what some people declare is a “scary man’s house.” No issues traversing the path to the park and venturing into rarely used Spider Run territory.

    We had every mode covered today. With six people, that’s an accomplishment. Rider ✅. Runners ✅. Walker ✅. Run / Walker ✅. Everyone complained about the humidity but everyone did it.

    Well done everyone. Prayers to those out there struggling with balance.

    Splinter out

  • Celebrating Seabiscuit

    Ten dependable runners + one two wheeler that needed to zip up his biking shirt gathered in the waning darkness for today’s new? Spider Run route. It appears as if a good time was had by all.

    The Route

    https://onthegomap.com/s/qhrhj6lb

    4s: Only do Essex

    5s: Essex, Dinwiddie, Old Nelson

    6s: Nalla + the traffic circle / Glendale

    All routes were a little heavy, when accompanied by heavy legs made for a tough route.

    Moleskine

    After some initial discussion in our favorite parking lot, YHC offered instructions that were plentiful in nature. Only a few questions arose. Alas, some didn’t wait for instructions to finish and of he went.

    Apparently each of us isn’t as young as we once were. Certainly not in comparison to 3 year old stallions from a century ago. Ever the linguist, Marv made a comparison of his calfs to those of Seabiscuit. YHC guesses Seabiscuit was better off.

    From Seabiscuits to mahogony garage doors to a quick game show of: What is it? Sauna or Port-o-jon, discussion was lively this morning. Let’s reach out to some of the old Spider Run regulars and get them back out again.

    Splinter out.

  • Not a Race

    Ten pavement pounders plus one wind pusher gathered on a somewhat chilly morning for today’s Spider Run. After ample discussion on game 5 of the Pens/Flyers game, routes were called.

    Routes

    The general route was, get to Westham, get to Patterson, get to Boatwright. Detailed directions were:

    4s:  https://onthegomap.com/s/r5lh250k
    5s:  https://onthegomap.com/s/dfmjctmj
    6s:  https://onthegomap.com/s/50s7gjns

    Numbers, names, YHC took us out.

    Announcements

    • Prayers for those in Marv’s circle dealing with various forms of cancer
    • Thoughts are with all those PAX members traveling this week

    Moleskin

    Lots of turns in this route but most are well known. 6s decided to evaluate which route was shorter at the base of Boatwright, continue down college or turn down campus. It wasn’t a race, but Marv got back first.

    Splinter out

  • Variated Pitchfork

    Eight plus one gathered for this week’s Spider Run. An oldie was thrown out, with a new prong added for some.

    The Route

    4s: panarama and highland and old bridge
    5s: 4s plus overlook
    6s: 5s plus add the top of south ridge.

    https://onthegomap.com/s/cv84fc57

    Numbers, names, YHC took us out.

    Announcements

    • 10k this weekend. Make sure you avoid hills the rest of the week

    Moleskin

    It’s been a few weeks since YHC made an appearance at Spider Run. After reviewing routes from previous weeks, YHC came up with something we hadn’t seen in a while. Slack disagreement was overblown, everyone enjoyed it.

    YHC especially enjoyed seeing the fine mist in the air that was reflected by the headlamp. Quickly realizing it wasn’t mist, but pollen, coughing ensued for the remainder of the run.

    Embrace the day fellas.

    Splinter out

  • 90 Second Episodes

    Eight steam generators gathered in the gloom for today’s not-frozen edition of Spider Run. After a little bit of convincing, everyone followed:

    The Route

    • West around the lake and across the path to University
    • University to a left on Ralston
    • Ralston to a right on River
    • Right on Glenbrooke Circle then left on W Glenbrooke Circle
    • 4s go to Summit and return
    • 5s go up Summit and back down, turning right to continue the Glenbooke loop
    • Everyone return via Ralston and University

    Numbers, names, YHC took us out.

    Announcements

    • Prayers for Pucker as his son recovers and OBT as his brother recovers
    • Spider Run is back baby!

    Moleskine

    Perfect weather for a run around the lake and to head west today. While some flirted with long sleeves, none were needed today. Glad OBT was able to get a tour of some new streets to challenge his preference for a grid.

    Good post COT chatter as no one was in a hurry to warm up.

    Next few weeks Qs are open. Sign up!

    Splinter out

  • North, West, East

    Eleven, including 2 on two wheels, gathered in our usual spot for this week’s Q-less edition of RAMM. Never fail, 5:24 route creation from the warmth of YHCs heated seats resulted in a plan.

    Even with one of the gear heads (but not the actual gear head) annoyingly circling and distracting the relaying of the instructions, instructions were provided and understood. Marv, questioning what time it was, prodded the group to get started for:

    The Route

    North on Commonwealth then back to grove.

    West on Grove then back to Commonwealth.

    East on Grove then back to Commonwealth.

    4s turn around at Cutshaw, Lexington, Thompson.

    5s turn around at Augusta, Oak, Nansemond.

    6s turn around at Broad, Seneca, Roseneath.

    Moleskin

    Seems like many of the PAX have emerged from hibernation, YHC included. Great to see some kotters Kebab and Garbage Plate.

    The gears guys actually came back for COT this week. This offered a chance for a someone crude but nevertheless funny joke to be told with reference to Lewinsky and a cigar. Had to be there to hear it.

    Great fellowship post run, even without free coffee. Which, by the way, sounds like a great idea for RAMM…

    Announcements

    • Hitch is a royal celebrity, read his article posted on slack
    • Hitch and family also helped out with the Valentine museum on their latest exhibit Dissent! I clicked through, and wow! Some pretty amazing work there. Nice work M Hitch!

    Splinter out.

  • Smallest Van Ever

    Two visitors to South Florida, one a more regular visitor than the other, met outside the lobby of the local hotel for this week’s edition of The Clinic. Brief discussion of how far to go before we just went.

    The Route

    Out around the dangerous curve, waiting for honking that never happened. Wandered through various parking lots, office complexes, and shopping malls, even spotting the remnants of a traveling circus, before doubling back to the hotel.

    Moleskin

    Mumble chatter and conversation was strong this fine Wednesday morning. Discussion started with a conversation at the DHL office complex about how small a cart van could actually be while still being comfortable. All indications were that fun could still be had while driving a tiny little van.

    There was also discussion about why a law firm needs to have a 24 x 7 Call Center until it was explained that it’s one of the largest law firms in Florida and they have lots of billboards. Enough said.

    We also saw the remnants of what could’ve been a fantastic circus. I guess the next trip to the clinic will have to have our fingers crossed.

    Thanks for the hospitality shown by the host. Will visit again.