DAYS 63& 64: RACE ACROSS AMERICA-Louis Rodriguez updates


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Posted by Gail Marino on August 16, 2004 at 08:45:36:

In Reply to: RACE ACROSS AMERICA-Louis Rodriguez updates posted by Gail Marino on August 02, 2004 at 09:02:43:

Race updates written by Agnes Oquendo, who is crewing for Louis Rodriguez, a participant in the Race Across America; see previous posts for details; Race Across America's official website: http://www.runacrossamerica2004.com.

Lou and Agnes are due to return to Central Park on Saturday, August 21st (sometime after 10:00 am?). I'm trying to get details on their location and will post as soon as I know. -GM

RACE DAY #63: Friday, August 13

It started out as a cool morning with a thick fog that made visibility almost nil. A few of the runners wore reflective vests for safety, as they made their way from Uniontown, Pa. to Frostburg/ Clarysville, Maryland for 52 miles with a cutoff of 14hrs 26min. 3 families with their small children were up early for the start to see the runners off & cheered them on for the 1st 6 miles. They brought some homemade food for the runners & a flag for each runner representing the runners country, which they handed to each runner as they ran past at the 6 mile marker. It was an impressive site to watch.
The fog eventually lifted, only to be replaced with rain. The rain played hide & seek most of the day. Basically the day was cold & damp which felt like a cool autumn day. Even the trees looked fooled as they swayed from the wind. The course had it all, winding roads, bridges and most memorable mountains. The runners climbed the Allegany Mountains 2601 ft, Negro Mountains 2875 ft, Meadow Mountain 2900 ft, Little Savage Mountain 2810 ft & unforgettably Big Savage Mountain 2900 ft. I think Olivier prefers the cooler weather over the heat, he ran very well & came in with Russell. We all know that Lou prefers the heat over the cold. Taka made cutoff with 6 min. to spare.
We have 1 week left until we hit Central Park. We miss everyone. Til tomorrow.
Lou & Agnes

RACE DAY #64: Saturday, August 14

As we left Frostburg, Maryland, it was quite cool and dark with a cloud cover, 55 degrees to be exact. Our destination is Hancock, Maryland for 48.3 miles with a cutoff of 13hrs 48min. Taka was looking good with a better stride. Kaz was complaining of callous pain in his foot. It was a little too cold for Lou. Olivier was moving well, with a longer stride that made it clear he was confident in his ability. It was a good look for him that I never noticed before.
Today's course had many turns that were easy to miss. At 9.1 miles, Satoko, Kaz crew missed the turn and Dario, Oliver's father noticed this & blew his horn to let her know. She immediately turned back and did not get lost. Dario has a kind heart and always lends a helping hand. I have witnessed on many occasions his kindness towards everyone.
By 9am, the sun came out of hiding to Lou's delight. There were about 5 cyclists who were riding across the U.S. using the same route. For about the 1st 26 miles, Lou & Kaz were playing their catch up game. They were taking turns passing each other. Kaz was pushing to stay with Lou and stay ahead of Taka. When Kaz had enough then at about 28 miles Lou ran into Olivier. The 2 ran together for a while then they were playing the game but with some humorous banter between them, inspector Cloisseau jokes from the pink panther and more. Hill work seemed to be the deed today because there were plenty along this course. I was hanging with Oliviers crew during the stops and I played an Aretha cd and Olivier & Sophie stopped to dance to Arethas, "you send me".
We had a nice day filled with music, hills and good company. What better way to spend the summer. Lou was leading the race for the 1st week or so until his injury prevented him from making cutoff. After the 4th of July, we were banned from the front of the pack. They were mistaken, now we are running with the front of the pack.
Til tomorrow.
Lou & Agnes




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