Our trip to Tucson for the Arizona Distance Classic started out with a little excitement. The first leg of our flight into Denver had a little trouble landing. Apparently, the pilot knew he would be unable to steer the plane once we were on the ground. We had an inkling there might be  problem after he started to descend approaching the runway, then suddenly ascended and flew past. He announced the problem and went back to land without incident. It was a little disconcerting that there were several firetrucks waiting at the end of our runway. Luckily it was not a long wait for a tow truck to tow the plane to the gate.

We left Ohio with 2 to 3 inches of snow on the ground, so we all are appreciating the sunshine and mild temperatures!

Last night Race Director David Babner had a Margarita party for the VIPs staying at this hotel. It was on a patio at the top of the building. Beautiful! It was a very nice party with a beautiful view, and unlimited margaritas and chips and salsa. It was very fun! (The sunset over the mountains was beautiful!)

We drove the course today and it seems much hillier than we had anticipated. Believe it or not, it seems to be uphill both ways. (I know it is impossible, but that is how it appeared.)

We found a local Italian restaurant for carbo-loading tonight and the race is tomorrow.

Wish us luck!
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Wasn’t sure I was going to post about this, but it is important. Our race packets were not at our hotel last night and we were told to go to the running store. We got to the store today and our race packets were not there, either. For a long time no one had any idea where our packets were. On last check, they are on their way to our hotel. Let’s hope they make it here before the start of the race!
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Photos added 3/31/10.
Top photo is one of several firetrucks waiting for our airplane at the end of the runway when landing in Denver on our way to Tucson.

Bottom photo is our entire group from Ohio (one from West Virginia) who went to this year’s race. We are on a roof patio at the hotel for the Margarita party. It was breezy and a little chilly that night. We had a hard time keeping our chips from blowing away!

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