Less Than One Week

OK runners. We're getting close, probably not a bad time to begin anticipating the weather we might encounter on race weekend. For now the extended forecast varies only slightly from Gonzales, in the west, to Houston, to the east. It looks like running temperatures ranging from mid 50s to lower 70s. Rain seems to be a possibility, though only ranging from 30% in the west to 20% as we get nearer to Houston. Let's hope winds will not be a factor.

Whether it rains, or not, it's probably a good idea for us each to pack a second pair of shoes. Of course, a spare pair of socks, or two, is always a good idea too. Everyone will want to bring a change of running clothes. We will hope the Saturday night stopover motel will have plenty of hot water for showers. Brenda has already requested extra towels.

Everyone will be responsible for their own special clothing needs. If you don't think it'll rain on you, don't bring rain gear. I doubt the weather will require any cold weather garments, though I am sure we are all pretty good at making sure we've got layers. Like last year, everyone will get a long-sleeved team shirt. This is not something most would want to run very far in, but a lot of our runners put them to good use last year as a pullover after running night time legs. I encourage everyone to run with a hat and to use sunscreen when appropriate. We should have plenty of reflective vests for night legs, but if you have a system you use at home go ahead and bring it. I will try to have an assortment of head lamps and flashlights for the night hours.

As the week ahead revs up and speeds along, let's communicate with each other our travel plans so we know when everyone is getting into Gonzales. I'm looking forward to seeing everyone; hopefully we will all arrive at a time when we can go for a bite to eat. I have just assumed there's little interest in the Friday night dinner and bash the TIR is throwing. If I have misjudged this, let me know and we can make some reservations for whomever is interested.

Leg Assignments and Mileage Summaries

It's finally here. I am assuming David Horne is going to join us. Everything seems promising. Thus, here are the leg assignments. I am blacking out phone numbers and email addresses, but am leaving sizing information on shirts and socks. Please check the sizing info for accuracy. Click on the chart for a better resolution. Thanks.


Here you can check your total mileage and some estimations based upon my best guess on your 10K times.

Texas Independence Relay Updates

Texas Independence Relay Updates

2010 Shirt

Our slogan this year of "What'cha Got Left?" is part of the design of our 2010 shirts. This will appear on the back of the shirt:

T minus 4 Weeks

Although we are still scrambling for our 12th runner, details are now beginning to fall into place. I have heard from Steve that he is logging miles, still cautiously but also with a degree of optimism. Also, we are nearing a rotation scheme which will allow for the special needs of several of our runners. Thanks to all who have responded to my request for feedback. This is invaluable in properly planning the logistics.

Starting Line Song
This is something new for this year as Jay and Joy Hilscher continue to finesse the TIR. The first two years they simply blasted out a somewhat random handful of starting line songs, along with randomly calculated firing of the cannon. (I thought I had gotten a pretty good recording of the cannon blast last year, only to find the level was too high. I'll try again this year.) For the 2010 running, we have been invited to request a specific song for our race start. I have asked for comments and suggestions regarding an appropriate song for the Mid-Texas Symphony team and am only now getting some feedback. Here are some ideas:

Bruce Springsteen: Born to Run
Asleep At the Wheel: Miles and Miles of Texas
Bee Gees: Stayin' Alive
Rimsky-Korsakov: Procession of the Nobles
Saint-Saens: Bacchanale from Samson and Delilah
Sousa: Daughters of Texas
Beatles: Sgt. Pepper
Ginastera: Malambo (Danza Final) from Estancia

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