Notes from Bastion Ross: On with the show. This is it.

Dear Bastion

Just three days to go to the Cedar 12 K. It's going to be great. Everything is falling into place for volunteers, but now the hard work is about to begin. Patrick is warming up his vocal chords, the lead cyclists are doing sprints and even as I type I'm placing a couple of hundred or so labels on race bibs so if everybody could please stick out their tongue for a sec and give a good lick on one, it would save my mouth from going completely dry. Equipment and material will be loaded onto a big truck Saturday to be driven out to the Cedar Junior Secondary School on Sunday to be unloaded for the big day. Finishing frames, tents, tables, pots and pans, km signs, water stations, food and drink and much, much more have to be set up. Then it's all up to you people. Volunteers and runners will come together, do some magic and make it truly an event. So here's the deal. All those who haven't volunteered or already filled out a race entry will show up at the aforementioned school on Gould Rd. before 10:00 am and fill out a race entry form in the gym and then run the race. That's all I'm asking. The run will be a good indicator of how good of shape you're in and the food will be fantastic. Volunteers should bring rain gear and a bag to stash it in near them if it doesn't rain, which I'm praying for.

Thanks to the Wednesday night track gang for the champers and cake for my birthday. As I hit the first quarter century of my life, I'm starting to reflect on what is behind and what lies ahead.

One thing I do know is that the next three races of the Island Series, the Hatley Castle 8 K, the Bazan Bay 5 K and the Comox Half Marathon are happening on Feb. 25, March 11 and March 18. Comox is a good training race for the Vancouver Marathon or the Eugene Marathon. The Gutbuster Series is gearing up now and you can get a good price break for a package if you are planning to do all the races. First race is at Royal Roads on March 24. You can get details and online registration in the Events page of the website.

The Malaspina 5 K looks like it will be rescheduled for March. I'll have some details next week but you can get info and forms at Frontrunners.

Thanks,
Ross