Sunday, August 5, 2007

Paw Prints, Hoof Tracks and Tales VII


Joel Shaffer's whereabouts when missing from the jungle. Joel's Trivia Question...do you always pass an approaching vessel on your starboard or port side? What about an approaching runner (on the road)?

Here is this week’s Safari Email

The Western Hills Course Map will be posted here later this week!

One of the grandest rewards of training with a group such as the Safari is the camaraderie and laughter shared amongst the runners. To recognize the high level of jungle prestige carried by a little humor, Safari School is pleased to announce the 2007 Safari Class Comedians for the morning and evening track sessions. The crack of dawn wise cracker is Bob Poznanski, who raised his hand to ask why we had to run so far when we were training for only 26.2 miles. The sun down comedy club comedian is hands down David Thierjung, who had the locals rolling in laughter over his raccoon story. David would have given Bob Poznanski some stiff competition for the morning session title had he arrived at Kanley Track at 5:45am instead of 6:45am.

We have to admit this story could be fact or it could be fiction….we aim to keep you wondering. David Thierjung forgot to have breakfast Saturday morning and forgot his Gu. As a result, he found himself somewhat depleted on the course. David wandered over to the convenience store, convinced a customer to give him a dollar, and then bought a package of combos. It is a fact the leaders of last week’s morning Oakland Drive track workout encountered a live skunk, but managed to evade its lethal spray, choosing flight over fight. Mike Nock has been named Tuesday evening social director and is unofficially in charge of selecting Tuesday night post run hot spots. Safari recruiters are still seeking a Tuesday morning social director.

Stray jungle beast Gale Fischer finished his 13th marathon, the Grand Isle Trail Marathon. Gale completed the challenging course in an amazing 3:25, placing 2nd in his age division and 11th overall. Despite his blistering pace, Gale was able to savor the breathtaking views and scenic beauty of Lake Superior. Joel Shaffer would be more likely to be found sailing on Lake Superior rather than cantering along the shores. There is a strong possibility that Joel may be even more passionate about sailing than running and is rumored to resort to “tacking” on particularly windy days and baffle his running partners with starboard and port turns, and leeward and windward directions. It all sounds like “jib”berish to most runners reports wife Amy Shaffer.

Jeff Datillo is expected to continue his reign as “most improved” jungle beast after his return from high altitude running in Colorado. By the way, according to Jeff, Peak Performance rocks! Stephanie Sabin was the lone Safari participant to play hooky from the Portage Jungle Adventure to run the Otsego Ready or Not 4k. Stephanie won her age group in the event, and added to her Club Championship points and first place age division standing. Julie Pomeroy wins the award for the "Most Weddings Attended" during the Safari Training Program.

Special thanks to Carole Stevens for volunteering to help with Safari Aid stations during her recovery. Welcome back Marty Buffenbarger.