Submitted by Michelle Rizzo-Berg
Today! 6 Warriors decided to take on the task of joining other Warriors for what has been dubbed the Selden Hills “Meat Grinder 20K” course. With 5 water bottles and this time 2, yes 2 backpacks, we were on our way. What some of the others may not have known, was that these 7 warriors were taking on the task of adding additional flat miles before and after the hills! As we began our journey, we ascended up the hills of Adirondack, tackling each mile with confidence. We galloped up Rosemont smiling and as we heading up Berkshire we started to wonder what was up ahead. Though one never knows what they will discover on the hills and today it was a drunk man at the edge of his driveway passed out with his pants off and ass hanging out. We saw him move, so we knew he probably just tied one on the night before and we headed on our way. As we went to turn left on Bluepoint, what we thought at first was a mirage was actually the long flowing locks of Rick. He graciously handed us water and we were once again on our way. We found the mysterious cardboard sign sending us right onto the side streets of the hills and “oh no” we were lost. We had no idea which street to turn on!!! We of course paid zero attention to Lou’s directions. Or actually, we didn’t retain any of the info. Thankfully 2 of the Magnificent 7 were near and they guided us in the right direction. THANK YOU. As we headed south again on Bluepoint we saw what we thought was another mirage but we were so thrilled to see the SH flag and find Lou, Gills and Mary waving us in and provided us with delicious treats. Then, we got the horrible news. We had to head up portion road and then turn right onto another street and once we completed that loop we were to head back south AGAIN to pass Lou for the Slaughterhouse wrap around. WTF??? At that point I think we all wondered who had the bright idea to do this!!! Oh, and I forgot to mention, we had a newbie with us!!!! Though I’m pretty sure she won’t speak to any of us anymore. So, as we passed Lou (AGAIN) we were onto our final leg. Up north on Bluepoint we went and then, ugh, the dreaded turn off onto the final and last loops. As we were heading towards them we see john Oakley casually strolling out of locust onto his decent to the pole. We turn onto Laurel, we pass the plastic “slow down” people, “OMG, we know the end is near”…the ugly lion statues…almost there. Samantha REALLY must hate us twice as much! Finally, we get back onto Bluepoint and we take it to the end! 12.5 miles, done! Oh. and 3 of us went back out for two more miles after we started at 5am for the first 2. Today, the “Superb Six” completed the Slaughterhouse Sausage Meat grinder 12.5 plus 4 more 16 mile total run! We survived.