It was all that and more...

The Carmel Valley Fiesta Run was all that was advertised...and more. Hilly and trails that were full of roots and rocks...Advertised as an 8.3 mile run the Race Director informed the lucky 200 that had registered early (sold out and no race day registration available) that "Man and nature were working against us."
Co-workers Rodney and Rob K. and I chatted before the race and settled in with the crowd at the start to hear that the park rangers had required a course change on Thursday just before the race. That one single track on Oakview Terrace was deemed unsafe at any speed and so they had to re-route the run. It was now going to be an 8.5 mile race, and there were to be five ascents instead of four. And the worst part in my opinion was we had to run up Redwood Canyon, not down. I was so looking forward to that downhill. That was the Man against part.
The Nature against part was that a nest of yellow jackets had been discovered along the trail. This was an additional warning as to the dangers that are inherent in this sort of activity and should someone have and allergy now would be a good time to back out.
And so off we go...running in bunches....jockeying for position. We climb the first real steep section and are feeling like we have gotten warmed up when we go through the swarm for the first time. (Yes...the first time...) I did not realize exactly what it was until we were through. Some of the runners in front and behind got stung. I did not and just hit with some of the little varmints. So tough run...and frankly I hate to admit it...I did walk part of the last hills. Still hanging in and making ok time...we ascend the last time out of the creek canyon and there is a race staffer warning we are going past the swarm again and offering another exit if needed. We all charge ahead and again I escape. I wrote the Race Director today and told him I felt so lucky I went and bought a lottery ticket.
Finally sprint(?) to the finish. I come in at 1:35:36 good for 82. I am 12 in my division and just ahead of middle of the pack. Rob K. in front a couple minutes and Rodney behind by just a couple. Great race and lots of camaraderie all about.