[blueridgerelay] 202406 Q’d by Vegemite

Q: Vegemite
PAX: Full House, Trickle, Hermes, Vegemite, Badda, Bing, Hallmark, Flop, Sherpa
PAX (not in Slack): None
FNGs: None
COUNT: 9

The F3 South Cary Pineapple Express had yet again another phenomenal BRR run this year. It was a year of records in YHC’s mind – 20th running of the race, typical perfect temps and untypical zero rain, and what seemed to be a higher-than-normal number of wildlife encounters – deer + bears + roaming, unfriendly dogs.

We had 7 veterans and 2 BRR FNGs this year on the Express and the team did a strong job conquering the mountains…always in good spirits and encouragement of each man.

Upon reflection this year, I would say BRR is one of the hardest but also the best experiences I’ve had in F3. It’s hard mainly because of the logistics…from a when/where do I need to be and when/where the heck am I going to rest, sleep, eat, poop, clean-up, etc. It’s hard…and I’ve done it 3 years in a row, but I would also say it’s the best experience YHC has had in F3 due to the 2nd and 3rd F that naturally unfolds throughout the training and then in the fellowship with one another and the other F3 teams throughout the actual weekend. YHC yet again learned so much about the team through our fellowship this year including…Full House’s unflappable its-going-to-be-alright confidence…to Trickle’s ability to train, overcome significant injuries, and crush it (mate had a great race this year)…to Hermes’ stand-up comedian worthy commentating talents and boundless energy (80+ mph laser-focused drive home, again)…to Badda’s 9 levels of deep knowledge of his business…to Bing’s ability to not miss a single detail (ever) and constantly problem solve ahead of any potential issue…to Hallmark’s sleeper fitness status (surprise performance of the year, just a Terminator out there)…to Flop’s natural, easy-going 2nd F abilities to just show up, drop in, and not miss a beat with any of us despite being more of a South Wake HIM , and to Sherpa’s semi-pro cooking abilities…the guy is a magician with Italian food, who knew?, but I also thoroughly enjoy his overall perspective on life being one of the most broadly experienced and well-travelled people I’ve ever encountered.

To be on a mission with these 8 men for 30+ hours, where each one’s performance is dependent on the other, and where your spirit is being lifted and sharpened by one another throughout the first day, throughout the dark (and humor) of the night that follows, and then through the much-needed dawn of the next morning…well, there is just nothing quite like it.

Word did reach us that a prayer was said at the AMBRR for us and all the F3 BRR teams, that was much appreciated. We also fully enjoyed seeing the AMBRR results rolling in on Strava, especially in light of so many PRs and the awesome 3rd F on display. It really looked like an amazing event and kudos to IC, the SAG crew, and of course all the runners.

In closing…and pardon the admittedly sleep deprived thoughts to follow…but shortly we will be in fall…Christmas will be here before we know it…and then again it will be a new year. In light of the awesome events this weekend, YHC would humbly encourage all of us to seize the days, weeks, and months remaining of 2024. Let’s close out the year with some more epic moments like these this weekend…growing in our bonds of brotherhood…and most importantly becoming better and stronger men through serving one another, our families, and the greater South Cary community.

MIAGD
MIAGW
MIAGM
MIAG2024!

Yours in all 3 Fs,
Vegemite

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