Tag Archives: camp

Adventure, Friends, Running, Unicorn

Final Countdown!

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It’s the final countdown to the SOUTHERN ODYSSEY! A 200-ish mile, 12-person relay event that takes approximately 24 hours to run.

I. AM. SO. EXCITED!

My camp director, friend, fellow runner, and all-around spring of inspiration and energy, Paige, approached me in the summer about the Palmetto 200, a race with a similar premise that I had run in April 2012. I told her how much fun running through the night on next-to-no sleep is and the rapid bonding that takes place when you spend almost 24 hours straight in the van together (minus the runner on the road, of course). We sang, we laughed, we rejoiced at IHOP when each of our final legs was over.

— I have to give a shout out to Van 1 here because that’s how close we are. We still have reunions and are planning a triumphant return to the Palmetto 200 in April. Watch out for the Clemson Thundercats! —

Returning to this post and this race, did I mention I am excited? We are the “Old Guns and Young Ones” and with a person as creative and driven as Paige at our helm, we have an Awesome logo:

Invincible

Our team is a motley crew of Paige’s friends, former camp counselors, and friends of teammates – we even have a baker! We start at 11:00 AM on Friday October 12. As of right now, our lead off runner is Paige and there could not be a better fit for the job. I am hoping to be the individual to run the final leg, quite an honor.

If you’re still wondering about the logistics: Most people will run between 14-18 miles split over three legs. Legs are not equidistant as they are arranged between the exchange points. We will start in Rome, Georgia and end in Kennesaw, Georgia. During the evening hours, we will be required to wear blinking lights and reflective vests and to carry flashlights or wear headlamps. No earbuds or music for runners, but beats are sure to be bumping in the van. Have other questions? Contact Me!

Map it please!

I will also be tweeting about the entire adventure under the handle @C_Sums and grouping tweets with the hashtag #SouthOdd. There will also be a follow up blog, but don’t expect anything until Sunday evening at the earliest, I’ll be sleeping until then.

Sneaking a Van 1 picture in here from last year:

Van 1!!!

Or two…

IHOP after the race – YUM!
Discovery, Friends, Running

“Growing Home”

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I spent last weekend in the company of close friends, though truly, they are more like extended family. I was at the 85th Reunion at Eagle’s Nest Camp, and we were all “growing home.”

Inch by Inch, Row by Row

The mountain air was fresh and brisk in the morning, and gave way to a pleasant warmth as the sun rose over the valley. We laughed as we shared memories, both new and old, and engaged in some of our favorite camp traditions: singing, meals, square dance, hiking, campfire, and ceremonies.

I feel lucky to have been a part of this reunion because I have only known of Eagle’s Nest for three years – some have been going for over 50! It seems no matter how long you have known “The Nest,” it becomes a part of your story. Friendships formed at Camp are deeper because of our shared sense of place and our commitment to community and kindness. I can honestly say that I have met some of my closest friends there.

On Saturday morning, I was able to run the big valley loop. While running, I realized a large part of my Eagle’s Nest story took place on the roads around camp.  I passed the gravel road that would make a short loop, the house with the barking dog, the pasture with the horses, and the fields of corn. Because I was never a camper or student, I was always entitled to the roads as my ritual retreat. Here I could be near camp, but also away, in a time and space I created. Some who visited camp this weekend needed to go into the woods and on to the trails that were the site of some of their greatest growth and fondest memory. I needed the gently rolling pavement of Hart, Crabcreek, Old Hendersonville, and Everett. Happily, we all found our way home.

Big Valley Loop

I left camp this weekend with my soul refreshed. The next reunion is in 15 years. Where I will be then is nearly impossible to guess, but for now, I know there will always be a home for me on Hart Road. I cannot think of a better way to welcome the arrival of fall.

A friend and fellow-runner sent this picture to me in response to this post. There is something beautiful about saying “Hart Cascade”
Making new friends at camp is a must. So is wearing facepaint 🙂