For a variety of reasons, all mentioned in previous blogs, we packed our calendar with races for 2021. Four short weeks after the Carderock Half in Maryland, we were on our way to Nashotah Park, Wisconsin to participate in the Mother’s Day Run for State #42. This race was special as it was the first time since Nov 2019 in North Dakota that all 5 sisters were able to travel and run together. We selected this race because it had distance options, was located in a beautiful park setting, and was put on by an organization that had figured out how to hold races safely and successfully despite COVID-19. It was also billed as flat – but more about that later.

In theory, travel for this race was simple. Fly to Milwaukee and drive 35 miles to Delafield, WI where we had rented a VRBO for the weekend. The four AZ sisters had a non-stop from Phoenix, while Melodie had a layover in Denver. Technically, we’d all be in Milwaukee at about the same time. We boarded our flight Thursday morning right on time, and it looked like everything would be smooth sailing. As we awaited takeoff, the pilot came on the loud speaker and informed us there was a small issue with a maintenance log and the flight would be delayed about 10 minutes. No worries, Melodie was scheduled to arrive about 20 minutes after us, so a slight delay was a non-issue. However, 20 minutes later, as we were still sitting on the tarmac, the pilot came on again informing us that it was taking a little longer than expected. FAA regs had really tightened up so it was important that every “i” was dotted and every “t” was crossed. Ok – we got it, not fun, but understandable. Time marched on….again the pilot came on and told us that the people working on the problem were tired of being bugged, and they would let us know when we could takeoff. Profuse apologies were made, but no promises on the time. Two hours later, we were still sitting there, still getting the occasional apology, and by now we realized there had been a bigger problem than a maintenance log. We were advised that we could leave the plane if desired, which seemed very ominous to us. However, just as people were lining up to disembark, we got the message that we could take off. What a relief! The delay turned a 3 hr flight into a 5 hr endurance ordeal, but at least we would get to Milwaukee within the day.

The two hour tarmac delay meant that Melodie got to Milwaukee an hour and a half before us. She picked up the rental car and hung out in a Starbucks while waiting for our message that we were on the ground. It was actually very nice being picked up curbside. We squeezed into the Mitsubishi Outlander (we later decided that none of us were in line to buy this particular car), and headed to Delafield. The Wisconsin countryside was beautiful and traffic was light, so the drive was pleasant and short. COVID had enforced over a year of isolation, so being together was even more special than usual.

Our VRBO was located in a rural area in the small town of Delafield, WI, population 7,457. It was an older home, but had been remodeled tastefully and was spacious and clean. We were delighted to see the home was as pictured, as that is not always the case. The hostess was responsive and pleasant to work with, the yard was also beautiful, so it was a win-win all around.

The home had 3 bedrooms and 3 baths, so there was plenty of room to spread out. We unpacked and then headed out for our first hot meal of the day. This time we had done our research, so had a list of names to choose from, plus it wasn’t after 10:00 at night. We chose a spot called Revere’s Tavern (named after Paul Revere) and had a nice meal. We did learn later, however, that if you want the best that Wisconsin has to offer, choose beef and fried cheese curds, not fish.

After dinner, we headed out to a grocery store and picked up some food so we could eat breakfasts at the house. With 5 of us and at least 5 different opinions of what constituted a healthy breakfast, we ended up with a cart full of assorted items, some of which would be a stretch to call healthy. But all was good.

Later that night we discussed briefly what we wanted to do for our sight-seeing day. Again, we had done our research and been told the Lake Country area had much to offer in terms of parks, museums, and beautiful lakes and boardwalks. Unfortunately, both Hawks Inn, a stagecoach museum, and Ten Chimneys, the estate of Alfred Lund & Lynn Fontaine, were only open on Saturdays when we would be otherwise occupied. This crew was not overly troubled, however. It was enjoyable enough just to drive around, look at the beautiful countryside, and talk, and talk, and talk some more.

Next morning we got up, had our “healthy” breakfast, and headed out to Nashotah Park to check out the location of our race on Saturday. The day was cool and breezy, but the park was beautiful. We did a little walking, snapped some photos, and just enjoyed being together.

Next stop was lunch – always an important part of our day. This time we chose a place called Lumber’s Inn, and it was definitely the best spot we found the whole trip. Everything was fresh, well-prepared and delicious, the service was stellar, and the restaurant’s ambiance was charming to this group of country girls.

After lunch, we headed out to Nagawicka Lake in search of some of the picturesque boardwalks talked about in the tourist guides. It was easy to see why this area is called Lake Country. There are lakes everywhere you turn, many of them with unique names that speak of the strong Native American influence in the area: Pewaukee, Nashotah, Chenequa, Okauchee, Oconomowoc, Nagawicka, and Upper and Lower Nemahbin being just a few of them. Historically, the region was a weekend getaway for the wealthy elite from Chicago and Milwaukee. Today, Wisconsinites and out-of-towners from all over the world come to find a slice of lakefront paradise in Lake Country. According to Wikipedia, there are 140 lakes in Lake Country.

We were very taken by the homes we passed as we drove to the lake. Huge, palatial homes sitting on several acres of lawn were interspersed with small, much humbler dwellings. It was an interesting mix, but all of them had boats, kayaks, paddleboards and riding lawn movers in their yards. There’s not much mystery about what people do in Lake Country, WI.

Next stop was Silver Circle Sports where we picked up our shirts and bibs. The guy giving out race packets definitely wished he were somewhere else, so we didn’t stay long. We had our shirts and bibs, so we were good to go.

Dinner that night was pizza; not terribly original, but we were determined not to repeat our Maryland mistakes by not eating properly the day before. And then it was back to the house, prepping for the morrow, and more visiting.

All races were scheduled to begin at 9:00 am and we were only a quick 10 min drive away, so it made for a very relaxed morning. The weather was beautiful, albeit a bit cool at 45 degrees, but perfect for running. We showed up with masks in hand, but it quickly became evident that wearing them was optional. For this particular race, they placed cones in a large field, approximately 6 feet apart, and in rows of ten. Everyone stood by a cone, and rows were sent in waves. It was actually very well organized and reduced the congestion you often experience at the start of a race. Some of these COVID changes may end up sticking around.

And we were off. The 5kers did an inside loop, and the half marathoners did two outside loops of 5 miles each, plus the inside loop. As I mentioned earlier, the course was billed as flat and well groomed, but we found that description to be rather inaccurate. The trail was mostly well groomed, but there were definite lumpy spots and the rolling hills netted out to about 900 ft of elevation gain. Not flat, but certainly beautiful with no traffic or pavement to contend with. In fact, much of the time, we found ourselves running alone or with just one or two other people.

The 5kers came in long before the half marathoners. Linda came in first and managed to capture pictures of Kathy and Colleen as they crossed the finish line. What an amazing group these ladies are! The fact that they stand alone, or almost, in their age group, goes to show how impressive it is that they are still out there running! Linda and Colleen both were awarded age group medals.

And eventually, the half marathoners came across as well. Melodie had a great race and came in smiling with a great time. I had some challenges; cranky knees and a wrong turn, but I managed to net my 13.1 miles and finish the race smiling and standing tall – my only prerequisites for a successful race. We also were awarded age group medals.

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The rest of the day was pretty typical for a race day. We headed back to the house and showered, rolled and stretched our aching muscles, and looked for a place to eat. We really wanted a restaurant on a lake, but our choices within a reasonable distance were either a really expensive resort, or a homegrown sports bar. We chose the homegrown sports bar, a little place called the Hideaway Bar & Grill for a reason. It was totally hidden from view until you got right down to Okauchee Lake. It did have it’s own brand of charm and the service was nice, although the food was only middling. We talked a nice gentleman into taking some pictures of us outside by the lake, and that was probably the high point of this particular event.

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My sisters have to put up with my quirky sense of humor and I really wanted a picture to match the one we took in Kentucky six years ago. They agreed to humor me, although a bit of arm twisting was involved. Our volunteer photographer really got into the spirit of the thing, and had as much fun as we did. It was a fun way to celebrate Mother’s Day.

After our late afternoon lunch, we headed back to our rental for a bit of R&R. There may have been a few naps involved, but they didn’t last long. Someone mentioned watching a movie, but we were so busy talking that we never got around to it. No one was particularly interested in going to a restaurant again that night, so we stayed in and ate leftovers, and you guessed it. Talked. I’ve often wondered if we would ever run out of conversational material, but it hasn’t happened yet.

We got up the next morning, packed our bags, did the required cleanup tasks in the VRBO, and headed to the airport for our flight home. Three days had gone by very quickly. The flight back to Phoenix was blessedly uneventful. Melodie had a delay on her connection from Phoenix to Oakland, but still managed to get home at a reasonable time.

At the writing of this blog, I’m not sure when the next running trip will be scheduled. My knees which have served me so well for 23 years of running, hiking, traveling, etc., are showing some wear and require some attention. God willing, and with much gratitude for the miracles of modern medicine, I’ll be back at it in a few months to complete the last 8 states. But whatever turn the road takes, my heart is full of gratitude for all the wonderful experiences I have had. But most of all, for the treasure of friendship, love and support I have in my sisters. It is a gift beyond measure.

So, until the next time. Hug the ones you love, go outside and drink in the beauty around you, and be grateful.