Not Much Labor this Labor Day Weekend

Friday after work we headed over to the SBU XC course to catch the Bearcat's season opener. Pretty small field and both SBU Men and Women's teams took home a victory (individual and team). Fun evening as the men's basketball team came out to 'tailgate' it and brats and dogs were consumed. Below is the start of the men's event.

The rest of the evening was prepping for our STL weekend.

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Saturday morning Deb, Ian, and I went to Jake's first XC meet at Springfield Lake, which is a challenging course of continual elevation change. Coach tasked him with keeping the younger guys together as long as possible and then after 2 miles he could open it up some, but not all out as he wanted to see how his lungs could handle race speeds (early in the year and these meets are not priority). Jake took the boys through a decent pace, but way off his 'regular' speed from last year, and talking to them the entire time. Several of the boys faded after the first mile and Jake had about two or three with him going into the last mile where he didn't open up, but simply maintained the same pace. He looked smooth and easy, but could tell he was not filling up the lungs like in the past. Decent finish, nothing to 'write home about', but he did exactly as instructed and didn't push his lungs too hard. While his time was slow it was good to see him take so much pride in his work for the team and coach helped with tons of praise. Everyone knows he is suffering and it is a double edged for me watching: 1) it's obvious he is hurting tons and it's breaking my heart for him, but 2) he is learning great life lesson on dealing with adversity and handling it with great maturity. Change in the weather is hopefully just around the corner and cooler temps might give some relief... Below is a quick compilation:

Meet finishes and we head off to STL (without Jake, who asked to stay home and rack up on rest so we let him) for a couple days. Gateway Cup was going on, but viewing wasn't in the schedule.

After a quick appliance shopping detour we got to Chris and Mandee's (Deb's sister) in time to do a little kid sitting while they went to a HS reunion. Tanner had a ball game so off we went.

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Sunday morning had me wheeling the Blue over to Castlewood State Park (about 5 miles from her house) and absolutely blast riding all the mtb trails on both sides and especially the bottoms area. Only one pinch flat the entire 2hrs! I had as much fun on the 'cross bike as I ever have on a mtb there. Only draw back was the large number of hikers and walkers out enjoying the nice day, but that is really not a complaint.

Back to Mandee's casa in time to do some more appliance shopping (new oven/stove to match the fridge) and then on to the MAIN EVENT...

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Welcome to the 6th Annual Burt Pig Roast! Chris' brother and his wife puts this shindig on every Labor Day weekend and it is so much fun. Close to 80 friends and family show up to their home; kids play in the pool and have organized games all evening while the adults do what adults do at parties... This year he stuffed a 92lbs hog with four chickens and sausage (all lathered in a spicy rub - nice). It's always fun getting in there and helping tear it down. Ian and I took a little sampling of the brains (for the second year in a row) which is nasty, but you got to do it when you are 9 to look tough for the guys.

Really fun evening was capped off with Pennsylvania Slim (and side kick) playing 4 hrs of blues; he was incredible and fun. Chris and I left a little after midnight (which is early compared to last year). Much love to Rob and Chrissy Burt as always.

Rolled out of bed Monday and we all made our way to SGF to do some final appliance shopping. Finally we pulled in the house; good to be home.

Got out in the backyard and continued working on a landscaping project. Moved a young River Birch to a new location and dropped in a couple shrubs. Just a little mulch and that task is done.

Made my way up to catch some of Jake's XC practice (mile repeats) and it is clear he is suffering. It's up to him when to say NO MASS, but I wouldn't blame him if it is pretty soon. He was a tough meet in Carthage on Thursday and I imagine he'll focus on pacing the team again (at least I would).

Ate dinner with some friends house with my whole crew and afterwards enjoyed sitting out on the patio with Deb and Jake (Ian was wiped out asleep) for quite a while. Turns out my folks were in town and they joined us long enough for pop to gobble down some strawberry short cake Deb made (perfect timing).

Tuesday AM I got on the 'cross bike and drove many laps at SBU working dis/re mounts and cornering (as usual) for 1:20hrs. This evening is the Dirt #5 race and I am taking the Blue to see if I can get in some laps on it (taking the mtb as a backup) since there wasn't much at Castlewood I couldn't ride. I am not concerned with the overall placing for this series so a go on the Blue is on tap.