SPORTS WRAP
Chris and Roy Koenig, back left, pose for a photo with Owatonna’s Kate, Larry and Kenzie Schroeder. The group of five traveled to Boulder Colorado for the Bolder Boulder 10K race. Submitted photo
The rattlesnake gets right-of-way.
We saw bears, moose and mountain goats during our summer vacation out west. But then came my close encounter with a rattlesnake.
I had mapped out a loop at Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs for a run. Just as I stepped onto the trail, I saw a snake stretched across my path.
I stopped in my tracks and kicked some dirt toward it, which the snake ignored. Also, probably, not the most advisable course of action. Google Lens told me it was a prairie rattlesnake.
As I considered my options, taking a different route or giving up running entirely, the snake slithered into the bushes. I proceeded with caution, hustling past it. The thunderstorms rumbling in the distance didn’t seem much to worry about by comparison.
No wild animals but plenty of party animals on Memorial Day as my family ran the Bolder Boulder (Colorado) 10K. More than 50,000 runners taking to the streets, ending at the University of Colorado’s football stadium for a patriotic program.
It was a carnival. Streets were lined with revelers including belly dancers and an Elvis impersonator. There were trampolines, slip-and-slides and people wearing costumes, even some dressed as dancing nuns.
Through a Facebook post I saw that Owatonna’s Beth Svenby also ran there before traveling to Alaska for a half marathon as she continues her quest to run an event in each state.
Later I headed to Glacier National Park for a half marathon. While touring the park the day before the event, my wife and I ran into the Schroeders of Owatonna. Larry and Kenzie were also there to run.
The half was a major challenge, starting with a five-mile uphill stretch at 5,000 feet elevation. Rounding a corner the wind picked up like being in the teeth of a hurricane. It was all downhill after that, but still a grueling event. The views of the park were amazing.
I appreciate the time off from Owatonna Live to visit family in Colorado and Montana but I’m excited to be back in Owatonna and counting down to the Steele County Fair and fall sports.