Hi. I'm up in Winthrop, WA for the Sunflower Relay and Iron Event with a few friends from Eastside Runners. Many others will be running in either Eugene this weekend or in Vancouver. This may not make much sense to those of you who don't run, but running these can be addictive. I'll be running in the 21.7 mile Iron category. I was reading through the Sunflower Relay and Iron Runner Briefing and these entries caught my attention:

• The Sunflower course travels over varied terrain, including trails, unpaved roads, bridges, fields and grazing lands. You will also cross small streams, wet terrain and fences. Please pay attention of your footing.

• Portions of the course travel through private property and are accessible to the public only during the Sunflower. When you come upon a closed fence, either step through or open and close the fence after you pass. Respecting these rules will ensure many future Sunflower races—thanks!

• You may encounter grazing animals and other wildlife—don’t be alarmed and keep on running.

• You will be traveling through tick country. Check yourself and your clothing after the race.

This sounds like it'll be fun. Winthrop has public wifi. Woo hoo.