Independence Daze

Busy weekend, so just catching up on a bit of a blogging backlog, starting with an annual Fourth of July tradition, the John Carson race in Chelmsford.  And continuing with another tradition, it was African hot, with temps at racetime flirting with degrees in the 90s.

Speaking of flirting, take a look at these pre-race mugs

Four of these people from the clans Cook, Nicholson and Blake would be running the race to follow.  Shoutout also to Annie, who couldn't be with us at the race, but who was cheering long distance for her son, John, making another return to his Chelmsford course, ready to shatter last year's time.

Two buds, both of whom decided to sit out this year's run.  But wait 'til next year...

Sometimes, a photo doesn't need a caption.  This would be one of those times.

In a packed chute waiting for the race to start, we united with fellow E Streeter Barry, who eats up road races in the heat.  Wait....

It's all about positioning, as Scott shows us here.  Carlos, bottom right, looks on in jealous awe

With Tom Fleming from the Lowell Police Academy.  I let him beat me this time around.

And they're off!

Words of wisdom, via John Piekos:  Always know where the camera is. Addendum from me:  shouting Carlooossss as a pre-arrival announcement is a sure-fire way to make sure the photog knows you're coming.  All of this is a long-winded way of telling you that nobody else got their picture taken by veteran race photog Anne Piekos, who, stands in the same place EVERY YEAR, so it shouldn't come as a surprise to veteran runners of this race.  For shame.....

Heading into the finish line, Sean looks on proudly as his son, Finn, blows past him.  Wait, what?!?!?!

Jill and Shea double-wave their paparazzi as they roar to the finish

Victorious afterwards, John and Josh bask in their personal best times for the Chelmsford course.  It's all about the starting line positioning, boys

And finally, post-race, none the worse-for-the wear.  But somebody, please tell me - who is Barry about to kill?

Thanks to all our supporters out there and thanks to everyone who has made this free nation great and keeps it great every year so we can gather our family and friends on holidays like the Fourth of July to celebrate our independence!

(And happy birthday to firecracker babies Mike Cassidy and Martha McGuane!)