In official #lillienotaparkrun news, this week saw 55 finishers. This included 6 first-timers, 10 double-dippers, 20 three-peats, and 19 passionistas (perfect participation). The average finish time was 0:41:51, ranging from first finisher at 19:48 and talk walker (and wagger) in 1:35:00.
Out of state tourists were Janet J in Newport RI (celebrating with cake!), Colin P in College Park MD, Ben W and Bailey K in Durham NC; and Brooke W somewhere else in NC. Michigan had at least 6 locations represented beyond Ann Arbor, including Belle Isle (see below), Birmingham, Bloomfield Hills, Livonia, Tecumseh, and Ypsilanti.
First finisher (19:48) was out of state tourist Colin P in College Park; tailwalkers (1:35:00) were Amanda E and barkrunner Gingel in the western outer wilds of Ann Arbor (aka Saginaw Forest); tail walker in terms of reporting was Kranthi B.
Still no cats or other non-canids, but a record setting 8 bark runners joined us this week (top row: Jasper & Whistler, Cooper with Jolynn, Scout & Brooke; bottom row Baxter with Laura, Linux, Gingel)
Peruse all the results in this linked spreadsheet and read reports on the book of face and join us again next week!
In addition to the official #lillienotaparkrun results, a special expeditionary force explored the west side of Ann Arbor and wrote up a report in the spirit of legendary explorers. Their report follows.
Report Of A #lillienotaparkrun Expedition, In Which We Seek Out Artifacts To Honor “lillie”
The subscription for multiple coordinated expeditions for the formation of singular artifacts having been filled weeks ago [ed note: other people signed up to run all the letter shapes ], we embarked upon an independent attempt to honor our clan. Our goal: the collection (via photographic facsimile) of artifacts already extant in the landscape, and in a sequence determined by our clan moniker.
Planning Stage
Our expeditionary force has determined that street corners have markers bearing names of varying significance. Some appear to be counters (such as Seventh and Eighth), while others bear the monikers of historical figures (Washington and Jefferson). Upon perusing the map for some many hours, we determine it shall be possible to traverse a path that honors clan lillie of parkrun USA.
The Briefing
08:58 am
The day began bright and clear. We elected to delay our departure in order to attend a collective pre-expedition briefing which often proves useful to ensure the safe and successful completion of our quest. Today, however, there was an element that may have put us in Jeopardy. The googol in attendance at the “Meet” briefing was so large that our small team, wedged into the rear of the auditorium, was unable to hear, so we elected to leave the briefing and strike out for our goal.
We donned our specially designed expeditionary gear marked with both our clan (lillie) and tribal (parkrun) markings. This will facilitate recognition and offers of assistance, etc. Additionally the clan markings can serve as a reference as we seek out the artifacts in sequence.
departure: 10:53 AM
Shortly after departure, we discovered one omission from our preparations. The path marking artifacts contain initial glyphs of a form different from our source pattern. Dr. Jones commissioned me to consult the Jupyter sourcebook on glyph conversion. By applying a heretofore obscure transformation referred to as “upper(),” we were able to deftly translate our clan name into a set of glyphs comparable to the leading glyphs we are observing on the way-markings.
A report from an earlier expedition described sightings of “unmasked ruffians” with some consternation. But they assured us that if we maintained a sufficient distance from these wandering individuals, we could avoid serious exposure of all parties concerned. And indeed, we had occasion to observe but yet avoid unmasked faces along our journey.
timestamp 11:01 Liberty
We have found the first sign post with a matching glyph! A mysterious monograph precedes our target “L,” but as our glyph is in the upper() form, we conclude it satisfies the necessary conditions to qualify for our collection. Scholars believe the preceding “W.” may be an indication of the importance of the path, or perhaps some indication of its direction. We take it as a positive portent, since we began our quest with a westward heading.
timestamp 11:05 Ivywood
Our facsimile collection is hampered by an unfortunate positioning of the sun. Note to future expedition: an earlier start time may help overcome this obstacle.
It is rumored among the Strava confederation that this region has abrupt changes in elevation, thus they have named them the Ivy Ups. We notice the immediate similarity in this path marker and rejoice in having found the second item of our quest, just before our legs and lungs indeed detect the changes in elevation.
timestamp 11:08 Lennox
On our initial exploratory expedition we had to pause while Dr. Jones recorded our findings in a Not Expedition log entitled AnaGram. This requires much adjusting of a recording device, in fact so much time, that I would prefer a more Insta kind of trip log.
timestamp 11:15 Lutz
Closer inspection of the third "L" signpost shows additional runic markings, perhaps indicating a District of Historic or Archeological Interest.
timestamp 11:23 Ivydale
A return to the Ivy Ups region was necessary to collect another artifact of the “I” variety, owing to its scarcity in this territory. Once again, our legs and lungs faithfully detect the changes in elevation. This sign is not in shadow but shows a mysterious visitation (ed note: lens flare) that we interpret as a portent: but is it ominous or auspicious?
timestamp 11:24: Evelyn Ct
The omen was indeed auspicious, as our artifact quest quickly completes upon reaching the location where Evelyn holds Court. However, as our clan requires a minimum trek for inclusion in the annals of greatness, we must continue our route for an additional 1200 meters.
Completion
timestamp: approximately 11:30
elapsed (moving) time: 32:06
To officially establish the authenticity of our collection, Dr. Jones again employed the Jupyter sourcebook. It is a match! We pause to celebrate and reflect upon our labors, recalling the effort, the difficulties of the climbs, and the near disasters so deftly avoided by the labors of my most able expeditionary companion.
In closing I would like to leave some words of advice to any who might seek to attempt a similar feat. First, there is preparation: cartographic, linguistic, mathematical, and anthropological. There really is no substitute for a pre-expedition briefing. You must know your route and the rules that govern, how to read the signs, how to count to three. Second, there is physical preparation. Proper tools and equipment are important, but the preparation of the body for such an endeavor is also essential. A regular expedition of similar distance is recommended, perhaps every Saturday morning with others of similar interests (ed note: once tribe leadership has declared it is again safe to do so). And finally, personable and capable companionship can be essential. On many occasions, I have been invigorated by Dr. Jones’s heartening exclamations of “head up!” or “attack the hill!” or "finish strong!" during the most difficult of times. And she is undoubtedly hard at work with the editing necessary to revive my meager scratchings. (Ed note: boo yah!)
Ever onward, even if in circles!
Yours,
Matthew Jones
And his able companion
Dr. Tricia Jones
