If I were to guess the
total number of runners and walkers, I would have to say that about 190 folks participated in this fun filled event made even more beautiful since Sunday’s weather was made for running, about 70 degrees with a cool breeze blowing out of the west. The starting time was 3pm or there abouts. Nothing was left to chance nor were “things” overly stuffy and laden with rules and regulations. In fact, the starting time was delayed a few minutes to allow for runners running a little late (pardon the pun). At 3:10 the color guard marched up to the starting line and as the St Val’s choir sang our national anthem (Although most were quiet, it still surprised me that so many didn’t know that they should have placed their right hand over the heart during the singing of our nations song – you do know the proper practice don’t you?) A cheer went up as the choir finished singing. The run was about to begin.
Sirens blaring and horns a tooting, we runners took off. Since I waddle more than run I was at the back of the pack. Yet, I found myself overtaking many runners, only to see the reason why- stretching across the street were about 15 or 20 walkers walking abreast and beside them were several youngsters pedaling their bicycles, some still were using training wheels. How wonderful to see so many families and children enjoying each other so much; smiles and giggles wafted through the air. As we turned the first corner we runners were able to side step the walkers and shoot for the gold, which surely would be ours for the taking at the finish line.Ever so slowly the pace and tempo of the run increased. But what is this I am hearing? Clomp, Clomp, Clomp! I turn my head slightly to look and what do I see a youngster of all about 8 or 9 running totally flat footed and over taking me like I was standing still. How could this be? I do not know. Yet I continued on and making the first mile in a little over 8 minutes I knew this would be a good race…until I turned the corner on 5 mile road there walking was Clomp Clomp…I asked if he was ok..He indicated that he was fine but he had a side stitch…ouch…haven’t had one for years but I remember them well...So, I slowed to a walk and asked his name. It was Andy. Seeing the picture hanging around my neck Andy asked who they were. So I told him all about my little buddies and why I run and I asked “Andy would you like to wear one of these pictures? My Little Buddies always give me help when I am having trouble with my run. Andy replied “sure.” So I pinned a picture on Andy’s shirt and true enough, my our little angels must have gave him strength as he was off like lightening. In fact, Andy started running so fast that I didn’t catch up to him for about a mile or so and that was only about a half a mile from the finish line…
As I turned what was to be the last corner in the race I saw the finish line about 400 meters up ahead…turning up the steam I let no one pass me as I kicked it in gear and pushed my lungs to their limited capacity crossing the finish line in 27:27. Surely not as fast as I could, but it was a fun run. Wasn’t it?

The Big Adventure: Mark your calendars now folks OL’ Gj will be doing the journey run next May - Exact date still TBD.
Here is the link to the blog site (needs to be up dated badly) tracking the details of this adventure which will be called “From the Border to the Bridge – Fighting Neuroblastoma”
http://fightingchildhoodcancer.blogspot.com/
Next Race: Oct 19, 2008 - The Detroit Free Press Half Marathon or Oh, how I love distance
Grandpa John





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