Ike: A Runner!

This is a shout out to Ike, a new runner on the scene. In early September, Ike received a 9^th place medal for his efforts on the Clear Lake Iowa cross country track team. His mom is so proud and says “he is so much fun to watch when he runs.” On another fun night, Ike ran 2 miles in 13 minutes 4 seconds for 8th place. I would say he is a kiasan runner (continual improvement).

I first ran into Ike when he traveled to Seoul Korea with five of his siblings to visit his homeland.

His adoptive parents, Jill and Bob Branstad spent a small fortune to give their adopted sons and daughters the trip of a lifetime! 

It was a joy to spend a few days sightseeing, playing, eating, sleeping, laughing, and goofing off. We enjoyed Korea BBQ, prayed with the mountain Buddhist monks, learned local history, and shared unexpected adventures. 

His parents are absolutely fabulous people with hearts bigger than the Grand Canyon. Ike’s brothers and sisters are simply amazing: bright, beautiful, creative, energetic young people who will turn their world upside down. 

This talented family has, on many occasions, provided music, money, hard labor, brainy mania, and lots of energy to help others in need; to make a difference in their world. Without reservation, they reach out to others and offer whatever is needed to stop the gap.   

Keep running Ike! 

Great Day Cafe

Whenever I venture over toward my daughter’s place (Prairie Village Kansas) for an afternoon run, I often run the streets of old Overland Park. On such occasions I always stop by the Great Day Cafe. I love this place. 

Three years ago Greg and Sandy Tugman left the rat race, gathered their life savings and opened the Great Day Cafe (www.great-day-cafe.com) (downtown Overland Park Kansas). This was a life long dream of at least one of them. Sandy, a liberal arts professor at Baker University, left academia to take on the daily headache of managing a restaurant/coffee shop. Greg left the world of high finance to persure his dream of loving life, entertaining and working longer hours than he could ever have imagined in the financial realm. 

What they created together, along with a fabulous staff, was a wonderful place of welcome. The personality of the cafe is one of energy, love, and acceptance. From the music to the decor to the menu, the cafe defines the word “eclectic.” On any given day, you will find Greg entertaining the patrons with the flute, sax, or clarinet along with his ipad backup band. He takes breaks from his love of the mic by bussing tables, visiting with the customers, and providing running commentary on life. Sandy’s passion comes through the menu, the art work and pottery found throughout the cafe and her infectious laughter. 

Greg and Sandy love life. They love each other. They love their staff. They love their customers. It is always a joy to drop in and see how they are doing. 

I have found that a lot of races are like the Great Day Cafe. Each race has its’ own unique personality. A race, so full of energy, can convey not only competitiveness, but love for a city or neighborhood, love for the joy of running, love for those who would rather be outside pounding the pavement any day of the week (as opposed to sitting on the couch watching the latest video blather). Races can be full of life. Races bring people together for a greater cause. Races remind us of the beauty and goodness of people when they choose to make a difference in the world. 

One race that does all of the above is the Waddell and Reed Kansas City Marathon. Winding through some of the most beautiful neighborhoods of Kansas City, the marathon provides a glimpse into the heart of America: Family values, wonderful seasonal weather, energetic and friendly people, well organized and comptent event managers, gorgeous art, fabulous music, fantastic food.

And, of course, the cause: The Kansas City Marathon supports the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society and Children’s Mercy Hospital. When I run a race like this one I not only support the Race charity, but often solicit funds for specific charities that work to abolish poverty, such as Outreach International, Sustainable Hope International, Soles for Souls, LOVE146 or Charity Water. 

When I run, people like Greg and Sandy inspire me. Why run, unless its' because you love it! Being passionate gives life meaning! Follow your passion!