It's A Dog's Life

When I was a kid I used to run with my dog Ginger up to the Winningham mailbox and back just for the fun of it. I wasn't very fast, but it gave Ginger and I a chance to avoid the evening chores for about 20 minutes and to enjoy each other's company. She heard all my stories of the events of the day, licked my face to assure me that I was loved, and generally kept my psyche on uneven keel.  On our return run, we would climb through the fence at the corner and chase the cows in for milking. 
Even though I haven't really run with a dog for 50 years... and I'm slower now than then!... running still keeps me on an even keel. Here's this week's post for my training for the Bentonville Half 8 April. Wanting to put the spotlight on my old alma mater! 

Celebrating Gentry Pioneers!

Fist training run for Bentonville Half.
I'm not gonna be ready.
Enjoyed the holidays way too much!

Fifty years ago, I graduated from Gentry High School in Gentry, Arkansas... that was hard to write... I can't believe fifty years have gone by so quickly! My little town is not so little anymore. It is buzzing with energy and potential! Even though I have not lived there since 1968, I am so proud to say that I am from Gentry! The wonderful people of that community so many years ago lovingly molded and shaped me. My values, my beliefs, my character, my central core. All were influenced by the pioneering spirit of neighbors, small business owners, church pastors, community leaders, teachers, coaches, school administrators and, of course, students and childhood friends.

So, I want to in some small way celebrate Gentry and give back. I am running in the Bentonville Half Marathon on Saturday April 8, 2018. I am hoping to raise funds for programs supported by the Gentry schools and the Gentry United Way. And, of course, finish the race... and not finish last.

Since this is my first post for this race, I hope to share more in the coming days!

A New Christmas Tradition?

Well, it's a wrap. Nine half and two marathons for 2017. Plus some 5k's, 10K's etc. thrown in for fun. I don't know how many years I can keep doing this, but have seven half's and one full lined up for 2018.

Every year since we have been married, we have placed a hat on the Christmas tree. (Short story: we were so poor our first Christmas together, the tree was a scrub that fit on the kitchen table and all ornaments were hand made. The tree was topped with my "cowboy" hat since Lynn had married a farm boy from Arkansas.) In the 40 plus years since,  the hat identified with a significant event of the year (baby bonnets, grand baby bonnets, race hats, vacation hats, kids sports hats, yada, yada).

This year marks the first time I have run more than one marathon in the same year--and with the half finisher medals--too much for the family tree (usual there is only one or two to place on the back side!) So, the runs got their own tree. What a hoot.

If we do it again, I am going to make it a family tradition and have everyone put all their finisher medals on it. I think that would be pretty cool...

Thanksgiving 2017

Since 1992 some or all of our family has, more often than not, participated in the annual Turkey Run on Thanksgiving Day. Great way to work up an appetite. Also a wonderful way to connect with friends and express gratitude for all of life. This year has brought tender moments with grandchildren; amazing adventures in far away places (Machu Picchu for one); awesome time with community volunteers (sorting socks, serving meals, painting schools); opportunities to support worthy causes around the world through Outreach International, water.org, and HealthEd Connect; challenging running trails; and lots of love! I am grateful for a life well lived!

NYC MARATHON 2017--What a RUSH!

The New York City 2017 Marathon was un like anything I have ever experienced! The energy of the race was amazing. Each of the five boroughs had a unique personality! Running through Brooklyn and Queens was such fun (see the videos below). To arrive by 8:00 a.m. at the start area under the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge, I had walked, ridden the subway, ferried, taken a bus, and jogged only to wait until my wave’s start time of 11:00 a.m. I finished at dusk in Central Park. In between was sun, rain, wind, fun conversations, cheering crowds, music, beer, potholes, drama, costumes, and on and on.

We stayed with dear friends (actually BFF of my daughter) Kevin and Jennie Macfee and their daughters Eloise and Sara Kate. They were not only such gracious hosts, but fun every day we were there.

We raised $$ for Outreach International in supporting the eradication of extreme poverty. OI is an amazing organization with an outstanding reputation for making a difference in our world. 

Arrived at start area three hours before the start....

Jennie, Sarah Kate, Eloise and Kevin surprised me with this notice on the apartment door!

Looking for a dry hat!

Just finished and still standing!

Yes I did!

Great to be out when the city wakes up!

Last training run in Central Park

Can't wait to get on with it!

40,000 are already running. We are about to start!

My kind of group!

I loved the energy of Brooklyn!

On of the many musical stops along the way!

Pre-race carbo loading-only way to go!

The NOLA Jazz Half: A Street Party at 7:00 A.M.

I knew I was in for a different kind of race when I arrived at Lafayette Square around 6:30 a.m. in the dreary drizzle of rain to find runners outfitted in every imaginable halloween costume. While everyone was in the party spirit and "on top of the game" for having a good time, no one seem to know much (or care) about how to race. Several hundred of us are milling around in the park at five minutes to start time. A guy with a bullhorn walks up to the start line in the street and yells, "If you think you are a fast runner, come on up here to the line. If you are just here for the party, get behind the folks up front." And we are off! This has never happened in 20+ years of my showing up for a race! While the runners were quite colorful in the fanciful running gear, the neighborhoods we ran through were too. NOLA is a fascinating mix of Old South charm and New Urban sophistication and eclectic ethnic diversity. It was an enjoyable weekend!

If This Isn't Your Race to Run, Volunteer!

Volunteering is a part of my life.  Soup kitchens, painting school hallways, ringing the Salvation Army Bell are all activities I enjoy.  I find volunteering to be a rewarding experience. A lot of community events rely on the presence of unpaid volunteers. Races have become important fundraising events—a large portion of proceeds is often donated to local businesses and charities—and unpaid volunteers play an important role in how everything comes together. 

So, when my fall race scheduled showed I would be running just before and after the annual Kansas City Marathon, I decided to help out. Showing up before dawn to set up table of bananas, apples, and oranges; stack cases of water bottles and hang rows of finishing medals was energizing as the 8000+ crowd gathered a block away around the start line. Many of us stopped long enough to be on the sidelines when the opening gun went off. Then back to the detail of end of race organization! Handing out goodies at the finish line allowed me to greet running friends, often along with their cheering families. I am grateful for the amazing crew of volunteers that make any race possible and this day was no exception!

My Favorite Race of 2017

I got a call on Wednesday from my daughter. "Hey, Ava and I are running in her school's 5K this Saturday. Want to join us?" Well, sure.

Only, I'm working. And when you own your own business and take the work when you can get it, well, you take it. BUT. This is my grand-daughter and, as a minister who spent forty years putting everyone ahead of his personal family for the church family--well, I decided that when I retired from full time ministry, I would no longer do that. So. The client was very gracious in re-scheduling.

And on Saturday, off to Prairie Village I drove! Kelly, who had been so laid back in Lima, was like a tough mudder personal trainer with Ava. "You can do this!" "Keep those legs moving girlfriend!" "Feel the burn!" "Just a little further!"

I was so proud of both of them! 38 minutes for a 5K for a seven year old is pretty dang good! Can't wait until Ava and Kelly are crossing the finish line with me in some race on my 80th BD.

Running the valleys (and hills!) of Asheville NC

A week after returning from Lima Peru, we traveled to Asheville to participate in a half marathon. The highlight of this venture was visiting with Paul and Beth Sears in Franklin. Friendship with the Sears family goes back to when we lived in Denver Colorado in the 1980s. They are such a creative,

energetic, witty, fun-loving couple who have overcome life's struggles and tragedies at every turn. Even as Paul continues to face the challenges of devastating cancer, he lives each day with hope and joy. Our visit with them was too short.

After a dismal 6:16 finish in Lima, I managed a 3:02 time for the half, but did place third in my age category. Whats the lingo? lol? Not my best effort, but I'll take it. We did love the street music in Asheville. Very entertaining!

LIMA 42K: What a Run!

Lima, Peru is a beautiful city full of energetic, creative, friendly people with wonderful

   

neighborhoods and public places! Having a father--daughter vacation was fantastic. I could not have had a better travel partner! We were able to experience (although briefly and admittedly, the tourist view) the rich cultures of Lima, Cusco, and Machu Picchu in a whirlwind trip that culminated in my first ever getting lost on a race course.

Kelly and I were so impressed by the power and ingenuity of the Inca empire expressed in the ruins of Machu Picchu. Built without the use of mortar, metal tools, or the wheel, it truly is  an archaeological wonder of the ancient world. We both agreed that spending a couple of weeks hiking the trail and exploring the region was now something we wanted to do! 

Lima ia a city with rich historical and cultural wonder. In addition, it is becoming an international foodie Mecca and we shared in some fabulous post-race meals! 

Now on to the race. Fantastic group of 2500+ international and local runners. Well planned and organized route and race -- except for street signage directing you on the route. While fleet-footed Kelly had no problem as she moved with the pack, I, on the other hand was left pounding the pavement behind the pack, but ahead of the walkers. That means that after mile 18, when the race route took a turn in direction, there was nothing there to indicate which way to turn. The route was now open to the public (I was about four hours into it) I was lost. 

The upside? I ran through some great little neighborhoods in the poorer sections of the city, at one point attracting stray dogs and active children running along side of me. I finally came upon a busy intersection where a policeman was directing traffic. I pointed to my race bib and asked him which way to go. He pointed in a new direction, and I was off once more. When I rounded a street corner and found a sign the said 40K, I knew I was back on track! As I looked down at my watch, my runkeeper app indicated I had gone 28.3 miles so far. 



As I neared the finish line, I could see the race crew beginning to disassemble the barriers and stage. No other runner was around. As workers and stragglers saw me coming in, they began to cheer. I saw Kelly at the finish line cheering me on. As I crossed, I was met by the race director, and local TV and newspaper journalists. I was the last one in! I fessed up to the race director that I strayed from the route and should be disqualified, but that I knew I had gone at least 28 miles to get there (by now, the watch battery was dead). He laughed and said not to worry. He was just glad I had arrived. So was I!

All of this was to support water.org. Water.org works to bring safe water and sanitation to the world through access to small, affordable loans. There is both a need and demand for these loans, because when people have access to safe water, they get time back to go to school, earn an income and take care of their family. It changes their world. Peru is one of the places where water.org make a difference! Running for water! It was worth every mile!