Walking at the Race in the Park for Breast Cancer (Updated 6/21/07)

The day before Mothers Day, 5-12-07, the Race in the Park was held in New Britain. I over-trained to participate in the race (running laps at the track, entirely on my own) and I re-injured my left knee, so I had to compromise my goal of completing the 5K run and settling for the 1M walk, which I am very happy with. My friend, Al, has played such an active role in my running rehabilitation. I hope that this is not too shallow, but I owe him a big THANK-YOU. Also, Al struck my emotions when he made the presentation of his “week 600” plaque. I remember, so well, helping him to celebrate the 500th. In fact, I recently found photos commemorating that occasion, also with Al.!!! I cherish and value him as a friend who always sacrifices his own conditioning to be a part of mine.
In the previous week, I successfully ran a lap at the MHS running track with my friend, Al, who has been my buddy since our college days. We completed a lap, holding his arm to give me stability, in just 3 minutes, 55 seconds, after completing a lap just prior, completely solo, in just 4: 24. I was actually running, not merely walking fast, and it gave me a sense of accomplishment. It was especially significant to complete this milestone in the presence of Al, who has been my camping buddy since our UConn days and who credits me with introducing him to many competitive individual sports. In fact, one year ago, when Lynn heard about my serious accident, she called Al to inform him about my condition and he dissolved his sorrows while completing a run at Hammonasett State

You see, it was also significant to accomplish this milestone with Al, because we have shared a dream to commemorate our first, in 199x, road race together at the 5K Race for The Cure, in New Britain.

Another valuable thing happened Saturday. We (Lynn and I) met up with the race director, Beth Shluger, who knows me well, and she invited me to volunteer at the Glastonbury (Shamrock) Duathlon on Sunday, 5-20-07. This type of activity (giving back to the sport) has been a goal of mine. Last year, 2006, I volunteered at the Hartford Marathon, also directed by Beth, and I value the opportunities she provides me. I hope to see you out there!! Buona Fortuna!!