I've added some pictures to this page. The rest of the pictures will be posted on Facebook as I'm not sure if I have enough storage on our website to put the pics.
I have to apologize to you all for not taking more pictures! I just plain forgot that I had my camera most of the time! I also had my video camera, which I also forgot about. Mike took some pictures with his camera and said he'll post them to his Facebook account.
Did I say that Ed was not the only one exhausted????? I wish I had remembered to use my camera more, but I'm glad I was able to be there for Ed and Mike as they ran/biked to Portland.
I don't know if I can put video on this blog, but I'll at least try to upload a video or two on my Facebook page, sometime before Ed & I fly out to Cape Cod.
Thanks for following along with us.
Until next time, we'll See You Down the Road!
Monday, July 13, 2009
Sunday, July 12, 2009
Reprise
Yes, it is done.
It was awesome to come across the finish line to all the cheers (from the folks waiting for family and friends to ride through the chute. The even gave me a commemorative patch for completing the event
I even have two crispy calf muscles (sunburned); two bruised palms and a hip, a scraped up shoulder and elbow (from my little stumble in Chehalis); a bout with heat exhaustion (from the heat on days three and four); two tender knees (from the constant pounding on the concrete) and a whole bunch of tight muscles as a momento of this awesome adventure.
This is an adventure I will never forget. It would not have been possible without the support of Brooks Running who provided all the gear for this event. Thank you Brooks for all of your support (Melody, Brooks Bothel store and Corporate Office; Susan, Brooks Outlet store in the Auburn SuperMall; and Tamara, Brooks Corporate Office). You folks are awesome and your gear is top notch.
Every time I wear my gear I will think of your kindness and support.
It was a long run and there were a few times that I thought about giving up. The cheers from the folks who saw the clips on KING 5 and NW Cable News kept me going.
Once I crossed into Oregon it was a whole new story. The bike riders started flying by. Their words of encouragment pushed me on. I tried to stay out of their way and I hope that they weren't upset by this crazy guy running in on their parade.
Now that I have completed the run I have been asked, what's next? I am going to recouperate for a few days working and then I am headed to Cape Cod for a much needed vacation.
As far as what is next for the Elementary Track program? It ain't over yet. I have had a few discussions on what to do and it does not include me running to Portland either.
We have ideas and would love to hear other ideas from you, the followers and supporters of track and running.
Last thought from Ed & Barb:
We would be very unappreciative if we didn't take this opportunity to say how proud we are of our oldest and youngest children. Mike and Kim, you were AWESOME! This journey was bearable because of your love and support. Thank you just doesn't cut it to express how we feel about you coming with us. Mike, you deserve just as many kudos as your dad for riding the entire way on your mountain bike - including a stretch of 10 - 12 miles all by yourself when the heat got to be too much for your dad. Kim, I'm so glad you were there to keep me company and your dad too! Without you, I may have fallen asleep behind the wheel and that would have been bad!
To our other children: Ed couldn't have run and I couldn't have been away from home without your help. Angela, THANK YOU from the bottom of our hearts for taking care of the house and dog(s) while we were away. Dave and Carol, THANK YOU for your support, gifts, knowledge & help. We love you and the boys very much. Wish you could have come with us, but understand why you couldn't. Rick and Lisa: THANK YOU for your support, knowledge & help. We love you both and appreciate your help. We understand why you, also, couldn't make the trip with us.
So until next time, we'll SEE YOU DOWN THE ROAD!
It was awesome to come across the finish line to all the cheers (from the folks waiting for family and friends to ride through the chute. The even gave me a commemorative patch for completing the event
I even have two crispy calf muscles (sunburned); two bruised palms and a hip, a scraped up shoulder and elbow (from my little stumble in Chehalis); a bout with heat exhaustion (from the heat on days three and four); two tender knees (from the constant pounding on the concrete) and a whole bunch of tight muscles as a momento of this awesome adventure.
This is an adventure I will never forget. It would not have been possible without the support of Brooks Running who provided all the gear for this event. Thank you Brooks for all of your support (Melody, Brooks Bothel store and Corporate Office; Susan, Brooks Outlet store in the Auburn SuperMall; and Tamara, Brooks Corporate Office). You folks are awesome and your gear is top notch.
Every time I wear my gear I will think of your kindness and support.
It was a long run and there were a few times that I thought about giving up. The cheers from the folks who saw the clips on KING 5 and NW Cable News kept me going.
Once I crossed into Oregon it was a whole new story. The bike riders started flying by. Their words of encouragment pushed me on. I tried to stay out of their way and I hope that they weren't upset by this crazy guy running in on their parade.
Now that I have completed the run I have been asked, what's next? I am going to recouperate for a few days working and then I am headed to Cape Cod for a much needed vacation.
As far as what is next for the Elementary Track program? It ain't over yet. I have had a few discussions on what to do and it does not include me running to Portland either.
We have ideas and would love to hear other ideas from you, the followers and supporters of track and running.
Last thought from Ed & Barb:
We would be very unappreciative if we didn't take this opportunity to say how proud we are of our oldest and youngest children. Mike and Kim, you were AWESOME! This journey was bearable because of your love and support. Thank you just doesn't cut it to express how we feel about you coming with us. Mike, you deserve just as many kudos as your dad for riding the entire way on your mountain bike - including a stretch of 10 - 12 miles all by yourself when the heat got to be too much for your dad. Kim, I'm so glad you were there to keep me company and your dad too! Without you, I may have fallen asleep behind the wheel and that would have been bad!
To our other children: Ed couldn't have run and I couldn't have been away from home without your help. Angela, THANK YOU from the bottom of our hearts for taking care of the house and dog(s) while we were away. Dave and Carol, THANK YOU for your support, gifts, knowledge & help. We love you and the boys very much. Wish you could have come with us, but understand why you couldn't. Rick and Lisa: THANK YOU for your support, knowledge & help. We love you both and appreciate your help. We understand why you, also, couldn't make the trip with us.
So until next time, we'll SEE YOU DOWN THE ROAD!
Finish Post
It's over. It's done. Fini. Ed crossed the finish line at 12:30pm to cheers from complete strangers! Kim and I got there ahead of Ed and Mike and told the finish line people what he was doing. Tim, one of the guys at the finish line, took Ed's card over to the podium and let the others on the line know he was coming. The gal at the podium announced he had RUN from Seattle to Portland and had started on Wednesday. (She announced Saturday as his start but Kim and I yelled up to her the correct day!) When I saw him coming, I yelled "He's here, he's here" and started snapping picutres. She got the crowd to cheer him on (and Mike too!) What a rush! He actually did it!! WOO HOO! People lining the chute reached out to high five him, including many children! I didn't get any pictures of him in the chute as I wasn't allowed in the chute area.
There was a point about 4.5 miles from the finish line where members of the Goldwing Club had set up a cheering station. I went over and introduced myself and let them know about Ed and Mike. They hadn't heard of a runner, but one of the guys had seen Ed and Mike out on the road. I was parked across the street from them waiting for my guys. When they got there, we got out the maps and I told Ed that I would meet them at the finish line. Kim went over to the Goldwing tent and talked to them. & gave them one of Ed's cards. They gave her $10 for our cause (Elementary Track). Thank you Columbia Goldwings, Chapter P (?), for your generosity.
We're home now. I'll unpack the rest of the stuff out of the motorhome tomorrow and return it to Chris and Mike, cleaned up and ready for them to use. Or Chris & Debbie. LOL Thank you very much Evans family, we grately appreciate your support, friendship and love.
Thanks everyone for following us as we went through this journey. What's next? I'll let Ed tell you in his blog. Watch for it!
There was a point about 4.5 miles from the finish line where members of the Goldwing Club had set up a cheering station. I went over and introduced myself and let them know about Ed and Mike. They hadn't heard of a runner, but one of the guys had seen Ed and Mike out on the road. I was parked across the street from them waiting for my guys. When they got there, we got out the maps and I told Ed that I would meet them at the finish line. Kim went over to the Goldwing tent and talked to them. & gave them one of Ed's cards. They gave her $10 for our cause (Elementary Track). Thank you Columbia Goldwings, Chapter P (?), for your generosity.
We're home now. I'll unpack the rest of the stuff out of the motorhome tomorrow and return it to Chris and Mike, cleaned up and ready for them to use. Or Chris & Debbie. LOL Thank you very much Evans family, we grately appreciate your support, friendship and love.
Thanks everyone for following us as we went through this journey. What's next? I'll let Ed tell you in his blog. Watch for it!
Saturday, July 11, 2009
Last night out????
Another day has run by me, or rather over me. It was 87 degrees today. So today I was only able to cover 35 miles . I lost a few miles looking for a place to stay Friday night and a few more today after I died from the heat. Mike however made up the miles for me on his bike. And it was toasty.
So that makes a total of 158 miles. Tomorrow there is only 22 miles left. Scappoose to Portland. I am hoping to cover the distance and arrive around 12:00, noon. I run better when it is a wee bit colder outside.
So retiring to Arizona isn't going to happen anytime soon.
The first of the bikers passed us on the Oregon side of the Columbia River. They were very supportive and cheering me on to the finish. It really helps me remember why I am doing this. Especially, when I am dying of heat exhastion.
Well, tomorrow is the last leg of this adventure. It will be over but not ever forgotten and at this point never attempted again by the likes of this "Old" man.
More tomorrow after all is said and done.
And Now Barb has a few choice words.
Oh, Thanks, Ed! LOL I'll be glad when this journey is at an end. We're all on edge, nerves are shot. The heat has gotten to us all - even us non runners as we sat waiting for Ed and Mike to catch up to us. Tired bum for me, I pulled a muscle on my right leg, inner thigh. This climbing in and out of the motorhome is for the birds! (But it is nice to have the motorhome! ! ! ! )
We're very grateful to Mike & Chris Evans for use of their motorhome. It was so nice not to worry about sleeping on the hard ground in a tent or paying for a motel/hotel. The fees for the rv parks were so inexpensive compared to a Motel 6. We stayed at Offut Lake Resort which is just up the street from Wolf Haven Int'l the first night. And , NO we didn't hear the wolves howling. I listened and didn't hear a single howl. It was nice and Ed got to soak his legs in Lake Offut.
Friday night found us at Toutle River RV Resort, fairly new, AWESOME facilities. The hike to the river was about 3/4 of a mile, not so good, but at least Ed got to soak his legs in the icy water. The only thing is the trains. they came by just about all night long, tooting their whistles. That's ok, the SHOWERS made up for it! LOL
Tonight we're at the Village Inn & RV park in St Helen's, OR. It's is totally paved, but the facilities are good. No river or lake for Ed to soak his legs, but that's ok, he can use the shower to spray his legs with cold water.
Kudos to all these places for taking us without us having made reservations. They all had electric hook-up and, most importantly WI-FI! ! ! ! ! FREE! ! ! ! YEAH! ! ! ! ! Otherwise, we would not have been able to keep the blog updated. WOO HOO!
That's all for tonight. More tomorrow once we get HOME! Ahhhhhhhhh, home sweet home! My own bed! It will be so nice.
So that makes a total of 158 miles. Tomorrow there is only 22 miles left. Scappoose to Portland. I am hoping to cover the distance and arrive around 12:00, noon. I run better when it is a wee bit colder outside.
So retiring to Arizona isn't going to happen anytime soon.
The first of the bikers passed us on the Oregon side of the Columbia River. They were very supportive and cheering me on to the finish. It really helps me remember why I am doing this. Especially, when I am dying of heat exhastion.
Well, tomorrow is the last leg of this adventure. It will be over but not ever forgotten and at this point never attempted again by the likes of this "Old" man.
More tomorrow after all is said and done.
And Now Barb has a few choice words.
Oh, Thanks, Ed! LOL I'll be glad when this journey is at an end. We're all on edge, nerves are shot. The heat has gotten to us all - even us non runners as we sat waiting for Ed and Mike to catch up to us. Tired bum for me, I pulled a muscle on my right leg, inner thigh. This climbing in and out of the motorhome is for the birds! (But it is nice to have the motorhome! ! ! ! )
We're very grateful to Mike & Chris Evans for use of their motorhome. It was so nice not to worry about sleeping on the hard ground in a tent or paying for a motel/hotel. The fees for the rv parks were so inexpensive compared to a Motel 6. We stayed at Offut Lake Resort which is just up the street from Wolf Haven Int'l the first night. And , NO we didn't hear the wolves howling. I listened and didn't hear a single howl. It was nice and Ed got to soak his legs in Lake Offut.
Friday night found us at Toutle River RV Resort, fairly new, AWESOME facilities. The hike to the river was about 3/4 of a mile, not so good, but at least Ed got to soak his legs in the icy water. The only thing is the trains. they came by just about all night long, tooting their whistles. That's ok, the SHOWERS made up for it! LOL
Tonight we're at the Village Inn & RV park in St Helen's, OR. It's is totally paved, but the facilities are good. No river or lake for Ed to soak his legs, but that's ok, he can use the shower to spray his legs with cold water.
Kudos to all these places for taking us without us having made reservations. They all had electric hook-up and, most importantly WI-FI! ! ! ! ! FREE! ! ! ! YEAH! ! ! ! ! Otherwise, we would not have been able to keep the blog updated. WOO HOO!
That's all for tonight. More tomorrow once we get HOME! Ahhhhhhhhh, home sweet home! My own bed!
Friday, July 10, 2009
I’m sitting across the street from Napavine High School waiting for Ed and Mike, in the shade. He made slow progress today because of the heat. We took a 1 hour break from 4 – 5pm due to the heat. The plan now is to get into Portland on Sunday. Wish this heat would let up some. Besides being slow, it has been eventful, but I’ll let him tell all about it, when he has recovered sufficiently and his brain is once again functioning.
It has been such a blessing to have Kim & Mike with us. Mike has ridden the entire way on his bike next to his dad. He carries a backpack filled with necessities: first aid kit, sports gels, snack bars, water etc. I am go very grateful he is here. Thanks, Mike, I love you!
Kim has been such a joy to have along on this trip. It is difficult for me to get in and out of the motorhome because of the way it is. And she has been so willing to get water or anything for me. She has run some with her dad, but not much because of the heat. She slept a lot the last couple of days, but who cares, she came whenever I needed anything. Thanks, Kim, I love you!
We're at an RV park with wi-fi. Exhausted doesn't even begin to describe how I feel. I don't think I'll have any trouble sleeping tonight. As long as my legs don't cramp. Yeah, I know, why are my legs cramping, I'm not running. They are. Climbing in and out of the motorhome is not good on my body. I'm gonna eat some spaghetti and go to bed.
Here's Ed:
It was a hot one today, I was told by one of our RV neighbors it was 88 degrees when he pulled into the RV site earlier today.
That would explain why I could only cover 45 miles today. So out of three days this one has been the hottest. So far we have covered 121 miles and I am dead.
While running through Chehalis I found the only pot hole in the whole STP trail, and before you ask, yes I went down. I have a road rash as a souvenir. As well as a little heat stroke. I trust I will be well enough to run tomorrow. It is supposed to be another hot one.
Well then, until next time.
It has been such a blessing to have Kim & Mike with us. Mike has ridden the entire way on his bike next to his dad. He carries a backpack filled with necessities: first aid kit, sports gels, snack bars, water etc. I am go very grateful he is here. Thanks, Mike, I love you!
Kim has been such a joy to have along on this trip. It is difficult for me to get in and out of the motorhome because of the way it is. And she has been so willing to get water or anything for me. She has run some with her dad, but not much because of the heat. She slept a lot the last couple of days, but who cares, she came whenever I needed anything. Thanks, Kim, I love you!
We're at an RV park with wi-fi. Exhausted doesn't even begin to describe how I feel. I don't think I'll have any trouble sleeping tonight. As long as my legs don't cramp. Yeah, I know, why are my legs cramping, I'm not running. They are. Climbing in and out of the motorhome is not good on my body. I'm gonna eat some spaghetti and go to bed.
Here's Ed:
It was a hot one today, I was told by one of our RV neighbors it was 88 degrees when he pulled into the RV site earlier today.
That would explain why I could only cover 45 miles today. So out of three days this one has been the hottest. So far we have covered 121 miles and I am dead.
While running through Chehalis I found the only pot hole in the whole STP trail, and before you ask, yes I went down. I have a road rash as a souvenir. As well as a little heat stroke. I trust I will be well enough to run tomorrow. It is supposed to be another hot one.
Well then, until next time.
Thursday, July 9, 2009
Second Day
Ok, so I goofed! Easy to do after the day I've had. This is Barb, the saner half of the Barney team. LOL I'm going to try to post pictures, I'm just not sure how to do it yet
We started out the day at 5 am, loaded up the motorhome, (again, THANK YOU, Chris & Mike!) with what we thought was everything we needed. We got to Celebration Park at about 6 something and left about 6:30.
Kim ran the first few miles with her dad, but then her ankle (?) gave out so I picked her up at about 356th and Pacific Highway S. Mike rode his bike along side them. We got into Tacoma about 8 am and met up with a photographer, Dean, from the News Tribune. He took some pictures in front of the Habitat for Humanity Home Store, as did I! LOL Ed, Kim and Mike then went up to Pacific Ave (Highway 7) and turned left towards Spanaway. UP that L O N G hill. Dean got some pictures of them coming up the hill, with downtown Tacoma in the background. Watch the News Tribune for pictures! Kim got back in the motorhome with me at that point as the hill just killed her.
So, Chris Sirrine, to answer your question, Ed is basically running this on his own. Mike is support on bicycle just in case anything happens. I'm a cell phone call away. I go about 5 miles ahead of Ed and wait until they get to me and then jump ahead another 5 miles.
Ed got to Rainier, WA and decided that he'd had enough for one day. Not bad for a 55 year old! He's my hero! He and Mike will start out tomorrown morning from where we're staying tonight.
Speaking of where we're staying, we're staying at the Offut Lake Resort. Nice place, flushies, showers! ! ! ! !, electric hook-up. Nice place. Right now, Ed, Mike and Kim are at the lake. Ed is getting his feet wet in the lake and cooling off. He's taking it easy and we're expecting to finish up on Sunday. I need to go get some pics of where we're staying tonight. I hope we find some place just as nice tomorrow.
HERE'S ED!:
Well, what a day it has been. We average 9:30-9:45 pace per mile. I am really surprised that we a moving along so well. We stop about every ten to twelve miles to change shoes and socks as need.
Brooks Running was gracious enought to provide me with all the running gear I needed for the entire run. The gear arrived on Wednesday afternoon. Not enough time to break in the shoes but by changing them out every ten to twelve miles by the time I finish this run they will be well broke in.
Although we finished running at Rainier, Mike and I will start our run from the RV park and make up the distance we shorted ourselves today.
By the time I got to Rainier my legs wer like rubber. The body was willing to continue the run but the legs said not way fella.
It is really great have a running/riding partner to keep me focused on the reason I am doing this. Occasionaly it slips my mind, especially towards the end of the day.
I was greatful for the coverage from KING TV and the TNT, as well as the multiple articles in The Mirror. As a result of the coverage we have recieved waves and honks from several folks as we ran down Hwy 7 and 507. It was inspiring to say the least.
Tomorrow we hope to make it to Lexington. That might be a bit optomistic but we'll try.
Till next time.
We started out the day at 5 am, loaded up the motorhome, (again, THANK YOU, Chris & Mike!) with what we thought was everything we needed. We got to Celebration Park at about 6 something and left about 6:30.
Kim ran the first few miles with her dad, but then her ankle (?) gave out so I picked her up at about 356th and Pacific Highway S. Mike rode his bike along side them. We got into Tacoma about 8 am and met up with a photographer, Dean, from the News Tribune. He took some pictures in front of the Habitat for Humanity Home Store, as did I! LOL Ed, Kim and Mike then went up to Pacific Ave (Highway 7) and turned left towards Spanaway. UP that L O N G hill. Dean got some pictures of them coming up the hill, with downtown Tacoma in the background. Watch the News Tribune for pictures! Kim got back in the motorhome with me at that point as the hill just killed her.
So, Chris Sirrine, to answer your question, Ed is basically running this on his own. Mike is support on bicycle just in case anything happens. I'm a cell phone call away. I go about 5 miles ahead of Ed and wait until they get to me and then jump ahead another 5 miles.
Ed got to Rainier, WA and decided that he'd had enough for one day. Not bad for a 55 year old! He's my hero! He and Mike will start out tomorrown morning from where we're staying tonight.
Speaking of where we're staying, we're staying at the Offut Lake Resort. Nice place, flushies, showers! ! ! ! !, electric hook-up. Nice place. Right now, Ed, Mike and Kim are at the lake. Ed is getting his feet wet in the lake and cooling off. He's taking it easy and we're expecting to finish up on Sunday. I need to go get some pics of where we're staying tonight. I hope we find some place just as nice tomorrow.
HERE'S ED!:
Well, what a day it has been. We average 9:30-9:45 pace per mile. I am really surprised that we a moving along so well. We stop about every ten to twelve miles to change shoes and socks as need.
Brooks Running was gracious enought to provide me with all the running gear I needed for the entire run. The gear arrived on Wednesday afternoon. Not enough time to break in the shoes but by changing them out every ten to twelve miles by the time I finish this run they will be well broke in.
Although we finished running at Rainier, Mike and I will start our run from the RV park and make up the distance we shorted ourselves today.
By the time I got to Rainier my legs wer like rubber. The body was willing to continue the run but the legs said not way fella.
It is really great have a running/riding partner to keep me focused on the reason I am doing this. Occasionaly it slips my mind, especially towards the end of the day.
I was greatful for the coverage from KING TV and the TNT, as well as the multiple articles in The Mirror. As a result of the coverage we have recieved waves and honks from several folks as we ran down Hwy 7 and 507. It was inspiring to say the least.
Tomorrow we hope to make it to Lexington. That might be a bit optomistic but we'll try.
Till next time.
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
One day down - 3 + more to go
Well, the first day is done. And what a day it's been! Ed made the 5:30pm KING 5 news. Richard, a cameraman from KING 5, was waiting for us when we got to the corner of Denny and Broad streets. He filmed for about 15 - 20 minutes and then left to make sure he made the news.
Angela and Kim finally showed up about 5 minutes after Richard left. I got them on my camcorder and some still photos of them. They were excited to hug their dad and wish him well, then they went to an IMAX showing of Transformers. I wish one of them would have gone with me as I "chased" Ed down Broad then along Alaskan Way. The last I saw him was at the Coast Guard terminal! Then I LOST him! That's right, I couldn't find him! I was beyond upset, I was terrified that something had happened to him.
I found a safe place to pull off the road (a Taco Bell at the corner of Michigan and E. Marginal Way) and waited, and waited, and waited, and napped for a few minutes, and waited, and waited some more. I finally decided to back track on the route I thought he said he was going to take. So I went back towards Seattle, went up 1st Avenue but didn't see him, went back to Taco Bell and waited a few more minutes. I left again and went back towards Seattle, again, and went up 4th Avenue this time. I still didn't see him and so circled around AGAIN looking for him. by this time I was crying, praying, crying and praying. I called my girls and told them that I couldn't find their dad and to please pray. At the time I was talking to my girls, my son called and left a message wondering where dad was. I called him and told him through my tears that I couldn't find his dad. By this time 3 hours had passed and I just knew I had missed him somewhere along the way. So I proceeded to stick to the plan and follow the same route he would have taken.
I finally caught up to him at the Motor Travel Inn at Woodmont (about 260th for those familiar with the area)! I was never so glad to see anyone in my whole life! I just sobbed in relief. I must have slept longer that I thought there in the parking lot of Taco Bell.
Ed's turn:
Driving the route is a lot easier than running it. Come to think of it even mapping it out on the computer was easier. It all seemed so flat and easy.
It was good to have Angela, Kim, Elizabeth and Jenny in Seattle to send me on my way. Now leg one is complete. 23.64 miles in 4 hours 13 minutes. That included a few stops for water at Jack-in-the-Box and KFC and a twenty minute break once my wife caught up to me. I guess I ran faster than she could drive. HA, HA, HA.
She had me wondering what happened to her. I half expected to arrive home to have a message waiting for me stating that she got mugged in Seattle. I think there is too much time to think when your out on a long run. Oh the things the mind comes up with.
After a long soak in a cold tub of water and I'm almost ready to go again, maybe after a few hours of shut eye.
Before I started the run KING 5 TV interviewed me for the 5:30 News. One thing that made the run a little more enjoyable was when some guy pulled out of a tavern/diner on his motorcycle in Seatac right behind me. He hollerad out, "I just saw you on the news. Good Luck."
Now, that was awesome.
Tomorrow Mike will join me on his bike. I will enjoy the company. And Kim will also be coming along. She will provide me with music and the occasional running companionship.
A photographer from the Tacoma News Tribune will be meeting us along the route tomorrow morning. He will be taking pictures for the article that will appear over the weekend about our efforts to raise funds for the elementary track program.
Well, I think its time to head to bed. 5:00am comes bright and early. Even for us early worms. Especially after a nice long run.
Until next time.
Angela and Kim finally showed up about 5 minutes after Richard left. I got them on my camcorder and some still photos of them. They were excited to hug their dad and wish him well, then they went to an IMAX showing of Transformers. I wish one of them would have gone with me as I "chased" Ed down Broad then along Alaskan Way. The last I saw him was at the Coast Guard terminal! Then I LOST him! That's right, I couldn't find him! I was beyond upset, I was terrified that something had happened to him.
I found a safe place to pull off the road (a Taco Bell at the corner of Michigan and E. Marginal Way) and waited, and waited, and waited, and napped for a few minutes, and waited, and waited some more. I finally decided to back track on the route I thought he said he was going to take. So I went back towards Seattle, went up 1st Avenue but didn't see him, went back to Taco Bell and waited a few more minutes. I left again and went back towards Seattle, again, and went up 4th Avenue this time. I still didn't see him and so circled around AGAIN looking for him. by this time I was crying, praying, crying and praying. I called my girls and told them that I couldn't find their dad and to please pray. At the time I was talking to my girls, my son called and left a message wondering where dad was. I called him and told him through my tears that I couldn't find his dad. By this time 3 hours had passed and I just knew I had missed him somewhere along the way. So I proceeded to stick to the plan and follow the same route he would have taken.
I finally caught up to him at the Motor Travel Inn at Woodmont (about 260th for those familiar with the area)! I was never so glad to see anyone in my whole life! I just sobbed in relief. I must have slept longer that I thought there in the parking lot of Taco Bell.
Ed's turn:
Driving the route is a lot easier than running it. Come to think of it even mapping it out on the computer was easier. It all seemed so flat and easy.
It was good to have Angela, Kim, Elizabeth and Jenny in Seattle to send me on my way. Now leg one is complete. 23.64 miles in 4 hours 13 minutes. That included a few stops for water at Jack-in-the-Box and KFC and a twenty minute break once my wife caught up to me. I guess I ran faster than she could drive. HA, HA, HA.
She had me wondering what happened to her. I half expected to arrive home to have a message waiting for me stating that she got mugged in Seattle. I think there is too much time to think when your out on a long run. Oh the things the mind comes up with.
After a long soak in a cold tub of water and I'm almost ready to go again, maybe after a few hours of shut eye.
Before I started the run KING 5 TV interviewed me for the 5:30 News. One thing that made the run a little more enjoyable was when some guy pulled out of a tavern/diner on his motorcycle in Seatac right behind me. He hollerad out, "I just saw you on the news. Good Luck."
Now, that was awesome.
Tomorrow Mike will join me on his bike. I will enjoy the company. And Kim will also be coming along. She will provide me with music and the occasional running companionship.
A photographer from the Tacoma News Tribune will be meeting us along the route tomorrow morning. He will be taking pictures for the article that will appear over the weekend about our efforts to raise funds for the elementary track program.
Well, I think its time to head to bed. 5:00am comes bright and early. Even for us early worms. Especially after a nice long run.
Until next time.
A wife's perspective
Now I'm getting nervous. He's not young anymore and I'm worried that this will be the last time he sets his feet to the road. That will make me very sad for running is his form of R & R, his way to releas his frustrations, his avocation. His love of running goes deep into his soul.
He not only loves to run, but he loves to pass on that love to others, especially children. Our own children run - except for one who is our singer/drama person. Those who run, love it and will find any excuse to run. Broken bones don't stop them; as soon as the bones are healed, they find a way to run. Sprained limbs don't stop them; as soon as they are cleared, they find a time to run.
Ron Matilla started the Elementary Track program in the Federal Way School district a couple of decades ago. Ed got involved when our kids became involved. He's been at it ever sense. Thank you, Ron, for giving my husband something to do besides work around the house. Ed gets really excited in February in anticipation of Track season. He starts talking about it as soon as Cross Country season ends.
We'll see what happens this week as we make our way to Portland. Please remember us in your prayers. Pray for Ed's health, safety and his well-being. Thank you in advance for your prayers.
We'll see you down the road!
He not only loves to run, but he loves to pass on that love to others, especially children. Our own children run - except for one who is our singer/drama person. Those who run, love it and will find any excuse to run. Broken bones don't stop them; as soon as the bones are healed, they find a way to run. Sprained limbs don't stop them; as soon as they are cleared, they find a time to run.
Ron Matilla started the Elementary Track program in the Federal Way School district a couple of decades ago. Ed got involved when our kids became involved. He's been at it ever sense. Thank you, Ron, for giving my husband something to do besides work around the house. Ed gets really excited in February in anticipation of Track season. He starts talking about it as soon as Cross Country season ends.
We'll see what happens this week as we make our way to Portland. Please remember us in your prayers. Pray for Ed's health, safety and his well-being. Thank you in advance for your prayers.
We'll see you down the road!
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Night before the start
Have you ever had second thoughts about doing something that others expect you to do?
The night before the big run and I have never been as nervous as I am right now. Although I have been training since October, I really wonder if I am ready for such an ultra run.
All of my old injuries seem to be coming to my mind. The mind is a powerful thing and probably the most dangerous, as we can convince ourselves of just about anything. As it has been said, "If you think you're defeated you are." But, I am determined to complete the Seattle to Portland run for the benefit of all those who choose to run in the elementary track program.
Interviews with the media remind me that tomorrow is the big day. The beginning of what I hope will be a profitable and great adventure. I sure hope it all comes together.
See you down the road.
The night before the big run and I have never been as nervous as I am right now. Although I have been training since October, I really wonder if I am ready for such an ultra run.
All of my old injuries seem to be coming to my mind. The mind is a powerful thing and probably the most dangerous, as we can convince ourselves of just about anything. As it has been said, "If you think you're defeated you are." But, I am determined to complete the Seattle to Portland run for the benefit of all those who choose to run in the elementary track program.
Interviews with the media remind me that tomorrow is the big day. The beginning of what I hope will be a profitable and great adventure. I sure hope it all comes together.
See you down the road.
Monday, July 6, 2009
The Beginning
In the beginning, Ed had a dream. He wanted to RUN the Seattle to Portland bicycle race that is held each year in July. Yes, RUN it. This is the year for it. He is doing it to raise money for the Elementary Track program in the Federal Way School District. He is a firm believer in running not only as exercise but as a way to build character. So his feet will meet the road to raise money for this invaluable program, one of a very few for elementary school age children in the nation.
We went shopping tonight to get some supplies (read FOOD) for the run. We're borrowing a motor home (thanks Chris & Mike!) so that we do not have to pay for a hotel/motel during the run. It just means more money for the kids. We are supplying the food, again so that the money goes directly to the kids.
We're excited to be on the road, and grateful to everyone who has supported us in our cause - to raise money for the Elementary Track Program in the Federal Way School district. With the economy what it is, ALL programs in our school district face the chopping block, and the one way to save Elementary Track is to raise money to ensure its continuation.
If you'd like to support this cause, please visit http://www.crazy2run.com/ to find out how you can donate.
Thanks! See you on the road.
We went shopping tonight to get some supplies (read FOOD) for the run. We're borrowing a motor home (thanks Chris & Mike!) so that we do not have to pay for a hotel/motel during the run. It just means more money for the kids. We are supplying the food, again so that the money goes directly to the kids.
We're excited to be on the road, and grateful to everyone who has supported us in our cause - to raise money for the Elementary Track Program in the Federal Way School district. With the economy what it is, ALL programs in our school district face the chopping block, and the one way to save Elementary Track is to raise money to ensure its continuation.
If you'd like to support this cause, please visit http://www.crazy2run.com/ to find out how you can donate.
Thanks! See you on the road.
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