Saturday, April 24, 2010

Get in Gear 10K

Pre-race pick up, with pouring rain on and off all morning


Pouring rain was sort of sad for all the kids who show up for their race.


Our Serious Runner ran the 10K.
His report: http://minnesotadon.blogspot.com/.

Sweet Pea and I joined the huge gathering at the start and then, cold and soaked, trudged to the car to dry off.
We managed to catch sight of Serious Runner coming in and gave him a cheer.
Here are some finishers heading for the snack and junk food tent.


Hats off to even the slow runners... finishing is good!

This is the broken and patched cobblestone block where I crashed my knee a year ago. Pretty much healed now.


Young opportunist finding fun in the puddles in the broken pavement


Earlier this week, Sweet Pea spotted a red-winged black bird in the park where we ran.


Not ordinarily hardy in Minnesota, this bush was developed by the University of Minnesota. Love the color!

Friday, April 23, 2010

Get in Gear

What a difference a day makes!
Weather is the wild card.
Wishing everyone the weekend of their choice.

Tuesday, April 20, 2010

Abilene, Kansas

Trips to marathon / half marathon cities delight me. I cherish many memories.

The Eisenhower Marathon races in Abilene Kansas were among the most graciously and genuinely supported by the community that we have experienced.

Below see the Scouts and sponsors providing a water stop in the park. The courses took us through the park both on the way out and the way back to the finish.


Community gathering at the finish. Pancakes, sausage, and other snacks were served in the church at the left of the picture.


A drive around the town provided views of marvelous old homes.


Flowers were out ahead of the flowers in Minnesota.


Meditation center, burial site of the Eisenhowers.
You can click on any pictures to enlarge.


Thanks to all for patience with my celebrating the presidency of Eisenhower It was refreshing to revisit a great Republican President after enduring the Bush years.
The rash of anti-Washington bigotry is disappointing, from folks with some kind of amnesia about the past administration.

Well, enough already. We are running the park and on Gateway Trail and keeping on keeping on. Weather is marvelous for running right now.

Thursday, April 15, 2010

Eisenhower Marathon / Half

Dwight David Eisenhower: A man of peace


We appreciated visiting the Eisenhower Presidential Library and Museum in Abilene, Kansas.
In contrast with some other recent Republican presidents, Eisenhower graduated from West Point. (not ducking national guard responsibilities).
Recent historians have re-evaluated his presidency. (Can click on pictures to enlarge)


We enjoyed the special Smithsonian exhibit at the museum.

The mediation center, burial site of the Eisenhowers is a lovely tribute.

People at the Eisenhower buildings were cordial. They stayed open longer for the benefit of visiting marathoners.

The Eisenhower Marathon / Half Marathon volunteers included church groups and boy scouts and Kiawanis members, as well as local runners.
The Abilene community was hospitable. The weekend was almost like going home.

Sunday, April 11, 2010

Eisenhower Marathon / Half : We love Abilene!

Kansas is blossoming.


Saturday was a glorious day for a race.


Fifty degrees and mostly cloudy:


Finisher's medals for the half marathon for Sweet Pea and me...

And ANOTHER AGE GROUP AWARD FOR ME!


For a report of the full marathon: http://minnesotadon.blogspot.com/.

Sunday, April 4, 2010

Easter Blessings

Human Race on Summit Avenue on Palm Sunday (a week ago).
Children lined up for their race:


Almost 800 Runners lined up for the 8k. We looked for Amybee but she was at an 8K on the other side of the Mississippi. In the Twin Cities we are blessed with many race choices.
St. Patrick's Day costumes are popular for these races.


Glorious weather was a blessing of Holy Week. We were out for an hour every day, even enjoying a few daffodils and crocuses.


Children's sermon at Easter worship service:


Pastor Julie is a delight!


Well, yes, I miss wearing that alb and stole. Sigh. But at 71, it is a good thing to be retired.

Thursday, April 1, 2010

June Weather

Having a great time running and just enjoying temperatures about 25 degrees above average for this time of year.
Highs in the 70's are a little too warm, so we are choosing to run in the morning... sure seems like spring. Least snow ever, I think, for the snowy month of March. Interesting.

It might be the piriformis muscle in my left hip that is giving me the grief (pain!), but I run anyway. Gotta run gotta run.

So... Maundy Thursday... the great revolution: the world is upside down and Jesus washed the disciples' feet.