I have hundreds
of road races and triathlons under my belt and in the books. Over the past 22
years I have done 18- marathons, 2- 50Ks, 4 Iron-distance Triathlons and
countless other races of every type and distance.
I love to
run in Cleveland – it’s my “home course” and brings me the joy and freedom derived from running, without having to venture much further than my own "backyard."
Having said that, there’s still something very special, intriguing,
exciting and fun about finding races and run courses in "undiscovered territory." Places that are new to me, and can only be discovered in my running gear.
My friend Larry is a pro at finding the most
obscure racing destinations. He continuously calls me on the phone to tell me about a crazy
adventure race, ridiculous triathlon, or remotely located 5K.
And invariably I give the same response to every new suggestion. All he has to
do is tell me about the newest nuttiness on his radar, and I’m instantly sucked
in.
It usually goes something like this. Larry tells me about a race and says, “Wanna do
it?” And without a thought my answer is pretty much always…”Yeah!!”
The two of
us are like Shrek and Donkey- out on another quest to discover a new race
course, have an adventure and meet a lot of characters on the way! Since Larry farts more than I do- and I can be an ass at times- I guess that makes him Shrek, and me Donkey.
One might think that after racing for 22 years, there aren’t too many “firsts” to be
had, and nothing new to experience. Not so, my friend!
We’re talking about running; a place where
experiencing something new and amazing awaits on every trail and road in the
world! The adventure never ends…especially if you’re friends with Larry!
On November
24, 2012 a whole slew of “firsts” occurred. In typical fashion, it all started with a
phone call from Larry. I answer the
phone with, “Hello, Lawrence.” (Pronouncing his name the way Sylvester the Cat
says Suffering Succotash, because that’s how Larry and I like to speak to each
other. Yeah…we’re children trapped in
adult bodies…what of it?)
Larry skips
the pleasantries of small talk and leads in with,
“Hey- there’s
a Half Marathon in Amish Country. We should do it.”
Per usual, I
answer with, “Cool, I’m in!”
I’m not one
to look at a course map or ask any questions: I just want to run! That’s the beauty of running, and to me, what makes it an adventure. Whatever the course presents me with is what I’m gonna have to do anyway…so why look at it
ahead of time and take all the fun out
of it? I don’t like my surprises spoiled
with research. (For all the anal retentive runners out there…this is where you
insert your gasp of shock and indignation.)
Each race
literally becomes an adventure from start to finish. Some work out better than others, but each
one is a true experience that reminds me that life is beautiful, exciting, and
worth living. Running does that for me,
and it’s even more fun when it’s someplace I have never ran in before.
So, when you
combine the Inaugural Berlin Amish Country Half Marathon and 5K with my
admitted curiosity of the Amish in general, you have quite a few “firsts” to be
had!
Here’s my
top 10 list of “Firsts” that were experienced as a direct result of another phone call
from Larry. (One day I’ll learn to
stop taking calls from him.)
1. November 24, 2012 was the very first
Berlin Amish Country Half Marathon and 5K. I hope we didn't do anything to make them regret it, and as a result, they don't have a 2nd Annual race.
2. First time I ever ran in Amish
Country, and was instantly reminded that it’s hilly as a mother there! We did
some dirt roads, and some paved, but all of them were steep rollers.
3. First time I have ever worried that a
horse and buggy might run over my foot.
4. First race that had such well-dressed
spectators.
5. First time I have seen so many
children and families come out to watch a race! The whole town came out to
support the runners- or perhaps it was just to see the spectacle. Either way- it was really cool.
6. I have never had the opportunity to
pet so many asses on a race course……or other farm animals for that matter. I stopped along the way, and pet every animal
that allowed me to. I had the chance to
pet a donkey, and a pony. The cows
wanted no part of my shenanigans. I even got to pet a really cool Jack Russell
Terrier who bounded happily from a barn to see what all the commotion was
about. She playfully rolled around in
the grass while I rubbed her belly, and then joined us for a few lightening
quick seconds, as we continued on our run, before bolting back to her home.
7. I believe it may have been a first
for me to swear on a race course, or say something perverse…(wait..let me finish!) only to be made
aware that we were running next to a Reverend.
His name was Reverend Randy and ended up being an awesome sport about
it.
8. First time I have run with other race
participants who were sporting dresses (not running skirts) but full-length
dresses…..which leads me to the next first…….
9. First time EVER that Larry and I met
a woman on the course who was wearing a skirt….and actually took it off while
we were running up a huge hill, only to put it on Larry! She took a picture of Larry wearing the
skirt, but since I don’t know her, I don’t know that I’ll ever see it. Who knows..maybe she’ll find me and send it
along!
10.
Very
first (and probably the only) race that presented each runner with a block of cheese when they crossed the
finish line!
So many more
firsts to be had……I can’t wait to see what the next run or race will
bring. Life is good when you Lace Up for
a Lifetime of Achievement!
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