What strange weather we have had here in WI...I'll take it! 70's & 80's in March...oh yeah! For someone like me that gets cold so easily, it was so refreshing being able to run outside and not worry about hypothermia. I've seen birds on my runs I don't normally see until May. "Welcome back!" I say, "welcome back!"
The running saga continues. Track season is beginning. Road races are filling. Goals are being set. Shoes are being purchased. There are so many out enjoying these country roads on foot, and on bike for various reasons. Some days it seems so hard to get off the comfy couch, get into running attire, and get outside! But, I feel so much better when I return. I laugh more. I'm not so feisty (as my husband says), and apparently I say yes more (as my children say). They always know if I haven't run yet. If I am a little on the grumpy side, they'll say, "Mom, you should go for a run..." I usually take the hint.
NEW SHOES ☺ It is always fun to get new shoes. My joints always feel better. It seems as there is a fresh spring in my step, and they always look so new and fast! Two of the boys needed shoes as well. One tried a more minimal shoe and the other a more traditional shoe. The one with the minimal shoe has run a few times on the treadmill already. (He is in 6th grade). He can hardly wait to run outside with them for track. We always wear them inside for a while to make sure it is the right fit. My new shoes, however, the ones I have been getting for years, just didn't cut it this year. I have been wearing Nike's since the 7th grade. I ran varsity starting that year in track, and have mentally connected great running with Nike. Switching to another brand is very difficult for me because running for me has always been so much more mental than anything else.
My co-coach had introduced me to the Newton shoe. I had never heard of it. I read an article about the Newton's in the Runner's World magazine, April 2012 issue. Newton shoes are based on the concept of natural running. Makes sense to me. Although, all my life, I have run heel-toe. That's what we were taught back in the 80's. I also love that these shoes are an American based company in Boulder,CO (my birthplace :) That helps the mental aspect of things. So I located a store almost an hour away and made the plunge. So far, I like them. There is a definite spring in my step. I feel I can run farther without being so fatigued. It is recommended that with these shoes, they should be "eased" into, because they do promote a mid-foot strike rather than what I was used to, which is a heel strike. It takes some time for the Achilles tendon and calf muscle to adjust, but in the long run (get it--long run--) it promotes stronger legs, and more efficient running which equals faster times and less injuries. I am all for that! Are the Newton shoes ready for a season of patriot runs? I sure hope so. Maybe I'll get lucky and find a red, white & blue pair just for me ;-). I can't wait to get that flag flying, hear the crowd cheering, and feel patriotism pumping!
www.newtonrunning.com
Tuesday, March 27, 2012
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
The Colors that Never Fade
After a month or more of healing from the loss of our beloved golden retriever & my back injury, I'm back in the running shoes again! My back feels great & I'm ready to begin the road to Patriot Run #6, Grandma's Marathon. I have to say, as exciting as running Grandma's again will be, trying to stay motivated in Wisconsin during the winter is pretty tough for me. Running on the treadmill gets old fast...I can't wait for spring!
Last month, in my son's grade, a couple of students decided to irritate their teacher by not standing to salute the flag during the Pledge of Allegiance. The teacher decided to use that scenario and assign everyone in the grade to write a paper on why or why not we should salute the flag. Here is the paper my son turned in:
Do I have to salute theU.S. United
States of America
He made me proud to be his mom! Not sure what happened to the students who didn't stand, but I think it made my son think a little more about his freedom. Who knows, maybe there were more.
Last month, in my son's grade, a couple of students decided to irritate their teacher by not standing to salute the flag during the Pledge of Allegiance. The teacher decided to use that scenario and assign everyone in the grade to write a paper on why or why not we should salute the flag. Here is the paper my son turned in:
The Colors that Never Fade
Do I have to salute the
This nation began
as a place where people traveled from across the seas to pursue their dreams;
and to be free. To this day, people
still come for the very same reason.
This country is not free by accident.
Thousands sacrificed time and their very lives to protect what some take
for granted every single day...freedom.
Americans are free to choose how they want to make a living; how they
wish to worship God; where they want to live; how big or small they want their
families; or how they want to voice their opinions.
On the flip side,
that very same freedom that people have died for, also gives citizens the right
to not work, not worship, not marry, and unfortunately, not salute the
flag. What a horrible tragedy that
is! That would be like not
saying, “thank you” to a military personnel for taking that bullet to the head,
or to the POW who was tortured because he or she was loyal to the country that
supports them. A postcard might as well
be sent saying, “Yeah, I really don’t care that you are missing the birth of
your child just so I can choose to live how I want to live.” Being free does give us that choice, but is
it right?
It is the patriots
of this country who understand and appreciate what the U.S.
The flag of the United
States of America America
"Run with the flag, walk with the flag, honor it, respect it, protect it. As long as it keeps waving, we are free!" ~J Bringgold
Monday, January 30, 2012
The Unexpected Stumbling Blocks
I wanted to begin the year with exciting goals. I wanted to focus on each day as a new day to begin a quest that might be new or just a continuation from the day before. I had motivation. I had enthusiasm. I had a purpose. I was ready! I set my goals so high, my husband thinks I am crazy.
But...
I've been dealt a different start to the new year. One I wasn't expecting at all, nor ready for. I had to give up being independent. I had to give up the use of my legs for a time. I had to give up a very dear family member...only to learn lessons I might not otherwise have learned.
~On the 9th of January, I had felt a twinge in my lower back while putting on my boots to go feed my horses. It was enough to have my chiropractor adjust it, and he did. Still tender and vulnerable, the next morning, while trying to lift our dying beloved dog up to stand (because she had not stood for over 24 hours), something shattered in my back, or at least that is what it felt like. I went down, not able to get back up, with one hand on the sliding glass door, and the other on my knee, and in significant pain, I was scared. The pain was so severe, I was shaking and crying uncontrollably. My first thoughts: I can still feel my toes and wiggle them; & What am I supposed to learn from this trial? Thankfully, my 5 year old was home, and was able to get me the phone. After multiple calls to my husband, & friends to no avail, I called my son at the high school. They gathered him up, and sent him home right away. My chiropractor came to my house after calling in a panicked desperation. I finally got a hold of a good friend who dropped everything and came right over. Before they had arrived, I had crawled up onto a chair to use as a walker to gimp into the living room where I again collapsed.
Aside from the childbirth-like pain, my fear, of course, was wondering if I'd ever be able to stand again. This is not a easy thing to even admit, especially when you are a runner. My husband finally made it home with a work vehicle because he had carpooled that day, leaving him with no car. He was my hero that day and the next, getting me from bed to the bathroom and back, or to the living room (on the floor). Putting any pressure on my lower back at all, or basically being upright, was almost unbearable. Lots of ice and ibuprofen helped the inflammation go down so the healing could happen, as well as rest & daily visits to the chiropractor for those first few days.
I was surrounded by angels for the next 2 weeks. Good friends came to not only take care of me, but my family, and our poor dog as well. By now the only thing Peek-a-Boo (our dog) would eat was lunch meat. On January 14th, we had to say good-bye to our dear Peek. We were so grateful for the almost 14 years of companionship and love that wonderful dog offered to our family, but it was one of the hardest days of our lives. It killed me inside to not be able to take care of her those last few days myself, as I had when she was a puppy, and when she had had her two large litters of her own puppies. I hope she now understands how I wanted so much to be lying by her side, but was unable.
Three weeks from the injury, I'm almost back to normal. I've been given the okay to start running soon. So what did I learn from this trial? Many things, I learned. First off, to slow down! It's okay to take a step back and watch for a while, so I know where the heck I am and where I need to go. I learned patience. I had to be patient with myself mostly, to not move too fast when I started feeling better, and patience with not being able to lead the 90 mph life I was leading. I learned how incredible and golden my friends & family are, who stepped up without me having to ask. I can only hope that I am at least half the friend to them as they are to me. I also learned to enjoy every precious moment with those around me. Maybe I wouldn't have otherwise spent time with Peek before she was gone. I learned how to be helped and to be thankful for it, instead of trying to be so independent all the time. Letting others help, blesses not only the ones they are helping but themselves as well. Who am I to deny them those blessings?
Have I given up? No way! Do I still have goals? Heck yes! Will I always be grateful for everything in my life, even the small things?...I sure hope so.
But...
I've been dealt a different start to the new year. One I wasn't expecting at all, nor ready for. I had to give up being independent. I had to give up the use of my legs for a time. I had to give up a very dear family member...only to learn lessons I might not otherwise have learned.
~On the 9th of January, I had felt a twinge in my lower back while putting on my boots to go feed my horses. It was enough to have my chiropractor adjust it, and he did. Still tender and vulnerable, the next morning, while trying to lift our dying beloved dog up to stand (because she had not stood for over 24 hours), something shattered in my back, or at least that is what it felt like. I went down, not able to get back up, with one hand on the sliding glass door, and the other on my knee, and in significant pain, I was scared. The pain was so severe, I was shaking and crying uncontrollably. My first thoughts: I can still feel my toes and wiggle them; & What am I supposed to learn from this trial? Thankfully, my 5 year old was home, and was able to get me the phone. After multiple calls to my husband, & friends to no avail, I called my son at the high school. They gathered him up, and sent him home right away. My chiropractor came to my house after calling in a panicked desperation. I finally got a hold of a good friend who dropped everything and came right over. Before they had arrived, I had crawled up onto a chair to use as a walker to gimp into the living room where I again collapsed.
Aside from the childbirth-like pain, my fear, of course, was wondering if I'd ever be able to stand again. This is not a easy thing to even admit, especially when you are a runner. My husband finally made it home with a work vehicle because he had carpooled that day, leaving him with no car. He was my hero that day and the next, getting me from bed to the bathroom and back, or to the living room (on the floor). Putting any pressure on my lower back at all, or basically being upright, was almost unbearable. Lots of ice and ibuprofen helped the inflammation go down so the healing could happen, as well as rest & daily visits to the chiropractor for those first few days.
I was surrounded by angels for the next 2 weeks. Good friends came to not only take care of me, but my family, and our poor dog as well. By now the only thing Peek-a-Boo (our dog) would eat was lunch meat. On January 14th, we had to say good-bye to our dear Peek. We were so grateful for the almost 14 years of companionship and love that wonderful dog offered to our family, but it was one of the hardest days of our lives. It killed me inside to not be able to take care of her those last few days myself, as I had when she was a puppy, and when she had had her two large litters of her own puppies. I hope she now understands how I wanted so much to be lying by her side, but was unable.
Three weeks from the injury, I'm almost back to normal. I've been given the okay to start running soon. So what did I learn from this trial? Many things, I learned. First off, to slow down! It's okay to take a step back and watch for a while, so I know where the heck I am and where I need to go. I learned patience. I had to be patient with myself mostly, to not move too fast when I started feeling better, and patience with not being able to lead the 90 mph life I was leading. I learned how incredible and golden my friends & family are, who stepped up without me having to ask. I can only hope that I am at least half the friend to them as they are to me. I also learned to enjoy every precious moment with those around me. Maybe I wouldn't have otherwise spent time with Peek before she was gone. I learned how to be helped and to be thankful for it, instead of trying to be so independent all the time. Letting others help, blesses not only the ones they are helping but themselves as well. Who am I to deny them those blessings?
Have I given up? No way! Do I still have goals? Heck yes! Will I always be grateful for everything in my life, even the small things?...I sure hope so.
Saturday, December 31, 2011
Strength in Numbers!
It seems as the Christmas season goes by faster and faster every year. This year was no exception...with Christmas preparations, shopping, baking, cleaning, wrapping, visiting, caroling, etc. Throw in a couple of wrestling matches and concerts to attend, the evenings fill up very fast. What would I have done without my friends and family?! I would, however, find time to view the random flash mobs on You-tube, or to see what's happening on Facebook. I even had a dear friend almost leave us due to a heart attack, then sliding into a coma. With my head spinning, trying not to stress, I stepped back to view my life for a moment...as if a third person. This is what I saw...
My 10-year-old daughter wrapping almost every gift for our family; my sons (12 & 14) helping with the baking; my whole family stepped in to clean; my 16-year-old driving the other kids to purchase gifts; caroling with my 10-year-old and her 4-H group at an Elderly Home; my 14-year-old helping me put lights up on the rooftop; my 5-year-old helping to assemble the Christmas cards...
At the wrestling matches, crowds came to cheer on each wrestler to victory or lift up in defeat; at the concerts (not a seat left open) all ears were wide open waiting for the next song or note played, with frantic cheering for more...
Ever seen a flash mob? If not live, I recommend view them on You-tube. It starts off as one person singing or playing an instrument in a busy crowd of individuals doing their own thing. It ends with a very large number of incredibly talented performers, using a public venue as their stage and all those individuals become one audience covered in goosebumps...all focused on the same thing.
The many prayers that were said for my friend to be healed were answered...a miracle. I know one faithful prayer is powerful, imagine hundreds of them, or even thousands, or more. God is listening. He is waiting to hear from me and everyone else. Keep the faith, and stay in touch with Him. That's what I tell myself everyday.
What does all this have to do with Patriot Running? Everything I saw, involved more than one person. The more people there were, the more effective the outcome..the quicker gifts were wrapped, the more powerful the songs were, the louder the cheers were, etc. I witnessed how there truly are strength in numbers. If every patriot in this country stood up for its freedom and all that it has to offer, 2012 could be a powerful year. When we all have the same focus, the same goal, the same purpose (setting aside our differences)...we are one. I truly believe that there are strength in numbers. May God Bless America!
My 10-year-old daughter wrapping almost every gift for our family; my sons (12 & 14) helping with the baking; my whole family stepped in to clean; my 16-year-old driving the other kids to purchase gifts; caroling with my 10-year-old and her 4-H group at an Elderly Home; my 14-year-old helping me put lights up on the rooftop; my 5-year-old helping to assemble the Christmas cards...
At the wrestling matches, crowds came to cheer on each wrestler to victory or lift up in defeat; at the concerts (not a seat left open) all ears were wide open waiting for the next song or note played, with frantic cheering for more...
Ever seen a flash mob? If not live, I recommend view them on You-tube. It starts off as one person singing or playing an instrument in a busy crowd of individuals doing their own thing. It ends with a very large number of incredibly talented performers, using a public venue as their stage and all those individuals become one audience covered in goosebumps...all focused on the same thing.
The many prayers that were said for my friend to be healed were answered...a miracle. I know one faithful prayer is powerful, imagine hundreds of them, or even thousands, or more. God is listening. He is waiting to hear from me and everyone else. Keep the faith, and stay in touch with Him. That's what I tell myself everyday.
What does all this have to do with Patriot Running? Everything I saw, involved more than one person. The more people there were, the more effective the outcome..the quicker gifts were wrapped, the more powerful the songs were, the louder the cheers were, etc. I witnessed how there truly are strength in numbers. If every patriot in this country stood up for its freedom and all that it has to offer, 2012 could be a powerful year. When we all have the same focus, the same goal, the same purpose (setting aside our differences)...we are one. I truly believe that there are strength in numbers. May God Bless America!
Friday, November 11, 2011
A Day to Remember 11-11-11
"World War I – known at the time as “The Great War” - officially ended when the Treaty of Versailles was signed on June 28, 1919. However, fighting ceased seven months earlier when an armistice, or temporary cessation of hostilities, between the Allied nations and Germany went into effect on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month. For that reason, November 11, 1918, is generally regarded as the end of 'the war to end all wars'.”
Armistice Day was primarily a day set aside to honor veterans of World War I, but in 1954, after World War II had required the greatest mobilization of soldiers, sailors, Marines and airmen in the Nation’s history; after American forces had fought aggression in Korea, the 83rd Congress, at the urging of the veterans service organizations, amended the Act of 1938 by striking out the word 'Armistice' and inserting in its place the word 'Veterans.' On June 1, 1954, November 11th became a day to honor American veterans of all wars."
-US Department of Veteran's Affairs website
Every year, our elementary & middle school invites veteran's from the area to come and be honored. The program started by presenting the colors which was done by the Girl Scout troops followed by the audience joining in the Pledge of Allegiance. What happened after the welcome really impressed me. The gym was filled with elementary children K-4th grade, about 20 veterans, teachers, family & friends. All stood and sang "The National Anthem". Those kids blew me away! They knew every word and sang with pride and confidence!
Each serviceman & woman had the opportunity to stand up, say their name, which brand of service, and where & when they have served. Many of them thanked the kids for honoring them. One particular vet pointed out to the children that the war these men & women have seen is not like the ones seen in video games. "War is not just battles," he said, "it is so much more than that. The troops help other countries as well as protecting our own. There is a lot of good going on, not just shooting." A point well made, I thought. Another vet, my stepfather, got up to introduce himself. On a side note, he had been called by my daughter an hour before the program started, and was able to make it there in time. She so desperately wanted him to come. I never know what he is going to say. He is one the best spontaneous speakers I know. He went on by saying, "There is a young lady here, who has five children and has been walking the halls of this school for many years. She now runs marathons with a 3 x 5 American flag in honor of those who serve and protect our freedom." That was it, then he sat down. I wasn't ready for that. The woman behind me handed me a tissue just in time.
We sang patriotic songs, had a moment of silence, (I never thought a gym could be that quiet with that many children in it) and the colors were retired.
Later, it was the middle school's turn to invite the veterans to be honored. It was a packed house, filled with students, grades 5th-8th, teachers, family & friends of about 60 veterans. The band played, the choir sang, the Pledge was said, and "America, the Beautiful" was sung by a beautiful angelic voice of a 7th grade girl. All branches of the military were honored with song. Each man & woman stood when their branch song was played. There were WWII vets, Vietnam vets, Korean war vets, Desert Storm & Iraqi Freedom vets.
A sergeant spoke about his tours and experiences in the Army. He will again leave his family and be deployed for another year very soon. He wanted everyone to know how grateful he was to be honored like this, but to also not to forget the families. He said, "When you thank a vet, be sure to thank their wives/husbands, children & other family members as well. It is harder on the families who stay behind than the serviceman/woman who are actually deployed."
Another service woman stood and thanked everyone for coming. She said emotionally, "You don't know how this makes all of us feel when we get honored." We were reminded that Vietnam vets were not honored in the way we honor vets today. Isn't is wonderful how all are honored now! Even though, I think they could be honored even more...is it ever enough to thank the one who sacrifices to keep you free?
Members of the 8th grade class made the most poignant gesture. One brought a small table and set it next to the podium. Another draped a white table cloth over it. The next put on a vase with one red rose. The next put on a single candle with a black bow. Then a plate was placed with a lemon, and salt sprinkled on top, representing the tears that have been shed. The glass was placed upside down, showing that there will never be anyone drinking from it. The last item placed was an empty chair. Every item had meaning. The table had been set for the soldier who will never return, the soldier who has given their life for their country and our freedom. It was a table for the MIA's and the POW's. A moment of silence followed, and silent it was.
As we left, we had the opportunity to thank each veteran as they lined up in a receiving line. I was so ecstatic to be able to personally thank each one.
I was so proud of our school and how they took the time to set up such wonderful programs to honor these heroes. It was a good day to be a Patriot.
Armistice Day was primarily a day set aside to honor veterans of World War I, but in 1954, after World War II had required the greatest mobilization of soldiers, sailors, Marines and airmen in the Nation’s history; after American forces had fought aggression in Korea, the 83rd Congress, at the urging of the veterans service organizations, amended the Act of 1938 by striking out the word 'Armistice' and inserting in its place the word 'Veterans.' On June 1, 1954, November 11th became a day to honor American veterans of all wars."
-US Department of Veteran's Affairs website
Every year, our elementary & middle school invites veteran's from the area to come and be honored. The program started by presenting the colors which was done by the Girl Scout troops followed by the audience joining in the Pledge of Allegiance. What happened after the welcome really impressed me. The gym was filled with elementary children K-4th grade, about 20 veterans, teachers, family & friends. All stood and sang "The National Anthem". Those kids blew me away! They knew every word and sang with pride and confidence!
Each serviceman & woman had the opportunity to stand up, say their name, which brand of service, and where & when they have served. Many of them thanked the kids for honoring them. One particular vet pointed out to the children that the war these men & women have seen is not like the ones seen in video games. "War is not just battles," he said, "it is so much more than that. The troops help other countries as well as protecting our own. There is a lot of good going on, not just shooting." A point well made, I thought. Another vet, my stepfather, got up to introduce himself. On a side note, he had been called by my daughter an hour before the program started, and was able to make it there in time. She so desperately wanted him to come. I never know what he is going to say. He is one the best spontaneous speakers I know. He went on by saying, "There is a young lady here, who has five children and has been walking the halls of this school for many years. She now runs marathons with a 3 x 5 American flag in honor of those who serve and protect our freedom." That was it, then he sat down. I wasn't ready for that. The woman behind me handed me a tissue just in time.
We sang patriotic songs, had a moment of silence, (I never thought a gym could be that quiet with that many children in it) and the colors were retired.
Later, it was the middle school's turn to invite the veterans to be honored. It was a packed house, filled with students, grades 5th-8th, teachers, family & friends of about 60 veterans. The band played, the choir sang, the Pledge was said, and "America, the Beautiful" was sung by a beautiful angelic voice of a 7th grade girl. All branches of the military were honored with song. Each man & woman stood when their branch song was played. There were WWII vets, Vietnam vets, Korean war vets, Desert Storm & Iraqi Freedom vets.
A sergeant spoke about his tours and experiences in the Army. He will again leave his family and be deployed for another year very soon. He wanted everyone to know how grateful he was to be honored like this, but to also not to forget the families. He said, "When you thank a vet, be sure to thank their wives/husbands, children & other family members as well. It is harder on the families who stay behind than the serviceman/woman who are actually deployed."
Another service woman stood and thanked everyone for coming. She said emotionally, "You don't know how this makes all of us feel when we get honored." We were reminded that Vietnam vets were not honored in the way we honor vets today. Isn't is wonderful how all are honored now! Even though, I think they could be honored even more...is it ever enough to thank the one who sacrifices to keep you free?
Members of the 8th grade class made the most poignant gesture. One brought a small table and set it next to the podium. Another draped a white table cloth over it. The next put on a vase with one red rose. The next put on a single candle with a black bow. Then a plate was placed with a lemon, and salt sprinkled on top, representing the tears that have been shed. The glass was placed upside down, showing that there will never be anyone drinking from it. The last item placed was an empty chair. Every item had meaning. The table had been set for the soldier who will never return, the soldier who has given their life for their country and our freedom. It was a table for the MIA's and the POW's. A moment of silence followed, and silent it was.
As we left, we had the opportunity to thank each veteran as they lined up in a receiving line. I was so ecstatic to be able to personally thank each one.
I was so proud of our school and how they took the time to set up such wonderful programs to honor these heroes. It was a good day to be a Patriot.
Monday, October 24, 2011
Patriot Run #5 ~ Blue Devil 5K
The University of Wisconsin-Stout dwells in the town of Menomonie, WI, where I went to school for two years and where my husband proposed to me ♥ It is only fitting for us to run the UW-Stout Blue Devil 5K. A beautiful looped course that runs alongside the Cedar River, through town, and through campus. On a fall morning, how can we resist?! As we came into Menomonie, fog was just lifting over Lake Menomin, the leaves were in full color and a perfect temp of 50 degrees.
My husband, son, and neighbors were ready to run the 5K. After our usual warm-up session, I unfurled the flag with about 5 minutes before the start. Instead of starting near the back, I decided to change things up a bit and start near the front. I also wanted to try to keep my son, Zac & our neighbor Nate, in view. Both boys are on the middle school cross country team that I help coach, and both are very good. (They placed 2nd ~Nate and 3rd ~Zac in the under 18 group)
Not much is said about the flag in the beginning of the race, but that's okay. I know it gets people thinking, positive or negative - they're thinking! Like the last race, there is a bit of wind drag. I still love the flapping sound. As we came down the hill to the start of the river, there was a small child in a stroller who got pretty excited to see the flag coming. The dad standing beside him, validated his enthusiasm and gave a little cheer. That's what I love to see - youth getting excited to see the flag, and hopefully to know that it's not just for decoration, it means something!
There was a moment I wished to capture and be able to play it over and over: Running alongside the mist covered Cedar River in the early morning sun with leaves gently falling, and flag gently flapping. Wow... wish I could share that memory video! A handful of runners passed and would say things like, "Good job!" or "Thank you!" ...puts a smile on my face every time.
As I made the ascent up to the bridge which led to the campus and town, I got to wondering where do college kids stand these days, as far as, understanding what the flag represents and how precious that really is. Maybe, its hard for them to truly appreciate our freedom, maybe not.
Coming to the last 400meters, I believe I saw something I'd never thought I'd see during a race. A group of young men - I presume it was the UW Men's cross country team - dressed as women, running together in the opposite direction, cheering on the finishers. They got even more crazy when they saw the flag coming..."Yeah! Go USA!!!" Definitely smile worthy ☺
I bettered my time by about a minute from the last race, and felt great! While doing the recovery walk, a man who also had just finished, asked a familiar question, "Did you run the whole way with the flag?" I love answering that one ☺ I walked inside the gym, began to unfurl the flag, and a woman caught me to ask if she could get a picture of her two children holding the flag. "Absolutely!" I said. The second time I began to put the flag away, a group of three college kids came up to me to ask the golden questions, "why & how?" I filled them in with all the details and told them of the blog. We talked for a few minutes, then went about our business
I realized why I was meant to run this race. It was to see that there are many youth of all ages proud to be an American, who respect the flag and who understand that it stands for something. Hats off to them! They are our future leaders. I pray for them.
One last thing...a very patriotic friend of mine, a veteran, posted something for me to see. It was Red Skelton's "Pledge of Allegiance. I have the link listed under the "links to check out". Check it out! In it, Red defines every word in the pledge. Here's what he had to say about the flag, "...Our standard, Old Glory, a symbol of freedom. Wherever she waves, there is respect, because your loyalty has given her a dignity that shouts freedom is everybody's job!"
Thanks Red!
My husband, son, and neighbors were ready to run the 5K. After our usual warm-up session, I unfurled the flag with about 5 minutes before the start. Instead of starting near the back, I decided to change things up a bit and start near the front. I also wanted to try to keep my son, Zac & our neighbor Nate, in view. Both boys are on the middle school cross country team that I help coach, and both are very good. (They placed 2nd ~Nate and 3rd ~Zac in the under 18 group)
Not much is said about the flag in the beginning of the race, but that's okay. I know it gets people thinking, positive or negative - they're thinking! Like the last race, there is a bit of wind drag. I still love the flapping sound. As we came down the hill to the start of the river, there was a small child in a stroller who got pretty excited to see the flag coming. The dad standing beside him, validated his enthusiasm and gave a little cheer. That's what I love to see - youth getting excited to see the flag, and hopefully to know that it's not just for decoration, it means something!
There was a moment I wished to capture and be able to play it over and over: Running alongside the mist covered Cedar River in the early morning sun with leaves gently falling, and flag gently flapping. Wow... wish I could share that memory video! A handful of runners passed and would say things like, "Good job!" or "Thank you!" ...puts a smile on my face every time.
As I made the ascent up to the bridge which led to the campus and town, I got to wondering where do college kids stand these days, as far as, understanding what the flag represents and how precious that really is. Maybe, its hard for them to truly appreciate our freedom, maybe not.
Coming to the last 400meters, I believe I saw something I'd never thought I'd see during a race. A group of young men - I presume it was the UW Men's cross country team - dressed as women, running together in the opposite direction, cheering on the finishers. They got even more crazy when they saw the flag coming..."Yeah! Go USA!!!" Definitely smile worthy ☺
I bettered my time by about a minute from the last race, and felt great! While doing the recovery walk, a man who also had just finished, asked a familiar question, "Did you run the whole way with the flag?" I love answering that one ☺ I walked inside the gym, began to unfurl the flag, and a woman caught me to ask if she could get a picture of her two children holding the flag. "Absolutely!" I said. The second time I began to put the flag away, a group of three college kids came up to me to ask the golden questions, "why & how?" I filled them in with all the details and told them of the blog. We talked for a few minutes, then went about our business
I realized why I was meant to run this race. It was to see that there are many youth of all ages proud to be an American, who respect the flag and who understand that it stands for something. Hats off to them! They are our future leaders. I pray for them.
One last thing...a very patriotic friend of mine, a veteran, posted something for me to see. It was Red Skelton's "Pledge of Allegiance. I have the link listed under the "links to check out". Check it out! In it, Red defines every word in the pledge. Here's what he had to say about the flag, "...Our standard, Old Glory, a symbol of freedom. Wherever she waves, there is respect, because your loyalty has given her a dignity that shouts freedom is everybody's job!"
Thanks Red!
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
Patriot Run #4 ~ Panther Pant 5K
How can I not run with the colors close to home? The small town of Hammond, WI holds a Panther Pant 5K every summer which has a good local turnout. Does it have the big crowds, or screaming spectators? No, but it was still worth running. Our middle & high school reside in Hammond, and Panthers are the mascot, thus the name "Panther Pant".
Jordan, my second oldest son and cross country runner also ran this race. We noticed there was plenty of room at the start of the race. This was new for us! At a half a mile into the start, a police officer was helping to direct traffic. He nodded, clapped and said, "Very nice." I felt good this race, even though the wind was stronger than I've experienced. There was just something about the sound of the flapping in my ear as I ran down that country road. The heart of America is not in a downtown metropolitan area. It's the quiet country fields with blowing grasses and whispering corn stalks, with wide open roads. What a perfect place for the US flag!
I had a couple of very small (but very important) fan clubs cheering along the way. One at the start/finish and one near the half-way point. Gotta love those cheering sections! ☺ We made our turn around and worked our way up a very long, but gently sloping hill. I passed a runner and heard him say something like, "Go flag girl!" When I reached the top of the hill, the policeman was there and in his car. He saw the flag, got out, stood at attention, and again nodded in approval.
Just a half a mile to go and all downhill, love that! I thought it was fitting to hoist the colors the last 200 yards. The elementary school principal was volunteering at the finish. He was the guy taking the tags. He congratulated me on a good race. It's always nice to impress the principal, right? ☺ Another guy said, "Wow, and that was with an added..." he finished by gesturing with his hands holding something. I kept walking past because I needed too. "...strength," he finished.
Our head cross country coach also wondered if my arms were tired after running as we met after the race. What people don't realize is the strength I receive from holding the flag. Instead of being tired or having arms in pain, I feel so strong, so blessed.
We ended the morning by walking through a car show in downtown Hammond. On two separate occasions I saw the phrase, "Freedom isn't Free." Once hoisted high on a crane, and once on the back of a t-shirt. May I always remember this simple yet meaningful phrase as I carry on with my daily activities in my simple life.
Jordan, my second oldest son and cross country runner also ran this race. We noticed there was plenty of room at the start of the race. This was new for us! At a half a mile into the start, a police officer was helping to direct traffic. He nodded, clapped and said, "Very nice." I felt good this race, even though the wind was stronger than I've experienced. There was just something about the sound of the flapping in my ear as I ran down that country road. The heart of America is not in a downtown metropolitan area. It's the quiet country fields with blowing grasses and whispering corn stalks, with wide open roads. What a perfect place for the US flag!
I had a couple of very small (but very important) fan clubs cheering along the way. One at the start/finish and one near the half-way point. Gotta love those cheering sections! ☺ We made our turn around and worked our way up a very long, but gently sloping hill. I passed a runner and heard him say something like, "Go flag girl!" When I reached the top of the hill, the policeman was there and in his car. He saw the flag, got out, stood at attention, and again nodded in approval. 
Just a half a mile to go and all downhill, love that! I thought it was fitting to hoist the colors the last 200 yards. The elementary school principal was volunteering at the finish. He was the guy taking the tags. He congratulated me on a good race. It's always nice to impress the principal, right? ☺ Another guy said, "Wow, and that was with an added..." he finished by gesturing with his hands holding something. I kept walking past because I needed too. "...strength," he finished.
Our head cross country coach also wondered if my arms were tired after running as we met after the race. What people don't realize is the strength I receive from holding the flag. Instead of being tired or having arms in pain, I feel so strong, so blessed.
We ended the morning by walking through a car show in downtown Hammond. On two separate occasions I saw the phrase, "Freedom isn't Free." Once hoisted high on a crane, and once on the back of a t-shirt. May I always remember this simple yet meaningful phrase as I carry on with my daily activities in my simple life.
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