Running as Therapy : Final Races & Final Road Trip of My 7th Decade

I did three races in July before my birthday. The first was a two mile in Atwater, California. It was a race I’d done in the past and is a well organized small town race.

The most interesting thing that happened was meeting another Navy Vietnam Vet and after we talked for a while it turned out that we served on the USS America in different squadrons at the same time and his cousin was in my squadron. We both became school teachers.

My next race was quite a contrast with 16,000 Runners in Santa Cruz. It was the Wharf to Wharf 6 mile from Santa Cruz to Capitola. The hills really surprised me and I did a lot of walk/jogging.

As much as the hills hurt in Santa Cruz the altitude in Alamosa might have been worse. I knew I had to start slow and try to not go into oxygen debt right away and I honestly don’t think I could have started faster if I wanted to. Since I’ve been on blood pressure medication I just don’t seem to have any energy. Hopefully I’ll either adapt or they can try a different medication.

This race was a mini reunion because only Robert, Joe and I met in Alamosa for the race. I’m sure glad we did because we had a good time reconnecting, got to participate in an historic event and got to meet some of the legends in the sport.

Billy Mills, Olympic 10,000 meter champion 1964

Frank Shorter, Olympic Marathon Gold & Silver medalist.

Steve Gachupin, Only 6 time winner of Pikes Peak Marathon

Deanna Kastor, Olympic medalist

Kenny Moore, Author and Two time Olympic Marathoner, 6 time Bay to Breakers Champion

Amby Burfoot, 1968 Boston Marathon Champion

Joe Vigil, Legendary Adams State and US Olympic Coach

The first day back in the Springs I used as a recover and relax day with plans to meet Ron and the Sweeney’s for breakfast the next day. I did take a run on the Greenway Trail right across the street from where I stayed.

We met at our “usual” spot, Western Omelette. We shared a lot of laughs.

Later that day Stacie, Tom, Chase, Haley and the Patterson’s and I went for a hike at the Garden of the Gods. It was a beautiful day with perfect weather. When they dropped me back at the hotel they asked if it was okay if we ate at Hacienda Colorado at 5:00. Mexican food and early dinner is always a good thing in my world 😄

Little did I know that “dinner” was actually an amazing surprise party for me to celebrate my 70th Birthday. I can’t put into words the shock when I walked into a room full of old friends from so many parts of my life. It was the best birthday party I ever had.

It was a truly amazing night. The next day on my actual birthday we went White Water Rafting in Bighorn Sheep Canyon on the Arkansas River. It was another picture perfect weather day and we al had a fantastic time. Ending with dinner at 8 Mile Bar and Grill.