What you are seeing here is something me and my ego had to "get over" a couple years ago. You see, after I ran across the country in 1978, I continued to run. My running at that point was by myself and continued to be that way for almost 3 decades. Finally a few years ago, a close friend named Bill Sullivan, convinced me that I should run with him and his friends in the Holyoke, MA. St. Patty's Day Road Race. I reluctantly agreed. What you need to understand is that I had been out of the world of the "road race embracing loop" since before it ever existed. All you wonderfully crazy, health seeking, runners created the new era of wearing out running shoes every 3 months without me even knowing you existed. So, I pulled my head out of the sand and ventured out to a race. I went to the starting line with my male, Italian, "do you know what I did running years ago" ego and---we were off!!!! I hadn't even in my wildest dreams thought I could win one of these crazy races. However, in the middle of the first mile of the 2 1/2 mile up hill I was told to expect, a woman pushing a stroller with 2 kids in it passed me like I was standing on the curb with the other spectators. WHAT THE H...!!!! DOES SHE KNOW WHO I AM???? That made me wonder if I had made the right decision in agreeing to race. I new if I couldn't accept this happening then I probably shouldn't continue to do these races. But then we came up to the 3 mile mark (of a 10k) and I realized the elite runners were already beginning to finish. It truly was at that moment that I decided to enjoy myself, give these race things a try, and if when I finished one and I felt good about how I did, it was a great race. I decided being the AVERAGE AL was a great thing. Just getting out, enjoying life, running with friends and meeting such great new people made the whole average thing-- at least in running--worth while.

For me this is a wonderful entry into my blog. The picture on the right was taken 31 years ago when I had reached Denver, Co.. In the picture are David Morley, myself, Jack Farrar, and Millie?. It was June 14, 1978. That night I stayed with Dave, his wife Susan, and his family. One of their daughters, Tracia, had Spina Bifida. Spina Bifida Association of America was the recipient of the funds raised by my run and the efforts of the National Council of Corvette Clubs (NCCC). SBAA and the NCCC were combining efforts and covering the expenses of my run. The next morning after news media interviews, speeches, and a ceremonial send off that included some people running with me, I headed out of Denver. Most of the people I met along my journey I never revisited or even talked to again. When thoughts of my next run surfaced about a year ago, thoughts of the people I had met during my last run "raced" into my head. Through my diary and notebook from 31 years ago and some research, I have reconnected with some of them. All of the newest communication, so far, have been by telephone----except for one. Exactly 31 years to the day, June 14,2009, I revisited, for the 1st time in 31 years, David and Susan Morley at their home in Florida----the picture on the left. We spent hours filling each other in on what had happened after I left Denver. And, to make it even more special, their daughter Tricia called from Denver. What a glorious day.

Two pictures here from the Monson, Ma. half marathon & 5k show two ends of the race organizing spectrum. The picture on the right shows three people that have shown up on race day, run, had some energy replenishing food and drink and are now sharing stories of the race. On the left, two of the people that did all the real work (usually an entire year of planning and working their butts off) so people like the ones on the right, and I am one of them, can enjoy the day. I always thank organizers and other volunteers including the ones on the roads directing traffic as I run by for their help and efforts. Note: the people on the left were still smiling even when the camera was not on them.

The "Canal Digger's" race in Worcester, Ma. went from 160 or so runners in their first year to over 700 in the second year. When I ran across the country 31 years ago the knowledge of nutrition was not what it is today. I was told by a nutritionist and a bio-mechanics professor that a couple beers at the end of my day of running was the best way to quickly put carbs into my system. Though we have come a long way in our knowledge of nutrition, I'm glad we've kept some of the old-fashioned know how.

These are the people that inspire me. The ones that are in their 70's and 80's that have chosen to grasp life and stay healthy. This is a man finishing a 5k in Wakefield, Ma. last year in the "Run For All Ages". I think this is the only race I know of that has an 80 plus awards bracket. And the awards are given out from the oldest ages first. We all need to give these runners praise and front stage more often. THANKS need go out to them for setting the example and taking the excuses away from all of us at any age.

Although in my first run I averaged nearly two marathons per day, and hold the world record for the most miles per day in an unassisted run across the country, I will probably never run a marathon.

In the time that has elapsed since my first run, I've developed an ambition to inspire those who consider themselves "average runners," as that is what I consider myself--"Average Al," if you will. Though I do have great respect and admiration for those who utilize their passion for running through marathons, triathlons and the like, I've realized that average talent can be put to great use. For example, to raise money for those in need.

Keep smiling,
Average Al