Monday, September 28, 2009
In case you have been wondering why there has been no mention of what charity is going to be the beneficiary of the up coming run---here's some info. Over the last 1 1/2 years I've talked with, been approached by, tried to talk to no less than 8-10 possible charities. With trying to plan an event of this magnitude and with all the twists and turns of how charities are set up (most of which the average on looker is never aware of) things are not as cut and dry as you might think. Two weeks ago, from the writing of this entry, I did make the decision that I wanted to raise monies for 2 charities and not just 1. I feel that the potential donations should be large enough to greatly benefit 2 deserving worthy groups. Pictured with me are Nancy and David who are two of the folks trying to help people with Autism and their families in my local area. Where will our discussions lead? Even we are not sure at this point, but, we are trying to find a way to make what I want to do touch the people and their families dealing with living with Autism. There are no guarantees even when talking is going on---but we're trying. I will try to keep the people reading these entries up to date with any movement. YOU--THAT'S RIGHT YOU--ARE ENCOURAGED TO SPEAK UP..... Text or email your suggestions, thoughts, ideas. Don't be shy or lazy-- let me hear you
I ran the CVSCaremark5k in Providence, R.I. a couple weekends ago. Over 8000 runners were there on what turned into a beautiful day to race. One of the first people I met on my way to register was Michael. He looked like someone I had met at another race and that's how we started our conversation. Turns out I was wrong, but, I made a new friend and to me that's what these race things are all about.
We had our photo taken and I realised after getting the picture developed what a unique shot it was. If you look (and it doesn't have to be closely) we have the port-a-potties to YOUR right and an ambulance to your left. Although I knew I was going to need the port-a-potties I was hoping not to need the ambulance.
Tracey was the main reason I ventured down to my 2nd CVSCaremark. In an earlier entry into the blog I talked about this race from last year. One of the things I mentioned was that I came out on the results sheets as "unknown runner". I met Tracey because we realised we were both listed as "unknown runners". We searched out how to get that corrected. Tracey got the change made for herself and I left myself as the "unknown runner".
Since then Tracey has been doing triathlons along with road races. And I headed to Providence looking forward to meeting her again. We met on the State House stairs and ran the race together. Well, until she shifted gears and beat me by over a minute.
After munching on some of the tons of food that the race provides, we went to see if we came up as real runners this time. Then we headed to a restaurant/sports bar and watched the New England Patriots on TV while learning of each others athletic ventures. And, of course, we did replenish some of the carbs that the race had used up.
The day was perfect. I met new friends, ran a race, watched a football game, drank a couple glasses of carbs, and hung out with a great lady.
I want you to met some of the real heroes that are doing great things behind the scenes. In the picture on the left, I am with my daughter, Michelle, and Peter. When I had to let go my original web designer I was left with a major void in the organising of the Alaska-Florida undertaking. How was I going to tell the world about the run online if my technology skills-well for lack of a better term- don't exist. Michelle and Peter came to the rescue.
Except for the entries in this blog everything that has been created and put on this website has been done by them. It's a great team, too. Peter creates different parts of the site and explains them to me. I then turn to my daughter, who has also created parts of the site, and I say "This is great. Later on could you tell me exactly how this works?". I am clueless about the things that go into a site and she has a way to talk at that level to me. Once I really understand it, I realise what great things Peter is doing.
Lynda was an unexpected hero from early in the training stages for this run. I developed a hamstring situation that went on for a few months before Fred Wellman, my chiropractor, finally figured out what all those highly educated doctors could only keep guessing about.
One of my trainers recommended I seek out some deep tissue massage. I asked at the gym (NAC) for some direction in whom I should contact for massage. Stay In Touch was recommended (http://www.stayintouchcenter.com/) and they set me up an appointment with Lynda. What I liked right at the start was that Lynda listened. She not only listened, but, took a real interest in what was going on with me and my endeavor.
I can honestly say that while I was injured she was the only one that kept me on the roads. She explained some of the discomfort that might come with deep tissue massage as the eventual healing process unfolded so that I could understand what she was trying to do. She also knew, as I was talking during the massage, when I was spouting off about things and to just let me vent, and when to offer up thoughts and opinions. You could say that she offered me massage therapy for my body and conversation therapy for my head.
You will see and hear more about these three heroes as the training and carrying out of my next run progresses. Without them my online and physical health would both be hurting.
Sunday, September 27, 2009
As you know I like to give credit to the volunteers that help put on events. They give of themselves and expect nothing in return. I was at a walk for Autism Speaks recently. I got there early on a COOL damp morning and sitting at a table in the middle of a large field I found Kiera and Elissa. Since I had a lot of questions about Autism and who was organizing this event, I decided to head for their table. There was no other people at their table so I figured I could offer a bit of company and I wouldn't have to wait in some of the lines that seemed to be at many of the other tables. It turned out that they are both runners and they seemed to have the answers to all the questions I asked. They were also able to point out the people I needed to talk to after them and I was able to collect tons of info in a short amount of time because of them.
This proves once again that volunteers are what makes events like this work. Thank them for their efforts when you can and start realizing that your time at an event day happens only because of the efforts of people like Kiera and Elissa.
I want you to meet Dave (on your left) and "Big" Al. I've taught them all they know about building muscles and getting strong. They've taught me all I know about running. I think our instructions to each other have payed off.
All kidding aside, these are 2 great friends in the gym and outside the gym, too. We have always encouraged each other in whatever we're doing. Though there may be years between us chronologically that never seems to matter. They're always asking about the new run and someday maybe they might surprise me, put their running shoes on and join me for a couple miles. And someday I might jump in with them when they're doing some 300# bench presses.
Truly a couple of great friends.
Thought you might like to meet one of the people that help me behind the scenes. This is Sean. He works in the photo dept. at the
Walgreens close by my house. He has helped me as I have moved from the one use, disposable camera, to 35mm, to my current digital. He hasn't laughed at my lack of knowledge. He has giving me input when I'm indecisive about which pictures might work better with the way I'm trying to use them. He's developed 100's of the pictures that I've taken and it's just been nice to share what's going on with him. I've said soon I'm going to bring in a picture of the stacks of pictures I have spread out on a desk top. You may wonder why I get hard copies of all the pictures I have already saved on my computer? I do it because so often I've seen people with tons of pictures saved on their computers or on discs and they never look at them. A picture on paper, in my hand, is worth more then 100,000's of pictures never seen again on a disc because it's too much
hassle to take the time to look at them. "Thanks Sean" for helping me observe memories.
Just something I happen to come across on my way to a road race.
Didn't know if it might be needed by someone.
If you've been reading these entries yo would understand that this particular entry is way over due. I got my butt kicked in a road race on the Saturday of the July 4th weekend. I then needed to find a way to put the beating behind me. So, what did I do?? Like they say "if you fall off a horse the best thing is to get right back on". I went to the Internet and found myself another race for the next day. The fact that it just happened to be at a brewery had nothing to do with the selection-----RIGHT.
Early the next morning I jumped into my jeep and headed to New Hampshire. To the Red Hook Brewery I headed. After the 2 1/2 hour drive I found the place I planned on making me forget about coming in last in a race for the first time in my 40 plus years of running.
I parked my jeep and headed enthusiastically toward the growing crowd and all the booths that were set up. However I noticed that I couldn't see a booth to be able to register on race day. "Well that's weird" I thought "how can I sign up if there's no booth?". So I decided I should tell on of the volunteers at one of the booths of this booth they forgot to set up. Once again----RIGHT.
Turns out the day after coming in last in a race for the 1st time in my life-I found the first race in my 2 years of running road races that you had to have signed up in advance, online to participate. And I was told there were no exceptions and that Jeanine (the race coordinator) was not expected change to rules for me.
The announcer, Mike, helped me find Jeanine and after whining and crying---I mean explaining my situation--- she brought me to meet Holly. Between the 2 of them they decided I probably would not be able to run, but, "hang in and we'll see what happens". I didn't just hang in. I hung out closer to them than their shadows on that beautifully sunny day.
A 2 1/2 hour drive and a 3.1 mile run between me and hanging out with all the people I was watching get ready to run. And they were all so happy. And I could begin to smell all the food that was going to be served afterwards. I am now sticking closer to Holly than her shadow. Ten minutes before the race I was somehow given the #2198. I've never actually checked but I think there were 2198 runners that day. In my head I was saying prayers of thanks foe Jeanine and Holly for letting me join in the day. I realized as I was saying these prayers of thanks that they were because I was being allowed to have a great time at a brewery. I felt God was probably laughing at me and saying "As long as you drink responsibly, have a great day".
In the pictures are Jeanine, with me and the band in the back round, Holly, who gave me the number probably so I would get away, and the crowd that was part of my therapy to forget the race the day before.
"Thank you" Jeanine and Holly. Sorry it took so long to tell everyone about the great day I had because of you. Although I should be somewhere in Canada running around July 4th next year, I'll be thinking of you. And when I get back up there the following year for the race I promise you will have seen my name in the online entrants.
August 5th was the 31st anniversary of the my finish of first run from coast to coast. Some people that read the entries leading up to the 5th have asked what I did on that day to celebrate.
I started the day by going to court. I was bringing the first person that was supposed to design this website there because he was taking money without producing what was promised. I did win so that wasn't a bad way to start the magical day (I guess). Then I went to one of my favorite places to relax. NAC. Northampton Athletic Club has been a second home to me for many, many years. Travis, (pictured with me on the 5th) has been not only a friend since he started working there, but also a sounding board for me to bounce ideas off of when I needed some opinions. We've been to basketball and football games together and tipped a couple of containers of carbs on occasion.
Then in the evening I visited with (l to r) Neal, Zsa Zsa and Mickey, whom I also trust to listen to alot of the ideas that are crossing my mind with so much going on. We actually toasted the day. These are all great friends and helped put a celebratory mood to the day that started in a court room. Zsa Zsa also runs 1/2 marathons but tends to down play her own great talent. Her friends know how good she really is.
All in all a nice way to spend the day. And what made it different from past years was the main topic of conversation was--- the next run.
This is a picture from the Canal Diggers 5k in Worcester, Ma. a couple weekends ago. Pictured along with me are my daughter and Mike White. Mike and I ran in a race together back during the July 4th weekend. It was the race that not only humbled me, but, also sent me scrambling to the Red Hook Brewery 5k the next day to lick my wounds and drowned my sorrows. If you happened to have already read the entry you know which race I'm talking about. If you haven't read it you should go back and check it out. My daughter, Michelle, got to meet not only one of the high school runners that kicked my butt that day, but, also the person that has been handed the baton to continue to do great things for the Seven Hills Foundation. The race I attended was 2 seniors-senior project and the first year of the race. Mike has taken on the task of continuing what they have started and is putting the race on next year. Please look into the race and support his and his volunteer's efforts. This is one of those times you can look at teenagers and see greatness in their efforts.
Monday, September 21, 2009
You are probably wondering why I'm devoting an entry in the blog to
porta-potties!!!!! Well, having run 30-40 different races in the last year and a half, I feel I just need to say something. Planning a gathering of people (especially runners) and the number of places available prior to race time to, shall we say, complete you eating and drinking ritual before running, should be given some special thought. Pictured here, if you could really make them out, are about 70-100
porta-potties. This picture was taken at the
CVSCaremark 5k in Providence, R.I. on Sept 20
th this year. This was my 2
nd time to this race in 2 years. Now they do attracted 8500 plus runners to this race. That # of people would immediately indicate you NEED a large number of these plastic comfort stops. Where I scratch my head is when I go to a race that has over 500 runners and there is ONE
porta-potty. Or another time when 1200 plus runners showed up for a half marathon and a 5k to find only 3 or 4
porta-potties. This sent the guys looking for the woods and the women going into every restaurant and gas station in walking distance.
Soooo---if you are reading this and you are planning a race---or---if you know someone who is---remember there is comfort in numbers.
The pictures you are looking at are part of the story that goes with the race in the next entry. I wanted to have you see why I'm glad I went from running on my own for decades, after I crossed the country, to finding the wonderful world of running that's been created. Mary and I are pictured at the Sept. 19th race. Her and I have known each other for awhile, mainly meeting at the same gym. I think she said this was her first race. Because of the social race atmosphere nowadays we actually got to talk with each other instead of just saying "hi" in between machines or passing each other coming into and leaving the gym. Zack, Deb and I have known each other for a long time. They have taken up running only in the last couple years. It was really a great surprise to see them there and have a new common interest to share stories about. Life and the "things" we all experience along the way do seem to make the friends we have just that much more special. Then there are the 4 of us. From left to right Craig (who came to the 10 a.m. race having already run 11 miles), Dan, Lee (who came in 3rd overall), and myself. If 8 months ago you handed me pictures of them and asked me who they were, I couldn't have told you. Now you are seeing us meeting for the 3rd time this year at different races. All of us being single we exchange stories about running and "other things". One race day, 7 people, all different levels of running talent -AND--AND-- great new stories wrapped up in the fun of the run.
Three different looks at the same Saturday 19th Run For Baystate Health And The United Way in Holyoke, Ma. . This race is only in it's first couple years of existence. But it's rapid growth took even the organizers by surprise. The group of people you see in 1 of the photos are only a portion of the over 100% plus growth versus last year's turn out. And to have people pose for a group shot like this shows the fun and excitement of the overall day. Every time I asked who was in charge of the organizing of the race I was told "Laura". Laura however was one of those great people that do a ton of work and take little credit. When I asked her for a photo she gave the stage to all the people in the photo instead of taking it herself. If you can make out my blue shirt in the middle of the group, Laura is the 3rd person to YOUR right in the front row. Then there are Marie and Tina with me. They are those people I single out every once in a while in my entries. They are 2 of the many VOLUNTEERS that made this race day run smoothly. And if you have read many of my entries you will agree that I tell everyone "without the volunteers you would not be running these races". Lisa in the 3rd photo learned that perfect conditioning and physique are not necessarily the key ingredients for having running success. Her and I ran most of the race in the same little group. The others dropped off as we began to ascend the last hill towards the finish line. It came down to her, me and the laws of physics. As you can tell in many of my photos, Avreage Al (that's me- incase you are only reading the blog and haven't looked at the mission statement) does not have that gazelle-like stature that many of your elite runners seem to have. So in this last dash up the final hill I had the advantage given to me by pizza, pasta, and a couple of beers during my life and the laws of physics pulled me up that final hill just ahead of the thinner ( and very pretty) Lisa. All in all it was a great race and a great cause. "Thanks" Laura and all the volunteers for their efforts for the great day.
Friday, September 18, 2009
Two pictures of me with a friend you will be hearing more about in entries to come. This is Billy Sheehan. Billy is a trainer, a coach, a speaker, and a consultant. We met for the first time when I went to Boston to join in Dave McGillivray's 30th anniversary of his Trans-America run. Dave ran the same year that I did on most of the same roads and was about 2 weeks behind me. Billy is pictured with me outside Fenway Park which 30 years prior was Dave's finish line, as he finished by running into Fenway. Dave, last August, reenacted that finish. Billy and I have, amongst other similar beliefs, the thinking that people put too small of limitations on their physical abilities. He knows what Dave and I have accomplished and as a coach knows that many people think what we've done is way beyond their capabilities. Not only in the running fields but in other sports and life in general. Many of his speeches are geared to opening people's eyes to their true potentials. A prime example is the other picture which was taken at the "Run For All Ages". I've already written about this race and the fact that people in their 90's were running. Check out
www.billythecoach.com and listen to him and me 'cause we will both show you that you can achieve greater things than your own mind will allow you to realize.
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
What you are seeing here is a prayer come true. Though I have been running during my daughter Michelle's life I have never, that I know of, tried to push her to run. She found her talents and interests to be in many other areas. If you are just reading about her, and have not read earlier entries in the blog section of the website, she is tremendously gifted in the dance realm. I have loved to watch her perform from the age of 2 to dancing on the Boston Celtic's dance squad. Asking or forcing her to run with me just never became an option. When her and her boyfriend, Peter, came to my website designing rescue things began to change. I had hired someone to design a website to bring to the world info about my up coming Alaska to Florida run. After months of trying to work together, him and I parted company and I was left right back where I started--with no website and no knowledge to create one. That story will be told in a future entry. But, in helping me out Michelle, got to read the articles that were written about my previous run. I then started sensing a growing interest in running. A few months ago I did tell her that I would love to have the 2 of us crossing the Florida finish line together. I wasn't talking about running the whole thing, just the last stretch to the end. Soon I started hearing about a trainer she had started working with and 3 weeks ago she let me know that she had gone from running on the tread mill to attempting to run on the roads. What you see in the pictures above are, with 3 weeks road training, my daughter and I together for the first time ever at a road race. We went to one of my favorite races. The Canal Diggers 5k in Worcester, Ma. I knew it to be a fairly flat course and had one of the best post race atmospheres I'd experienced. We met my normal 1 1/2 hours early and right from the start you could see this was the place for us to be for her first race. In the entries that you will read after this one you will get to experience the day we had. A long time ago I listened to a speaker's thoughts about your relationship with your kids. The speaker said that as parents we want to freeze our children in time every time they do something cute or special. I agree with that as I experienced that myself as Michelle grew. But, the speaker went on to say that the best times you'll ever have with your children (if you can be a real parent and a real friend to them) will come when they are 25-35-45 years old and you can enjoy each other's time together and company with each other. I have been fortunate that through BOTH Michelle and my efforts we are experiencing just what that speaker described. We have an unbelievable friendship (I haven't let go of the over protective father thing however) and now we are sharing a world I could only pray for in the past. We are seen toasting to father/daughter/friendship/completion of her 1st race/our 1st race together/and the thanks I have for taking that speaker's words and believing in them. We circled the course side by side and held and raised our hands as we crossed the finish line together. "Thank You" Canal Diggers for setting THE stage for a wonderful NEW stage in our lives.
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
You may see 2 pictures with the same people in them (plus Tom in the beer version). And, the pictures were taken only about an hour apart. But the emotions inside of us all, from one picture to the other, were like night and day. In the non-beer photo you have Stephanie, Becky and Marian (l-r). They had met Michelle and myself just met minutes before the picture. Becky and I have both run many races but the other 3 ladies were there for their FIRST EVER road race. They arrived with all the butterflies, all the "what am I doing here's", all the "everyone else has to be to be a top runner", the ultimate "I JUST DON'T WANT TO COME IN LAST", all the voices and tensions of not knowing what the world of road races was like. But the best thing that could have happened for them was--each other. Nothing Becky and I could have said to the newbies would have meant as much as hearing each other talk about their panic, doubts but also hopes. As we were called to the starting area I'm sure the anxiety rose in all of them. Then BANG (actually Bleeeeep, as an air horn was used instead of a starter's pistol) and we were off. Michelle and I decided to run together and the others did their thing separately. I'm sure everyone ran their race but for me I was running "our" race. I have never to my knowledge pushed Michelle to run, never mind run with me in a road race. So while she was running and we were talking, I was basking in a little bit of heaven running side by side with my daughter for the first time, and in a race of all things. What was sssooo cool is that each of us upon finishing walked back looking for and encouraging each of our little group that was still finishing. AND AN HOUR BEFORE WE DIDN'T EVEN KNOW EACH OTHER. THIS IS TRULY WHAT YOU THAT HAVE NEVER DONE ONE OF THESE "RACE" THINGS ARE MISSING. It's not win or lose for most of us. It's do your personal best (whatever that may be that day) and enjoy those around you. One of the great things about the Canal Diggers race is the great post race atmosphere that the organizers provide. It makes a complete and fun day for all. As you can tell by the 2nd photo all's well and new friendships have been started. As a matter of fact, all eyes are on Becky to figure out the plan to put us all back together running, not only at another race, but somewhere on my route next year. So the toast you see is not only to each other but to you hoping you will meet us somewhere and run with us. We'll leave a pair of running shoes ready for you to lace up and run with us. "THANK YOU" ladies for helping make my daughter's and my first race together such a great time.
To just tremendously round out a perfect day all of us were able to be around Dick Hoyt and his son Rich. If you are even dabbling in the world of running you would know that Dick for decades has competed in races, from short runs to triathlons, while pushing or pulling his son with him. For any runner new or veteran you realize how inspirational they have been. I believe Dick has now been inducted into the Iron Man Hall Of Fame for his tremendous accomplishments. He is also a humble and easy going guy. I may hold a world record for a trans-continental run, but, my accomplishment is not anywhere near his. I performed for 3 months. Dick has performed at this level for decades. Although to Dick and Rich this might have been just another picture (especially for those at their first ever race) every one's day was made just that much more wonderful. Pictured are (l-r) Jamie, Becky, Marian, myself, Dick, Stephanie, Michelle, and Rich in front. Again 'Thanks" to the Canal Diggers race many new lives were touched in many special ways. Also you would be inspired if you look into the Hoyt Team.
Thursday, September 10, 2009
September 7th. Walpole Ma.. I had never been to Walpole (as is the case with most of the places I run). As soon as I got out of the car it just felt like it was going to be a great day. I arrived my normal 1 1/2 hours early and there was already great music filling the air. The crowd was just beginning to arrive but the tents, the blue sky, the music and what just seemed to be a nice setting. I was initially greeted by the high school's cross country coach Tim (in the Celtic jersey) as he asked me if I happened to be one of the parents of a team member. Now as you have already, or will soon, realized I still think I'm in my teens or at most in my 20's. Even with this instant blow to my ego I decided it was still going to be a great day. This is the only fund raiser the school has, he told me, so everyone was hoping the nice day would bring the people--and it did. With both a 5k and a 10k available the race brought over 600 participants. I believe it was their most ever. Then I met Debra. She was running only her 2nd race ever. Her husband is more of a half and full marathon runner. When I asked if he was here to watch I was told he was home taking care of 2 of their 4 kids. This woman looked like she had never even had children never mind 4. She had a great attitude and was not only nice to talk to but fun to cheer on both during and at the end of the race. Congrats to her I hope this is the beginning to many, many more races. She is pictured here with 2 of her children, Neave and Keris. THEN THERE WERE THE STROLLERS. Now I don't say this in a negative way what so ever. I have enough to concentrate on just getting my 160# bod from the starting line to the finish line, never mind pushing 30-80#s. Some of these strollers have 2 kids in them. I just marvel at these people as they run the races. Of course I think up excuses for my running poorly when some of them fly by me. "I'll bet they somehow pick up their feet and roll down the hills" or " The wheels are so big on those things it must aid in the running" were some of the stupid things I thought when I first saw these things blow by me. But, all ego aside, I admit I would not want to try to push one of those things around a course of any distance. And the people willing to take their kids with them should be given a pat on the back for being in the shape to push them and to get the kids involved at such early stages in their lives. If you look closely in the picture there are 6 of those high tech sets of wheels fresh from the finish line. The great day I felt this was going to be turned out to exceed my expectations. Nice race for you to check into next year. And "thanks for a race well done" goes to the organisers and the volunteers.
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
When you step out to try to do things for others, you find that other people will seem to come out of unexpected places to help. I.E. Shannon. My daughter Michelle, to your right, and I meet on occasion at Cambridge I. This is a great restaurant near Fenway Park that amongst their great line up of food are a bunch of delicious specialty pizzas and some great draft beer. Michelle and I go there to talk about the website, the training, the search for sponsors and charities, or life in general. Shannon, to your left, works there and has gotten to know our mission. She is associated with people that produce a show that airs on the Geography Channel. When she saw us recently at the restaurant she had some news to share with us. The show she works with is thinking of putting together a story about ultra distance runners. Since she has been talking with us, she feels she just might have a good start for the show--me. If this show were to come about what a great boost to help my run to raise money for charity. If it were to not come about at least the chance not only was a lift to our spirits, but also, it helped us realize there are people rooting for us we didn't know about. "Thank You" Shannon you are helping us to try to help others.
In case you think I'm a trust fund baby or some guy that "hit it big" in the market or some lottery, I'm going to set you straight. I own a small house painting business and just like you I work every day. We are trying to stress that the "average Al" can step out and do great things for others. The 2 pictures you have here are me with the crew at work. We sound like a bunch of "in prov" comedians all day long. We cut each other up all day long. It's like a rolling comedy show and is how we get through the day. The "line up" or group of us are on a porch that we were painting. Left to right are: myself, Michael, Anthony, Brian, and Bob(puji). We are from diverse back rounds, but, get along and work together well. The other photo is a ladder that is set on a 3rd floor roof and leans up against another small roof which puts total height at about 50 feet. If you think I don't actually work everyday and I leave the crew to go train--look closely at the highest point at the top of the ladder--that person you can just make out is me. Don't tell me you can't be living an "average" life and still step out from the norm to do great things. Dream-Decide-Do
It's time you met my best friend and biggest supporter, who just happens to be my daughter, too. Michelle has been a national caliber dancer, a gymnast and a cheerleader. She is tremendously intelligent and beautiful all wrapped into a 5' 3'' woman with a heart that is bigger then her physical being. She is pictured with me and our American made sports cars (sorry all you foreign car buffs) and also in one of her Boston Celtic Dancer outfits. It's the real deal, too, as she was selected to dance on the Celtic Dance squad the first 2 years of it's existence. She, along with her boyfriend, Peter, have come to the rescue and are building this website. She and I share in some of your typical hobbies--Bungi jumping and target pistol shooting!!! I'll bet you thought I was going to say jogging. Running is a hobby that she has very recently started doing, so that will be something we do together soon. We talk all the time and are always encouraging each other in whatever we are doing. She has seen me cry behind closed doors. She has heard me reach points of self doubt--listened to my crap talk--and then put me back on track. I feel she could tell you I've done the same for her. I've always been a VERY protective father and I'm not ashamed to tell you that loud and clear. At the same time I encourage her to push on in her life and to always try to become better. I could go on forever being the proud dad that I am, but, you'll hear alot more about her as the running project progresses.
