Blog | Running With Al Tardy

You Got A Problem With This--I Might Have Problem With You

Tuesday, August 17, 2010

I was going to wait to put this picture into my blog section. But, I decided this was the place for it. Kyle is a great guy that was volunteering at the 32nd Annual Brewster Brew Run on August 14th. There are 2 more entries about the race day after this one. Since I met him there, I decided putting his picture amongst the story from the day was the way I wanted to present it. In my eyes this man is bold, brazen, and passionate about a cause that effects parts of his family (past and present). If you have a problem with this picture that's too bad.

STAND TALL BROTHER--I WAS PROUD TO MEET YOU KYLE.

"If You Pour The Beer They Will Come"

What a beautiful day for a road race August 14th turned out to be. And that was especially good, because I had decided to expand my racing circle despite battling a back injury. Brewster, Ma. was the scene and was, with traffic, 4 plus hours away from my home. Brewster is part of Cape Cod and the cape has many races during the year. So when I saw the 32nd Annual Brewster Brew run I was curious. Then I saw "free adult beverages after the race" in the description and the decision was made.

I needed a light hearted, fun race and this seemed to fit the bill. The scene was the Brewster Inn and in the second picture you can see the crowd that read the same description that I did. Over 1500 that I know of ran and walked. It was sunny and 80 degrees. What more do you need to call the day great? Oh yes, and there was that free beer thing.

The 3rd picture is of the WONDERFUL group of people that that pulled the taps, that filled the glasses, that made the runners happy.

A great meeting happened that day. I noticed Bill wearing a DMSE tee shirt and just had to meet him. For the people that are just starting to look at this website and get to know me, there is a significance to who's initials DM stand for. When I was running across the country there was someone else doing the same thing, on 90% of the same roads, at the same time. This man's name is Dave McGillivray. My name is in the book he wrote "The Last Pick" and many people know him because he is the race director for the Boston Marathon, has many more running accomplishments, and owns DMSE, a company which amongst other things organizes and puts on fund raising and running events all over the world.

It turns out that Bill was on a relay team, with Dave, that ran across the country. The unique thing about their course was that it was VERY close to the exact course I had run. Dave posted an on line diary as they went. Not known to them, as I read the diary I went through ups and downs because I could see in my mind exactly where they were, what the terrain was, and could replay in my mind myself running through the very spot they happened to be on any given day. Bill and his wife Anna were a great way to start the day. "Thank You".

Do you like beautiful days? Do you like great people? Do you like free beer? Then this race is one you definitely want to check out when it comes around again next year. There is another story and many more pictures about this race in the next entry. Check it out.

There Was No Way To Have A Bad Day With These People To Meet

Here are some more pictures of me with some of the folks that were at the Brewster, Ma.-Brew run on August 14th. I went 4 hours to run, but, these people made me feel like we had known each other forever and helped make the day a great story.

At the top I am with a group of people that were very important that day. I am with Howard, Colleen and Katie (Howard's 2 daughters), Melissa, and Tippi. When the cups for the beer had run out Howard was nice enough to let me have one of his. Trying to hold and drink beer with my hands could have proved difficult. Thanks to him I didn't drive 4 hours to make a fool of myself. The 4 beautiful ladies with us were some of the people pouring the beer that went into that cup. What a team the 6 of us became. What was really unique is that Katie has Bungi jumped in New Zealand exactly where my daughter and I are starting to make plans to go jump.

Bob and Angela were people that have been to enough other races that we know we have seen other at other races, but, we can't figure out where. He runs about 60 races a year. And people think I'm a little extreme doing 25-30 a year!!!

Jeremy, Kent and I started talking because--well--because we had run the same race and we were drinking beer. Jeremy has run the Boston Marathon and is back on track to do a lot more races.

Wendy and Brad. Without Wendy's guidance the day could have been a bust. I drove 4 hours to this race because I saw they had free kegs of carbs for the runners after the race. Well, I had finished and couldn't find the carbs. Turns out that was because the tables were surrounded by MANY people. It was through her directions that I found the replenishing well. "Thank You".

Cindy and Claire were the first people I ran into as I arrived at the race. Through them I was able to find out about the course, the run, and all the things that make showing up early worth learning before the crowd shows up.

The race in Brewster was a fun, light hearted day, and for me, all these people made it worth the long day of driving in the car.

Hero Amongst Us

Tuesday, August 10, 2010

My daughter used to dance for the Boston Celtics. I went to many games and one of the non-game things that is done became a special item to me. At one point during the evening the organization recognizes a person for something very special they have done that might go un-noticed by most of the public. Many of the stories of what they had done, whose lives they may have saved, deeds that have helped society or individuals in some way, service to their conntry, and many other things really touched my heart. They were called "Heros Amongst Us".

Observing these award ceramonies has made me a bit more observant of people doing great things that go unnoticed because they are not done for the recognition. I found one of those "Heros Amongst Us" in Ridgefield, Ct. on August 7th.

Barbara, owner of the Southwest Cafe in Ridgefield, Ct. is a "Hero Amongst Us". This special lady understands the meaning of giving back to society. The Southwest Cafe serves tremendous food, has a great atmosphere and because of her hard work is doing well. Barbara, however does not take her success for granted and gives back to the community that supports her.

One way she does this is by organizing a road race to raise money to help support Sunrise Cottage. This is a home that takes care of people that are intellectually challenged and provides a nice setting for them to live. In listening to Barb talk about the great people that are there and how they are being helped, it is easy to tell that her heart is full of love and caring. She really enjoyed having some of the residents from Sunrise Cottage help during the awards ceremony as you can see in the 2nd picture. What a great way to give back to the community that has allowed her and her business to thrive.

The race was a wonderful happening that you will read more about in the next 2 entries and that you need to experience for yourself. Go to this race and meet this special lady. Help her help others and partake of the special things she brings to a 5k road race. "Thank You" Barbara for the race, the day, and setting an example by being a "Hero Amongst Us".

Chile Peppers And Margaritas Anyone?

I found the road race in Ridgefield, Ct. to be alot of fun and full of new, fun, and different ideas. The owner of the Southwest Cafe, Barbara, is pictured with the male and female winners of the race. "What is that on their heads?" you may ask. They are wearing crowns made from chile peppers. The Restaurant serves up great southwest fare. Chile peppers are, obviously, a big part of creating the great dishes and flavors, so, why not make that a neat little twist to the awards.

Margaritas were served to the runners at the end of the race and many, many items were raffled off including a week at a southwest home. Plus the numbers drawn were from the runners/walkers numbers as a special thanks for participating.

Rob and Barbara teamed together to create a great atmosphere for the entire crowd that came. Rob is a very acclaimed coach who is humble about his accomplishments. I am going to write about Rob in the not too distant future. His wife is originally from a town about 10 miles from where I live, so, him and I became friends quickly. Rob and Barbara knew what runners of all abilities wanted in a run and they provided it.

I traveled 2 hours to get to this race and I would do it again tomorrow. Barbara is a special lady that put on a great race. She has a heart bigger than her restaurant and it shows in the things she does and says.

PUT THIS RACE ON YOUR "GOTTA RUN" LIST FOR NEXT YEAR.

A Toast To All

Here are some more pics from the Ridgefield, Ct. road race. Barb was a ball of energy. I noticed her smile long before the race started. Then I didn't see it again until after the finish line. Did I see her during the race? Yes I did. She was ahead of me the whole way(not by much), but I was unable to catch her. We did share the same thoughts about some of the cars we all had honk their horns at us due to their impatience. At the end, I congratulated her on a great run and she still had the same smile as she did an hour before.

Mike I met during the post race activities, although I had seen him during the race as he was finishing one of the loops on the course as I was entering it. He and I talked about the races we do and he, also, likes to run a race each weekend. He was a pleasure to meet and one of the great people you meet by traveling to different areas to run.

The musician you see was playing at the Southwest Cafe. His name was Christopher Robbin. It was also a great end to a great day of running.

Kellie and her son, Nick, were actually the very first people I met as I arrived on race day. Great people. Kellie is also one of the reasons I have learned to leave my Italian/male ego at home when I go to any race. At the end of the race I inquired how she had done. "OK". Somehow I knew her humble response would probably lead to me being humbled. Sure enough,

her time was 3 plus minutes faster than mine, and with it she won her age division. "What age division/", you might ask. First of all, even I know enough not to tell a woman's age. Second, as I have just told you, she can out run me. I can tell you they were both a pleasure to meet and helped make the day shine.

I realized I never asked the pretty gal with the glass her name. So to her, when you read this please email me your name so I can correct this entry. She was doing a great service after the runners were finished the race. See that glass of refreshment in her hand? That was not her drink. That was MY drink. She was serving up the free Margaritas that helped make this race unique and just a blast to attend. Put this on your list for next year and I promise you will enjoy yourself.

Which Way Do I Go??????

Thursday, August 5, 2010

Sometimes I get lost and am not sure which way I'm going. But I think the person driving this car has taken that condition to a whole new level.

Man Of Steel And Velvet

Monday, August 2, 2010

Steve Garon was a fire fighter (Deputy Chief) from Bellinham, Ma.. He went to sleep one day at the age of 52 and never woke up. He is pictured in the photo on the board with some of the written farewells by friends. Pictured with me is Steve's widow, Claire. In talking to her and many of the people that were at the 1st annual Steve Garon Memorial 5k run/walk I realized that Steve had been a great man and shared his life with a great woman.

I sometimes go to 1st annual races with some apprehension because I travel sometimes 1-2 1/2 hours to a race with 10-15 other runners that show up that day. Every once in a while, however, I pick one that seems special. And, this race and day was one of those. There are 3 more entries after this one explaining the day.

Everyone I talked to about Steve reminded me of a book I read once. The book was titled "Man Of Steel And Velvet". There are men who are willing to stand in the gap for anyone they know, without questions or the need for a "Thank You". You can tell they are men of their their word along inner and outer strength. Then, their are men who have a softer side that allows people to trust and confide in them because it is seen in their eyes, which I've heard called the windows to our soul. In talking with anyone there that day you knew that Steve was one of the few men that come along that possess both.

All that I could hear as people talked about him was the love they felt for Steve. 300 people showed up in that little town for the first race in his honor. 300 in a first year is an overwhelming success to any race organizer. They usually, as in this case, happen because of the love held in people's hearts for the person that is no longer with them.

Claire is truly a special lady who adored(s) her husband. She's also a real trooper who could not thank the people around her enough for their support. She swelled with pride as she spoke of Steve and told me of the unbelievable tribute to her "man" that took place at the wake and funeral.

The monies raised at these races will go to the fire fighter's organization and towards a scholarship to be given to a high school senior.

You need to put this race on your list for next year. It will be a race you will be proud to be a part of if you take a couple minutes to learn about it's reason for being.

To all the people that day: I'm proud to have experienced you and proud of the love you are willing to show for a great lady and the man she lost.

They Were Everywhere

At every road race I find that certain people stand out as the ones that everyone seems to count on for direction. Bethany was the first volunteer I met as I wandered the grounds where the 1st annual Steve Garon Memorial 5k was about to happen. She seemed to be everywhere during the pre-race and was the first person I first met as I crossed the finish line. I also saw her doing other things all day.

Greg (a true friend to Steve Garon) was the true moving force behind the organizing and putting on of the race. According to all those I talked to, he is a big competitor and organizer. These are two great attributes for planning a successful road race. He understood what was needed and what needed to be done to make all of us runners and walkers happy. As I looked around I kept seeing him, with his clip board, pointing and instructing everyone that needed to be directed to their next point. He did everything with enthusiasm, energy, and patience.

I know it took many more people than just Bethany and Greg to make the day successful, but, from what I saw they deserve great credit for their efforts that day. And I can honestly say I believe this race will continue to grow because of the the ground work that was laid for this first race. GREAT JOB

They Are Some Of The Reasons I Go

These are some of the great new friends I made 80 miles from home at the Steve Garon Memorial 5k on July 25th. Starting at the top and going clockwise. Chris (a firefighter having worked aside of Steve) and his son Zach. They are not only father and son, I could tell they were best friends and shared many interests in life that kept them doing things together and enjoying each other's company.

John and I first met at the starting line just before the race began. Everybody seemed to be asking him questions about the course, as did I, since he seemed to be used to the route I was about to run. He was able to give me some good tips. Mindy I met during the final 3/4 of a mile. She also new John. I know this because John was coming up the same last hill, at the same time, as Mindy and myself. You should know that I had to catch up to the both of them to join in the conversation. That should tell you that a woman pushing a stroller was kicking my butt. We ascended the final hill together, finished the race and got to finish our conversation. Please note that Mindy's passenger does the same thing I do when someone else is driving!!!

Then I got to re-meet Jim and Mike. They, too, are a father son team that I got to meet about a quarter mile into the race. They were talking to each other as we went. I moved ahead of them a short time later and about at the half way point one of them went floating by me as if on roller skates. I am not going to tell you which one, because, I still love the fact that running is one of the sports where you can look at a father and son at the beginning of a race and not know which one will finish first.

It's people like these folks who help me find, and become part of, the reason I love to run these races. "Thank You" for helping make my day a fantastic memory.

The Day Was A Winner

Here are some more pics from the Steve Garon Memorial 5k. Top left is a picture of just a small part of the crowd and festivities that day. Top right is one of the two firefighters I saw that showed their feelings for Steve Garon by running the race in full fighter attire. Lower right shows some women pushing one of the three strollers that showed up looking like fire engines. Then you have the three strollers as they were presented to the crowd to pick a winner in the fire engine/stroller competion. Which stroller won??? I'm not going to tell you, because in my eyes the strollers, the kids and the entire crowd made the day a winner in showing their feelings for a friend, a comrade, a husband and a great man. This was a very memerable day for me, too. Put this in your calender as a "GOTTA RUN THIS RACE" event.