Blog | Running With Al Tardy

Here's To The Coach

Monday, September 27, 2010

September 18th I went to the 1st Annual Dick Atkinson 5k in Southwick,Ma. . The uniqueness of this race was #1- it was organised by a good friend of mine and #2- it was put on to pay tribute to a coach that is still coaching. Dick Atkinson has now coached and taught in Southwick for the past 48 years. And it was easy to tell how he has been a great an influence to his students. How could I tell??? Most of the people that came out to the race came because they had been his student or coached by him. The stories I heard were all very inspiring and told by people of all ages.

Coach Atkinson(3rd from right) is pictured with a part of the organizing group. Included in that group, and seen with me in the other pictures are- coach Atkinson, Lee Haseltine, and Craig.

It was easy to tell that this race was put on by runners. Everything was right on the money. Lee was the main organizer. Him and I met at a race 2 years ago and have been friends ever since. He is the Southwick girls cross country coach, and has been written about in running columns, while coach Atkinson coaches the boys team. Craig and Lee go many places every week running in races and their experience paid off in putting this race together.

This was a well thought out, well laid out and well put on race that you will enjoy running. Check out the next 2 stories to see some of the people that made it that Saturday.

Great Job Folks. And Congratulations and much more continued success to Coach Dick Atkinson.

If You've Got Excuses-- Dina Doesn't Want To Hear Them

Ok all you---MEN---that continue to talk about how great an athlete you "USED" to be, except, now all you have is excuses as to why you can't get into shape. I don't want to hear anymore of your excuses and neither does Dina. Dina has more guts and determination than all of you couch potatoes added together and multiplied by 1000. As you can see in the bottom photo I got to experience the 1st Annual Dick Atkinson 5K from a helper's point of view. Nick and I were given yellow vests and told to "go play in traffic". "And since we were in the traffic" we were asked to direct it while the runners were running past.

Fortunately, while in the traffic, I had my camera with me and was able to photo the largest stroller full of kids I have ever seen in a race. Check the stroller out!!! You can see that there was a child in every seat. And Dina wasn't walking with this loaded stroller--she was running. Just ask all the people she beat. They could tell you she was running. I am PROUD of you Dina.

I was able to get a picture of the whole team after the race. Top l-r, Gino, Dina, and Brett. The passengers l-r Kina, Kian, and Lila. I have already seen them at another race since this one. I'm hoping the kids are signed up on a frequent flyer program. These truly are some great people to get to know. Brett, who is a fire fighter, and I are already talking about putting on a race. I think I know a woman and her kids that will be rolling down the streets in that race, too.

The Dick Atkinson Race was a great time and race. It was easy yo tell that the race was put on by runners and "the coach". Everything was just right. Great Job To All That Helped.

There are pictures from this race in the next entry. Check out some more of the folks that were there.

More Dick Atkinson Race 5K Photos

Here are some more pics from the Dick Atkinson 5k on Sept. 18th.
On the top is Karen Provost doing massage on one of the runners. She was there until the last person was taken care of. You can contact her at karenprovostmassagetherapy@hotmail.com .

Bob from Fast Feet, in West Springfield and Westfield, is a great friend who helps me with my running shoes. As a matter of fact, the shoes I'm wearing in the picture were bought from him. Great store and people.

Two new friends with me are Nick and Jared (152). They are classmates. Nick and I took traffic duty during the race and cheered Jared on as he passed by.

Natalina was telling me that her husband does the triathlon thing and she took up running just a few months ago. I just could let that smile go without getting a picture.

As you can see, while I was supposed to be on duty, I met 2 women that are training for their first 5k. Lori and Tami came out to cheer on the runners as they were passing by and keep me company. I always love to hear about people getting into the running world and I wish them great success.

The weather was wonderful. The turn out was great. The people were fantastic. And kid's education will benefit from Lee Haseltine and his friends efforts. My hat's off to you. Put this on your list for next years races, you'll love it.

THERE ARE THREE ENTRIES ABOUT ONE OF MY FAVORITE RACES EACH YEAR THE WORCESTER- CANAL DIGGERS-CHECK THEM ALL OUT

Monday, September 20, 2010

The Great Atmosphere Was Set Right From The Beginning

On Sept. 11th was one of my favorite road races of the year. The Canal Diggers Race in Worcester, Ma. is a real blast every year. The weather always seems to cooperate, the course is always a quite flat route, (which brings out many runners that might not come to a harder course), there's always a hugh barbecue and Harpoon provides the well known best recoop nutrition known to the entire running population of the world. Carbs in quantity.

Last year I brought my daughter to run her first ever road race to the Canal Diggers. I did it because I knew she would meet great people and enjoy the festive spirit. She had a great time as did I because the people and atmosphere are great.

As soon as you arrive you can feel it's going to be a great time. The volunteers start your day with smiles and a warm sense of welcome. I talk a lot about the people that volunteer to help put on a race. So, I have decided to make this first entry about them. There are 2 more entries after this so check them out, too.

First you have the Hydrive Energy girls. (l-r) Shannon, Colleen, and Liz. They provided free bottles of Hydrive before and after the race.

To the right right of the Hydrive ladies is me with Christy. Christy was the "guardian of the beer". She made sure the beer line kept moving in an orderly manner. And she did a fine job in making sure I had as many of the nutritional beverages as I might need.

I the middle picture is Kathy. With that smile at the registration table I almost didn't care if there was a race or not.

Bob was mister hospitality. He was in the middle of things. Directing the runners, answering questions, helping people out with whatever they needed. And he did it all with a smile and a welcoming tone in his voice.

Kim was the person that most runner and walkers love to see. She was one of the people handing out the always sought out and cherished shirts. This included the one that I got and having it given to me by Kim with that smile made it seem that much better.

Three years in a row now I've been running the Canal Diggers Race. Three years in a row I've had a great time and took away wonderful memories, three years in a row people like these folks have set the tone and atmosphere for a fun enjoyable day.

"MY HAT IS OFF TO YOU ONCE AGAIN". "THANKS" for a great day.

CHECK OUT THE NEXT TWO ENTRIES ABOUT THE RACE DAY

You Can't Have A Bad Day With People Like These

Sunday, September 19, 2010

I find that the atmosphere at the Canal Diggers Race in Worcester has always attracted wonderful people. These are just some of the people I was able to share time, running, food, and (oh yeah) beer with on Sept 11th.

The Irish music was in the air as I re-met Roxanne for the second year at this race and the 2nd or 3rd time this year at different races.

I met Milda (317), Carmin, Carmel and Luz in line for the great spread of food that always is part of this race.

Jason, Tricia, myself, Liz and Josiah met before the race. I could tell the whole day was going to be a good one. With these kind of smiles, blue skies, and people to start the day there is no other option.

I met Darcy(509) and Todd for the first time this year. I met Becky and Mike last year. We were able to pick up right where we left off last year, with a growing friendship, a great day to run (Becky kicked my butt in the race just like last year), and a few glasses of ice cold carbs.
With people like these wonderful people how can you not want to keep coming to this race.

"Thanks" to everyone for helping make the day so memorable.

More Smiles And Sunshine From The Canal Diggers

Here are some more pictures from the Sept 11th Canal Diggers Race in Worcester.

Matt(415) and I met at the carb counter more than once. As you can see though we did stay close to the taps.

Dan (122) finished 2nd overall. Since I don't finish in the lead spots this is the only way I get to hang out with the top runners.

Nicki (320), John, Lynn and I were enjoying the atmosphere and, if you count the cups, we were also probably feeling the glow of the day.

Maureen represented the Princeton PD in the race. I promised her and Bill that I would put the picture on the website so all her colleagues would see that she made it even if they didn't show up.

Matt and Kim I met when I first arrived and then after the race. Turns out they also helped with some of the details associated with putting on the race.
If you noticed everybody in all the pictures from the Canal Diggers were having a great time as was I for the 3rd year in a row. It truly is one of my favorite races of the year because as you have seen it is a day filled with great people.
Come join us next year and you'll be as hooked as I am.

Think About It

Friday, September 17, 2010

There Are 2 Races From The Labor Day Weekend In The Blog--Check Out Both Of Them

Monday, September 13, 2010

Horns, Badhabit,And A Run In The Park

Labor Day brought me out to Brighton, Ma. for a 5k along the Charles River. I had only seen the Charles River from the drivers seat of my vehicle up to that day, so, I thought that a run beside the river would be a great way to celebrate the holiday.

As I searched for the race I saw a sweet looking lady wearing a pair of devil horns and a shirt that said "badhabit" on the front, in a parking lot. SO----I turned in. HEY cut me some slack before you throw stones. She happened to be standing next to a sign that had a big 5K on it. Well, turns out Julie was standing there so she could direct people to where the registration booth and other info was. So the sweet looking lady, wearing horns, and a shirt that said "badhabit"pointed me in the right direction. Some how seems a bit ironic don't you think?

Turns out the race was to help raise funds to support "badhabit productions" theatre and improv in Boston. Check them out at www.badhabitproductions.org . As you can see I was able to get a photo with Dan, myself, Julie, and Mary in their booth.

I also met Bill(?) #109. He is 69 years young and came in only a few seconds behind me.
I was able to talk with Michael from 3c race productions. They had put the race together for the theatre and did a great job.

I was also able to capture a photo of what I feel is a great thing. An entire family ran the race and I think that is just very cool. In the picture are (l-r) Zach, Chloe, Lisa, and Dave. I'm proud of what you represent----Doing Things Together As A Family.

The run was a great "run in the park". For me it was a site seeing run in a place I'd never been. This is one of the things that draws to a hobby that you can take anywhere.

I'm now putting going to this theatre on my "got to do" list, as you should. Also put this charming race in the park on your list for next year.

"THANKS" to all for a wonderful day on the Charles.

Devin Kravitz's Memory Lives On

The race I went to on Sept. 4th was a great way to start a Labor Day weekend. It was a story in itself. Stuart (top right) lost his son Devin at a very early age and has decided to use the tragedy as a reason to do something great for others. Look into the full details at www.info@dk5k.org . I could tell the minute I pulled into the parking lot who was in charge. As I told Stuart "He looked the most chaotic.". As a person who is now organizing runs, I probably look the same on race day.

He was not alone, though, Roxanne and Amy and company worked hard to help Stuart put the event on and they all deserve a great "well done". The race provided a great course, great refreshments, and great prizes. Mother Nature chipped in with a gorgeous day and kept the spirits high and Devin's memory moving forward.

Check this race out as part of your next year's Labor Day weekend plans.

"Thanks" for a great day. All the efforts are greatly appreciated.

There are a bunch more pictures from this race in the next entry. Check them out.

Blue Skies, Sunshine, And A Lot Of Smiles

Here are some more pics from the Sept. 4th Devin Kravitz Memorial 5k on Sept. 4th. With over 200 runners and walkers, along with a beautiful day, the people were smiling and happy and a friendly atmosphere settled in with the day.
Bob (top photo) was the first person I met. Turns out we live just a few miles from each other and have been to many of the same races. If you do any races you also might have been to some races that Bob has run. You see, the race Sept 4th was his 112th race this year. At the age of 66 he is definitely setting a pace we can all just marvel at.

Mike and I met because we both realized that we hide the keys to our vehicles in the same place when we get ready to race. And we swore each other to secrecy.

Bob and his son David got to share in the festivities of the day. I'm sure Bob is hoping and waiting for the day they run these races together.

Going somewhat on the same theme Carrie (black shirt) ran with her daughter Alicia. This was Alicia's first race. If you've followed my entries you know the first race I ran with my daughter was such a great feeling. Congrats to both of you.

The "ALL IN BLUE" picture was one that just had to be taken. Especially when Elise, myself and Tracy parked our vehicles side by side. Our shirts matched the clear blue sky that showed up that day, bringing out the sunshine to warm the runners and the day.

"Thanks" for the smiles everyone. You truely helped make the day even brighter.