Blog | Running With Al Tardy

There Are 5 New Short Entries About A Great Race In Fitchburg---Enjoy Them

Monday, November 29, 2010

Local Heros At Slattery's In Fitchburg, Ma.

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Local heroes are always great to find. Dave and Donna (owners of Slattery's in Fitchburg, Ma.) are local heroes. They put on their annual road race ---Slattery's Turkey Trot--- and as you can see on the sign, their race has given out over $155,000 in scholarships. I made my way out on November 21st.

---Giving back to the community that has supported you, in my eyes, is the sign of great people. Dave and Donna are two of those great people.

---The race is very well organized, the course is well managed, and the after race festivities are top notch. Mark was the m. c. for the day and filled the air with great stories, neat facts and interviews, including one with me.

---You truly missed a great place to be if you happened to be somewhere else that day . Don't make the same mistake next year---put this race high on your list for next year. Meet the people you will read about in the next few small entries. And, meet local heroes Dave and Donna at Slattery's in Fitchburg, Ma..

A Bartender And New / Old Friends At Slattery's

---The first picture you see here is of Beth and myself. Beth was the bartender at Slattery's the day of the Turkey Trot. She was instrumental in helping the runners replenish their bodies with glasses of carbs. And those glasses lead to smiles and great conversation.

---Cindy and I have seen each other at several races this year. I usually see her before the race and after the race because she is always way ahead of me during the race. She many times heads home having won her age division. She's humble about her running talent and in my eyes that makes her a great runner.

---Pam, Matt and I met this year at another race in Fitchburg, and they have already been in one of my stories. Two wonderful people to know and hang out with---CHEERS.

---Denny and I met at a race recently in Lowell, Ma.. Always non-boasting about his running but always bringing home a medal.

---I truly feel good about all the traveling I do, just to run, when I am reunited with friends like these at different races.

---All the good times and great time with people came to us thanks to the Slattery's Turkey Trot and Pub in Fitchburg. Absolutely take in this race next year you won't be disappointed.

More Great New Friends From Slattery's Turkey Trot

---Here are some of the new friends I made while enjoying the beautiful day and great race at Slattery's in Fitchburg --- Dayna (457) was the first person I talked to after registering. She talked about the race, the course and the wonderful things that the funds Slattery's has raised have done for local people.

---Bill I met in the pub later. He had a great race and I found out he's only been running for 5 months. I love to hear stories from the new runners and how they were drawn to this crazy world of running.

---I was waiting to order a glass of replenishing liquid, had my camera and noticed Gina. Hey--you would have done the same. Smiles get me, what can I say.

They Ran Together For A Friend

Digger and a group of friends ran together to show their support for a fellow tri-athlete who had a stroke. He is fighting his way back to competing again, AND, is way ahead of the doctor's projected schedule. "Digger--I'm proud of you and your group and I pray all continues well for the friend you represent. He's got some true friends."

A Race, A Pub, Great People, And A Great Atmosphere

---This is why I like to go to races that are at a pub. Slattery's Pub after the race and food and awards turned into a bunch of people making new friends and enjoying each other's company.

---Peter, Sandy and Keith joined me in a great conversation about this race and others that we have done.

---Kyle, Alison, Caitlin, her dad Andy, and I talked races and family over the cold glasses of carbs that seem to make the conversations even more enjoyable.

---Slattery's Turkey Trot in Fitchburg was everything I hoped it would be and more. Put this high on your list of races for next year and come meet the people that make the day great.

THERE ARE 2 NEW ENTRIES ABOUT THE MILTON, MA GOBBLER 5K---ENJOY

Monday, November 22, 2010

A 5 a.m. Departure To Learn About "Best Buddies"

---I went to Milton, Ma. on November 20th to run a 5k. If you have followed my stories in the blog section of this site, you would know that I like to get to a race 2 hours early. Why??? It's just what I do. The Milton race began at 9 a.m. and I live about 2 hours from Milton. You do the math for my departure time from my house.

---I left my house at 5 a.m., to travel 2 hours to a place I'd never been, to run a race that was for a cause I'd never heard of in my life. Some of you think I'm crazy. Some of you understand. I can honestly tell you, however, if you weren't there you missed a fantasic day, a great race, wonderful people, and most of all, a chance to learn about a very special cause.

---Best Buddies is an organization that helps people with intellectual and developmental disabilities on a "one on one" basis. Right from my arrival I could tell I was amongst a group of warm hearted, loving, caring and hard working people. Everyone that I met that day was a pleasure to be around and dedicated to helping those in need.

---Craig, Kali, and Jake were the main organizers and did a superb job of putting on a great race. Their smiles and warm personalities helped warm the entire day.

---I am now talking to Craig about helping a Best Buddies office in my area to create a 5k. I will put out details as they are developed.

---There are more pictures in my next entry so you can meet some of the people that did make their way to the race on November 20th. Be there next year and experience this great time for yourself.

---In the mean time check out www.bestbuddiesma.org and learn about this great program.

Running With Turkeys And Finding "People" Stories

---I tell people that they should look for their story for the day when they go to a road race. I find many stories before, during and after the race. The race in Milton, Ma. on November 20th was no exception.

---The story you find can come from those that are watching. Steve was helping with the set up of the gym that was being used for registration. He talked humbly about his running back round. As we got to talk, however, I found out that he has run the Boston Marathon and 3 other marathons. That might have some of you hot shot runners beat.

---The story can come from the runners in the race. As you can see I was running with a bunch of turkeys that day. (L-R) Andrea, Maggie, Jill, Mellisa, Frank, Kathy, Ted, and Dan ran with hats looking like a cooked turkey. As we were running, there was talk about Andrea having taken her turkey off and that she should be disqualified for "not being a turkey". The conversation was all in fun, but, they were surprised when I called her out on it at the end of the race.

---The story can come from the volunteers like Dan and Kelsey. Dan works quite a bit with the kids involved in the Best Buddies Program. Kelsey helps and also is a ballet instructor, and the race that day was her 1st race ever. "Congrats" to you Kelsey and "Thanks" to both of you for you giving hearts.

---And, the story can come from the organizers and runners that enjoy a great day and the rewarding feeling that comes from helping others.

---Check out www.bestbuddiesma.org and you'll appreciate their efforts, too.

---Look for your story for the day. It's all around you and waiting for you to find it.

---Next year get to the Milton Globbler 5k and you will find these stories and many of your own. I guarantee it.

THERE ARE 4 ENTRIES FROM THE NOVEMBER 7TH MICKEY WARD RACE IN LOWELL---CHECK THEM ALL OUT

Monday, November 8, 2010

A Little Hard To Find But More Than Worth The Effort

Jim Leary, pictured with me and an old running friend, Jessica, told me on the phone that Molly Kay's Pub was a little hard to find. He also said it would be more than worth the effort. He was right on both counts. Actually, finding the pub wasn't all that hard, but the atmosphere made it a wonderful place to be.

---November 7th was the Team Mickey Ward Annual 5K Race in Lowell, Ma.. Check out www.teammickeywardcharities.com . This year the proceeds went to the widow and 2 kids of Officer P.J. Johnson. The race was well put together by Jim, Jess and all the volunteers. The sun came out and many runners showed up. I was impressed with the great diversity of the group of runners. Everyone seemed to be in the mood for a great race. And nobody was disappointed.

---Steve, me, Mike (serving up a burger), and Neil hovered around the grill making sure everyone got plenty of food to help replenish the body. And there was plenty of bottles and glasses of "pub fare" to replenish the soul and spirit.

---You NEED to put this race on your calender as a "GOT TO RUN" for next year. You, too, will not be disappointed.

They Came To Support A Fallen Comrade's Family

There were many people involved in law enforcement at the Mickey Ward Run this year. There was however a "stand out" group that ran. The Lowell Police Academy cadets and their supervisors/trainers came to the road race on November 7th. I know they go to other races during the year, but, with the funds from this years race going to a fallen officer's widow, it made their appearance just that much more special.

---I've seen different police academies run at these events and I feel seeing them is a great thing to experience. Not only do they run, but, they run with their flag, in a group, running in cadence. For some reason to me it has a very patriotic feel. It makes me proud to see these men and women that have decided to pick a profession that is based upon protecting the rest of us.

---They are pictured here as they approached the finish line to a well deserved round of applause from the crowd.

---Later on I got to chat with Zach and found out that the group is just a short time away from graduation. Be proud of these folks they have earned every one's respect.

The Young Runners Are A Great Group Of People

---When I was in high school long distance running was not exactly the coolest thing. I am 55 now and I love how the world of running has been embraced by the younger generation. To be straight up I'm proud of them all.

---When I first arrived at the Mickey Ward Run in Lowell I talked to Patrick(2644) and his mom, Kathy. She told me of the great running Patrick was doing and she was right. I got a picture of us with Patrick's friend Chad and the a picture of the entire cross country team, including coach Bob.

---As you can see in the middle picture, Patrick did great and receive one of the medals. Chad also received a medal for his performance. And I can proudly say that they both beat me, the world record holder, by 6 plus minutes. "Great job guys. I'm proud of you".

---Tim(2838) and I met each other while running the race. He was looking for his daughter Lindsey(in red). He however was looking in the wrong place. He was looking amongst the crowd of people we were running with. Lindsey, however, was WAAAAAY ahead of us. And she finished WAAAAAY ahead of us, too. Her and her sister Molly are 2 wonderful young ladies and Tim is a proud dad.

---All the sunshine and the people, like these folks, made the 2 hour journey more that worth while. Come and see these young runners next year and you will see someone to be proud of.

They All Kicked My Butt

I don't consider myself a bad runner, however, all but 2 of the people in these pictures crossed the finish line before me.

---I met Shawn and Kevin as we were getting ready for the start of the race. I promised to buy carbs when we were done and as you can see I made sure we replenished ourselves.

--- There are 3 victory medals in the group picture. And I'm sure you can also see I'm not wearing one. Jordon (with an "on"-I got it right Jordon), Andrea, Amber, Alex and me, Alan. As you can also see all our names begin with "A" except for one--right Jordon----Only kidding around.

---Erin and I ran most of the race fairly close together. At one point she started breaking away and I set my sights on finishing ahead of her. Finally I caught up, went by and thought to myself "haha". Typical male mistake right Erin??? Sure enough a quarter mile to go and the finish line in sight and-and-and there she goes past me (probably thinking "haha") and all I saw was her dust. Good job Erin. At least we know how to enjoy the after race celebration.

---And then I met Denny in the food line. Turns out we both knew some of the same people in the running circuit. Little did I know he was sporting one of the medals a bit later for his race performance.
---I hope you noticed that I didn't say which of us came in where in the race!! That's because on my business card it reads "Be proud of YOUR" talent level" and that's what it's all about. I hope you did, also, notice we were all carbo loading and smiling. And that, too, is what it's all about.
---The day was great--The people were great-The race was great. Take the time next year to get down to Mary Kay's Pub for the Team Mickey Ward Run you will enjoy the whole day.

FOR ALL OF YOU THAT HAVE BEEN PATIENTLY WAITING

Thursday, November 4, 2010

The stories and pictures from the 1st Annual Toasted Owl Gives A Hoot 5K are done. Check out all the entries I think you'll enjoy them.

Don't Stop Reading Til You See Us Again

There are 14 entries after this one. Although that may sound like a lot of reading, they are almost all either just photos or photos with short comments. So, after the next entry which explains a little about how the Toasted Owl Gives A Hoot 5k came to be, Keep looking until you see us again. when you do see us again there is a special message just for you. If you were there you will probably see yourself somewhere. ENJOY

4 Together For A Cause

Although none of the 4 of us had ever worked together, we came together as a strong army to help raise money for the Cutchins Programs for Children & Families in the Northampton/Springfield area.

Fred Ghor, owner of Fitzwilly's and the Toasted Owl ( 2 of Northampton's best restaurants-- check their website www.toastedowl.com ) asked me one day about putting on a road race, sponsored by the Toasted Owl, to raise money for a local charity. Having known Fred for years and what a great guy he is, and, me being a runner and running event organizer I thought thought it would be a great idea. Fred looked at the calender and picked Halloween day. Why not???

Fred then did some research and came up with the Cutchins Program www.cutchins.org . Although I had never heard of the program, I was on board because of the excitement of putting together another run. Little did I know that after hearing about the tremendous help they are to kids and families and meeting their ball of fire fund raising director, Dawn(holding the sign), I would be so grateful they were the beneficiaries of our efforts.

We then were joined by Kim, the sweet witch of the northeast. Kim was an amazing wealth of knowledge having helped organize other runs. Her knowledge, spirit and enthusiasm were a blessing.

After only 3 months of prep the run was a tremendous, tremendous success. 200 walkers and runners of ALL different abilities came out. The day was beautiful, the support and volunteers were fantastic, the spirits were high and the race was off. Food, beverages, awards and prizes awaited everyone after the race. Being a very flat course many runners experienced their best times ever and the casual runners got to enjoy a nice Sunday run.

The big winner on the day----The Cutchins Program and all the recipients of their help. It's not just the money that comes from these events that helps a charity, the new public awareness many times is an even greater reward. I believe that is the case with the TOASTED OWL GIVES A HOOT 5K.

There are a bunch of entries full of pictures and short comments to follow so take them all in and, if you were there, you may find I got you on film.

Al And Fred Or Is Fred Al????

Fred told us he had a special costume he was going to wear. He came dress as-----me!!!!! With steel wool held in place with a head band, a www.runningwithaltardy.com shirt, and a CUTE pair of running shorts he made it confusing for people trying to find me because they couldn't tell the difference. I told him I thought he made a better Al Tardy than I did.

For those that have not known me very long you should know that the picture of me with the afro is what I used to look like back a FEW years.

Special Ladies And Friends

Kara (#126) with Nick. These are great friends and Kara has an amazing story you will probably be hearing about on this site in the future. Jill (big smile leading the walkers) manages Brio Academy Of Cosmetology. She not only showed support by walking, but, adonated gift certificates to help with the raffle. Suzanne (#136) is a tremendous marathoner and friend. Look at her smile while the guy behind her is looking like he's hurting.

Three Caped Crusaders And A Lot Of Hair At The Toasted Owl 5K

Melissa, Michelle and I compared hair ideas. Gino, Brett, me, and Aaron discussed their flight plans for the race. Evidently Aaron was so fast I missed him as he flew by me.