The Trip Home

Tomorrow I will be running the Holy 10K at Notre Dame. You all know by now that I am one of the world's biggest Fighting Irish fans. Notre Dame happens to be in my hometown of South Bend, Indiana. This will be my second race in South Bend. The first, the Sunburst Half Marathon, was my very first half marathon, with a finish on the 50 yd line in Notre Dame Stadium. This race will run around the charming campus, but not in the stadium.

I have been to South Bend just a few times since I moved when I left for college in 1981. The city was once a vibrant industrial town, with car and tire makers their homes there. Most notably, the old Studebaker plant was there. South Bend was on a decline when I moved. When I have gone back, I see lots of vacancies where business used to be. To be fair, I don't live there, so I don't know what the current business climate is like. I just know what it used to be.

Growing up, I didn't like South Bend. All I wanted to do was leave it - and I did. I found the town boring. I didn't feel like I belonged. I most likely didn't belong.

Now I am going back, and I see things a bit differently. Time has a way of doing that. I will show Mark and Friday places I used to haunt. We'll see the old neighborhood. We will visit the cemetery where my mother and brother are buried. There will be some emotions.

Still this visit is about the race. Originally I was going to run the half marathon, but I am not there yet. I could do it, but it would be physically painful for me. There will be other half marathons. I am hoping to come run it in under 90 minutes. There is a chance of rain - my arch enemy. Most of the runners are Notre Dame students. Who knows, maybe I'll win my age group. HA!

Charlie