Runners have races that are special to them. Whether it be Boston, New York, Chicago, Western States, or a particular 5K you love, there are races each one of us holds special. For me, my most special race was the Sunburst Half Marathon in South Bend, IN. Finishing on the 50 yard line at Notre Dame Stadium is still one of my most favorite moments.
I anticipate this race will become special for me. I've stated it previously, and I want to say it again. This race means the world for me to run. A year ago, I was in the hospital recovering from my heart attack. I was scared how life would proceed. I was so afraid I wouldn't run again. The doctor probably got tired of me asking when I could run again.
Bill Kirkendall, President of RSG knows how badly I wanted this. He came to my store shortly after we opened in March, and he asked me what he could do to help me. One of the things I told him was I wanted to realize my dream to run Hood to Coast. He told me there would be a way for my dream to be realized.
For those who don't know, a contest was held among all the RSG stores, and the top 6 managers who exceeded their goals by the most won a spot on the HTC team. My store was #1!!! My Assistant Manager, Josh and I had a deal. I would help him get his bonus, if he helped me get to HTC. Done!
Now, was we are under 20 days until the race, I am running well, studying the maps of my legs, watching any video I can find on the race, and mentally preparing myself for what's coming. It's also important to take stock of the special nature of this race. 197 miles, 12 people on a team, all trying to get from Mt. Hood to the Pacific Ocean. I will run the most miles on my team. While I'm a bit nervous about that, all I can think of is how special running through Oregon is going to be.
Are my expectations high? Yes! But Hood to Coast set this bar by creating something unique and wonderful for thousands of people to enjoy each year.
19 days and counting....this is going to be special.
Charlie
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