Busy weekend for walking/running. DASH–the program by the Watertown Police Department–an acronym for Drug Free, Alcohol Free, Safe and Healthy–had a 5K Walk/Run Friday night, and then a Half Marathon around Lake Kampeska Saturday morning. We had a really good turnout, even though the weather was very cold! Saturday was good for a runner, but not for those working it and standing outside and waiting. Here we are Friday night trying to stay warm before the race starts! Many people have helped organize this event: Jill, Owen, Jenn, Tim, Cheri, Jason, Michelle, Sarah, Megan, Ryan, Greg, Natasha, and me. (I am sorry if I left anybody out!). Of course, there is no way we could have done this event without all of the other people volunteering, including many groups and organizations helping to volunteer. Thanks to all of you!
Friday night was especially nice to see. Girls on the run, a group promoting running and fitness for girls, was there in force. For many of these kids, this was their first running race. That is especially what we like to see. These girls, and kids in general, getting out and participating in healthy lifestyle practices. It is tough to run, and they all stuck through it and did great!
Here is Jill with a group of them getting ready to run!
Then Saturday morning was the start of the Half Marathon, 13.1 miles, starting at 7AM. It was touch and go those few hours prior when we were setting up. Wind was strong, and raining, but then calmed down in time for the race. It was pretty when the rain stopped…
It held off again until the race was done so everybody was able to get in. Smiles, jumps for joy, tears…all emotions when you cross that finish line for a Half Marathon. Not everybody can do this. You have to put some work in for this race!
And once again, those volunteers with water stations, cheering stations…Here are Tom and Sue, just to name one of the groups…we could not have done this without you! Thank you all for giving up part of your Saturday morning to help with this great event. Hope to see you all again next year. Stay healthy. Strive to Survive! Keep moving everybody!
Dr. Dan
Consecutive Exercise Day on New Streak: # 1148
