The 22nd Annual Hospital Hill Run/Walk was completed yesterday. Another good turnout. We had 159 people, including walkers and runners. 2 years prior to the start of this race, I created a 5k run in Clear Lake, and did this for 2 years. Sarah and I did outreach in Clear Lake when we first came to Watertown. It was a good way to get the community there together. They then got their own full time physician, and we no longer went there, so I brought the race idea to Watertown. Originally, I was told it would never be successful. The hospital used to have a walk they did, and all T-shirts were just given away, and no charge was done. After a few short years, this was no longer feasible, and it had stopped for years. When I decided to create one, I was told that nobody would come because we were charging a fee. My thing was, if you created the incentive, kept the cost as low as possible, and people had fun, they would keep coming back. I was given the opportunity to try it one year and see how it went. Well, apparently it went well, because it has not stopped since. I wanted some “catch appeal” to attract people to come. Finishing at the top of the hill was my idea of creating that. I got a lot of grief to start off with this. I was told it would get people hurt, that the hill was too tough that nobody would want to do it. There is no question it is tough, but to me, that is also the appeal of the event. It makes us stand out from all other races. People have suggested we run down the hill, not finish at the top. I could just see people rolling down the hill at the beginning, and for sure getting hurt. When we finish at the top, I have never had to have a photo finish for results! Many other races in town have taken off following this as well. I also wanted it as a means to attract the kids to come. I wanted to promote exercise, and have them encouraged to get out and be responsible for their health, and stay active. Kids 10 and under are free, and get medals for participating. We have multiple bracketed age group categories from 10 up to 29 to encourage as many younger people as we can. Our categories also go to 60 and over because I want everyone to feel like they can participate, whether running, or walking. Many changes have evolved over the years, both from compliments, and critique of the event. There is no perfect race, but we listen and try to make adjustments. I have found also that is it impossible to please everyone, but the one specific area I refuse to bend on is I want everyone to feel like they can participate, and really encourage the kids to get involved. My kids had been my helpers all the years they were growing up. They looked forward to the race as much as everybody else. Now they are old enough to run, and keep coming back as much as possible. That makes me feel good!
There are always instructions prior to the race. SAFETY comes first. We try as much as possible to have police, ham radio operators, spotters out on the course, and in the race (Tom, Sarah, and I) to make sure everyone is safe. We want everybody to achieve a goal they are working for, but to be safe, and have fun with it! That too will never change!
I love seeing parents out there with there kids, whether running, walking, or pushing in strollers. They are setting the tone for their kids future activities. I strongly believe in that, and Sarah and I always did it with out kids as well. Jenn and Owen McElroy are great examples today running with their girls all of the time.
The look on Gracie’s face every time she is out running, and coming to the finish line, motivates everybody. She is working incredibly hard, and is always smiling! Way to go Gracie! You show us how it is done, and that you can have fun with this as well.
LeeAnn was out with Liam, and they ran the mile course. Here they are smiling at the end. Run a mile, and show that smile! The best way to teach is to lead by example! Way to go!
Here is one of my twin daughters Molly coming in at finish line. She is on the right. She will be 24 this September. But the ones finishing next to her was how it was 20 + years ago for us. We would be pushing them in our Burley, out running, walking, or biking with them. I love seeing this. Keep it up as you are setting the tone for a lifetime.
This is Tanner, Molly’s fiancée. Smiling coming to the finish line. Welcome to the family Tanner. I told him if he wants to be part of this family, he has to run! Ha! I am both serious, and kidding. I want them to be healthy, and take care of themselves, and then later when grandkids come, they can lead by example too. Grandma and Grandpa will be right there with them too! I can’t wait!!!
This year was again a success. We conquered the hill! It is a challenge. It is a great way to describe life. We all face uphill challenges, and they can get tougher as well too, but they can be conquered. We become stronger because of it. We can look back at all of the memories over the years, and can have our own horror stories to tell, and all the good times as well. Thanks again to everybody coming out. A lot of work goes into this event, and I have a great team now, and we all have our own specific tasks. It is very efficient now. Thank you to all of the people on the Hospital Hill Committee. Thanks to all of the sponsors as well so we can keep costs down, and still make a donation to the Caring Club House. As long as people keep coming, we will keep having it. Spread the word. Show up for a good time, and a challenge. If you can do this, you can take on anything. Believe in your abilities. The weather may not always cooperate. Your schedule may not always cooperate. You have to make an effort, and something new can be achieved and appreciated with each year. Keep on moving everybody!
Dr. Dan
Consecutive Exercise Day #: 3896
