7 Days. NO! 6

Fun in Chicago
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It was a HOT day in Chicago today, and I just got home at about 9:30 or so, so I'm just combining the 7 & 6 countdown email.

It's hard for me to run a marathon without getting choked up at least once or twice. Today, I saw one of the cancer charity shirts that got me. Many of them had a gray ribbon printed in memory of someone else. Or a pink one to honor someone who's still alive or a survivor. This shirt had two gray ribbons and a pink one. It said by the gray ribbons, "I'll miss them." Then below, by the pink one, "But this one is for me. 122 days and counting cancer free." As I passed him, I grabbed his shoulder, smiled at him and said "Good for you, man," which was about as much as I could do without getting too emotional. I saw a big scar just below his chin, evidence of his recent surgery. He thanked me, smiling, knowing that his brief story-on-the-back-of-a-shirt had given a positive message.

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Meanwhile, your marathon staff added at least five to its total number of marathons, which I believe is about 500. I'll let you know later this week. The lovely Francine finished her 50th marathon-or-longer race today. Lynne (Volunteer Coordinator), and Rick the pace team guy were also there pacing. Rich Hunefeld (Relay Coordinator) also ran today.

As the 26 mile mark came into view, I saw my first GR Marathon shirt of the day. (It was pretty hot for long sleeves.) I passed and asked "Where did you get that cool shirt?" "Grand Rapids" I introduced myself. She ran up beside me to talk for a minute and went on ahead. She waited for me in the finishing area to talk for a few minutes. I don't remember your name, but you did say you still read my emails. So email back and tell me who your were.

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Ontario 109. Indiana 103. .

Interview to Air on WGVU!
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Friday we recorded an interview with Shelly Irwin, local runner, radio host, and pretty cool person at WGVU, our local NPR station. I was joined in the studio by Steve Kaiser--the head of marketing at Sportwax--our newsletter sponsor.

So, if you're interested, Monday morning, we'll be on somewhere between 9:00 am and 9:30. Frequencies are 88.5 fm/1480 am in Grand Rapids, and 850 am/95.3 fm on the Lakeshore. Give a listen. I can't promise, but you might hear something that inspires you.
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Aside from all the good stuff Chris is doing for the Every Stride 5K, we've got one more little thing. If you run the race wearing your Metro Health Grand Rapids Marathon, kids marathon, or volunteer shirt, we'll put you into a drawing for one of two free entries to our 2009 race!

See you in SEVEN. NO! SIX!

and the adventure continues....

Don Kern
Race Director