the Globe

Yesterday was Global Running Day.

The date actually changes, as it really is the first Wednesday of June. 

This is my third year in participating in this event. Each one is just kind of a cluster. 

Sometimes it is weather. Sometimes (always, so far) it's the inability to stay on schedule. 

This year it was definitely crowd control. 

I couldn't venture to say how many people were there. The first year it was about 900, last year 300. It was closer to the former this year. And a lot more who didn't / couldn't make it. 

Door to door it should be 20 minutes for me. Try almost 70 yesterday. Half waiting to get off the off ramp. And then the inability to partk. 

When we actually ran and 90 minutes later (and 30 minutes late), there were STILL cars lined up on the off ramp, both east and west bound. 

The race is untimed, though I'd venture to guess every seasoned runner timed themself. I did. And in theory I had a new PR, but I don't count it, because no one else is. 

Oh, that "PR" is no small feat. It was 95°F and the haze (and smell) from the Canadian wildfires were heavy in the air. The walk from my car to the run, I coughed the entire journey. 

There was heavy turnout from both my running groups. That was weird, so it turns out trying to split my time meant I really hung out with none of them - though I did find time for my running wife. So, that was fun. 

I wasn't really paying attention when they gave out medals. They hadn't in the past, but it was a nice gesture.  I was halfway back to my car when I realized it was a medal from a St. Patrick's race that didn't happen last March due to severe thunderstorms. So, I'm in possession of a medal for a race I did not run. 

I know they were being nice with the gesture. But what they were really doing was trying to off-load all the bling they couldn't get rid of three months ago. I won't be keeping the medal. I didn't earn it. And in my dotage, I might be questioning whether I had run that race. 

Still, I went out with my peeps - and behind one woman who I do not think has showered in 2025 - and ran my second 3.1 miles of the day. I ran the same amount before dawn. And today, I'll be adding another 5. 

For all my kvetching about the event, I am extremely appreciative I get to participate in this event - that my legs, feet and hips still move me forward. 

Oh yeah, I've gone back to the porn stache for a while. 

Song by: Big Audio Dynamite