Dec. 28, 2018 – Washington Co., WI – Today I completed 24 years, 362 days of not missing a day of running. That’s 9,127 days in a row and run No. 23 of the 25 Runs of Gratitude.
It was not a run this morning; it seemed more like a race.
We started from the doorstep of Albrecht Free Clinic with all three of the Commerce State Bank\United Way Campaign Chairs in attendance. The run started, a lady started with me, I asked her who she was. She responded, “My name is Sue Miller.”
At that point we were passed by my kids Jack and Maddie. Sue said, “I want to run with them” and that was the last I saw of them until we made it back to Albrecht Clinic. It was the shortest interview I have had with a sponsor or United Way agency.
I stupidly tried to stay with the three of them as they sped down Silverbrook Drive. Suddenly, I felt a sharp pain in the back of my left leg and came to the reality that I am a 54-year-old washed-up athlete who shouldn’t try to run with the kids.
I backed off and finished the run with a young firefighter who I am sure could have taken care of me if my leg suddenly didn’t want to cooperate. The back of my leg tightened up a little and I was limping for a while after I cooled down. I came home and rolled it out and I am very confident the streak will continue.
2018 has been a great year for me in terms of injuries, this is probably the worst pain I have encountered this year. It could have been much worse, I am truly blessed. Tomorrow I promised Jack I would run 9 minute 30 second miles.
Today we ran for the Albrecht Free Clinic. The United Way funded program is called Continuation of Care. The program serves uninsured and underinsured county residents with urgent or preventative medical care. They coordinate services for behavioral and specialty medical services and offer case management and education for patients with chronic health conditions. Albrecht works closely with local hospitals and specialty clinics and offers vouchers for services. Washington County is grateful for the Albrecht Free Clinic.
The West Bend Firefighter’s Charities was one of today’s sponsors. Steve Inhof spoke on behalf of the Firefighters. They raise money for many local non-profits and this past year held a golf outing to raise money for Big Brothers/Big Sisters. We were all very honored that the Firefighters chose to sponsor today’s run.
The other sponsor was Commerce State Bank. Commerce and the dynamic trio of Joe, Kevin and Tom are doing a great job chairing this year’s campaign. I do wish one of them would have run with me this morning instead of bringing in the “ringer” Sue Miller.
Saturday, Dec. 29 we run at 9 a.m. for Casa Guadalupe. See you then!
