If you read the web site last week you would have read this paragraph.

“As our journey continues friendships are developing and bonds are being formed.  Each year I love to watch this happen.  This is the most important thing that takes place in our group.  Until 10-10-10 we will strive to reach our destination.  For the rest of our life we will remember the journey.”

I believe every word of that.  For the remaining months we must work to get stronger.  We must overcome all obstacles that the enemy puts in front of us.  What we must concentrate on is being ready.  On 10-10-10 we must be able to look the enemy in the eye and show no fear.  We must show only the strength we have built.  Only then will our journey come to a successful conclusion.   During the race all you will think about is crossing the finish line, when you do you will feel like you’re on top of the world.  That feeling will last the rest of that day and many days to follow, but years from then what you will remember will be the journey?  Next week I will repeat a story about the first men to stand on top of the world.

Some important announcements:

On Thursday, August 19, we will have a mid season party at Bartolini’s.  The cost is $10.00 person ticket must be purchased in advance.  I will be collecting after the runs the next couple weeks.  Cara is kicking that is keeping the cost low.  And our newest sponsor Sam Adams will provide the beer.  Check the website for details.

On Monday, August 23, after the Monday run from the store, Carey Pinkowski will be at Running for Kicks to give a talk about the coming marathon and some changes from past years.  Mel has room for about 80 runners.  We are trying to get an idea of how many runners would like to attend.  We may need a rsvp system.

I must admit my mind last week was more on serving breakfast for you after your run then on your run.  It was a cut back week and after watching you the first five weeks of the training I knew the enemy would be no match for you today.  Next week on the other hand you better bring you’re A-game.  I know the enemy will bring his.

Before I talk about breakfast I need to give credit to Bert and Carleen who with the absence of Fran and Don stepped up and led their group.  I hear they did a great job.  Thank you ladies.

With the help of many, Astronaut eggs were a huge success.  Once again much of my family played a large role in putting it all together.  Most of the equipment we used belonged to my brothers.  My wife and daughters worked hard in helping get things prepared and in the right place at the right time.  Paul was at his usual station frying the bacon.  X-Man played very large in helping deliver the equipment along with helping many of you cook their eggs. 7-Eleven made our job easier with the coffee they provided.  Chris Bartolini showed up with French toast and his world famous hash browns.  Wait until you see what we are working on for next year.  While I was still eating, Sue Wiora and Lisa Gordon started cleaning up and loading the trucks. 

As is often the case we get help form unexpected places.  This year was no exception.  As she was warming up, Pena experienced some leg issues and decide to rest it.  I am not happy she is dealing with a muscle problem and hopefully she will get this worked out soon but let me tell you how she dealt with it.  She did not whine, complain or cry.  She offered to help in anyway.  We put her to work immediately.  She worked so conscientiously I’m not sure we can do with out her next year.  I told her next year I would step on her foot just before the run so wouldn’t be able to run and have to help.     

As our journey continues friendships are developing and bonds are being formed.  Each year I love to watch this happen.  This is the most important thing that takes place in our group.  Until 10-10-10 we will strive to reach our destination.  For the rest of our life we will remember the journey.

Don’t forget to click on the pictures on the home page for short profiles.

Stay smart, stay strong.  I’ll see you on Saturday.

Again I warn you to watch out for the enemy. Like I said he can be anywhere, anytime.  He caught me with me guard down at US Cellular Field and it may cost me this marathon.  I MAY have lost the battle but I assure you I won’t loose the war.  I am down but there are too many hands reaching down to pick me up to stay down. We only loose if we allow ourselves to.  I will finish another marathon before I’m through.  It just may not be in 2010.

In running just like in life, things can happen that are out of our control.  We do what we can, prepare the best we can and see what happens.  Every year since my first marathon in 1999 I have seen many runners who, through no fault of their own, were unable to line up on race day.  My heart always goes out to them. Many times I was not sure if I should start a race because of some nagging injury so I know what they felt like.  If I can’t join you in battle on 10-10-10 it is my hope that ALL of you start and ALL of you finish.

At this time it is not clear whether I will join in on 10-10-10.  There is NO DOUBT I will join you for Astronaut Eggs on Saturday, July 17.  Bring your $5.00 and a dry shirt to put on after your run.  That will help your name tag stay on.

The weather was less then ideal for our run on Saturday but it was better then it has been.  We’re not going to dwell on weather.  It is what it is and we have no idea what it will be on 10-10-10.  We will line up and race no matter the conditions; we will be trained for anything.  On Saturday 7-10-2010 even the novice distance will reach double digits.  The novices will get to cross Harlem Ave, a milestone in our training.

Attendance was a little low with the holiday but around where I expected.  It does not matter where you do your miles as long as you do them.  Attendance was also low at Tinley Park’s 5k on Sunday.  The runners that were there did very well. Too many of our friends won trophys to list but if I did it right you should be able to look up the results. http://www.theracershub.com/results_view.php?id=953&result_type=db . 
The pancakes, coffee and treats were well received by the Yankee runners and friends.  It was nice to spend a few minutes with some old and new friends.

I hope everybody enjoyed the holiday.  I also hope you realized the price that has been and continues to be paid for the freedoms that allow us to celebrate not only this holiday but every holiday.