Don't know about you...but I don't often have days like yesterday. I'm thinking most of us wouldn't mind more of them.
About 9 months ago I was totally blown away when the Boston-based Goon Squad Runners Club took me into the fold...despite the fact that I live (and run) about three thousand miles away from the organization's base of operations. These folks have some fun running...and other stuff. Beer is a staple. Need I say more?
All day I was anticipating a call from the GSR, which was holding its first annual awards ceremony last night. Word was they wanted to cheer me on, over the phone, to the completion of my 12 in 12 challenge this weekend in Santa Barbara. Said call came just after 5:30pm. It was short...and unexpectedly sweet.
I am the honored recipient of the GSR's first-ever Craziest Goon of the Year award. Has something to do with being, in the estimation of the voters, the "craziest nut case..who runs out of control...does zillions of...races, marathons, ultras, etc." Truth be told, I run with some crazy control. My pacing charts from my Garmin bear that out. I have less control, admittedly, of my "enter" key finger...when it comes to signing up for future races. Five are scheduled for 2010...so far. Rest assured there will be more. And, my running clubmates can count on me to be there for the 2nd annual awards ceremony.
Enough? As if.
Then, just moments after the awards call from Boston, I got an e-mail from upstate New York. My veteran marathon friend, and advocate for all things JELLO, Laura, wanted to make sure I was not going to kill her...for passing my 12 in 12 story on to the PR folks at the Santa Barbara International Marathon. Despite my fairly frequent postings about my running routes and times, I'm really not one to shout a lot about what I'm doing. I know that, for some, the 12 in 12 may seem amazing. I also recognize that there are many...really...other runners who do much more.
About 9 months ago I was totally blown away when the Boston-based Goon Squad Runners Club took me into the fold...despite the fact that I live (and run) about three thousand miles away from the organization's base of operations. These folks have some fun running...and other stuff. Beer is a staple. Need I say more?
All day I was anticipating a call from the GSR, which was holding its first annual awards ceremony last night. Word was they wanted to cheer me on, over the phone, to the completion of my 12 in 12 challenge this weekend in Santa Barbara. Said call came just after 5:30pm. It was short...and unexpectedly sweet.
I am the honored recipient of the GSR's first-ever Craziest Goon of the Year award. Has something to do with being, in the estimation of the voters, the "craziest nut case..who runs out of control...does zillions of...races, marathons, ultras, etc." Truth be told, I run with some crazy control. My pacing charts from my Garmin bear that out. I have less control, admittedly, of my "enter" key finger...when it comes to signing up for future races. Five are scheduled for 2010...so far. Rest assured there will be more. And, my running clubmates can count on me to be there for the 2nd annual awards ceremony.
Enough? As if.
Then, just moments after the awards call from Boston, I got an e-mail from upstate New York. My veteran marathon friend, and advocate for all things JELLO, Laura, wanted to make sure I was not going to kill her...for passing my 12 in 12 story on to the PR folks at the Santa Barbara International Marathon. Despite my fairly frequent postings about my running routes and times, I'm really not one to shout a lot about what I'm doing. I know that, for some, the 12 in 12 may seem amazing. I also recognize that there are many...really...other runners who do much more.
Laura wanted to clear the way for me to meet up with the marathon folks this weekend. And, apparently, a writer there wants to talk to me on Saturday. I am more than happy to do that, especially if it allows me to get the word out that being a back-of-the-pack runner is okay. You elites have no idea what fun we're having back there, while you're having your post-race ice baths, massages and beers.
I have one day of work to do this week, then it's off to Santa Barbara. My motel is a block from the beach and there's a gym in town I can use for jacuzzi purposes before and after the event. I'm going to have dinner Saturday night with my friend Bob, who's coming over from Tokyo to run and my other friend, John, who's from just down the road. Good times about to commence. Crazy.
Gotta run!
14 comments:
Whacko-
We missed you last night, but we look forward to meeting you in person next year! Good luck this weekend!
-Mrs Triage
"I know that, for some, the 12 in 12 may seem amazing."
Don't be so modest. We ALL worship you, in youR almighty running-ness hehe Seriously though, you've accomplished a feat that is worthy of praise. I for one would not have endured this long which is testament of your true love and respect for this sport. Love that pic of you and Laura. Isn't she the best gal ever?
Good luck in SBM, have a blast and bring that final piece of the puzzle - i.e. bling - home. BACK PACKERS REPRESENT!
Michael -- What fantastic news! I LOVE reading about your adventures, and am inspired by what you do. Now if only the Mars people would come through (sigh).
...ALL SMILES for you from Michigan this weekend!
Have a great run in Santa Barbara this weekend, but watch out for that writer! Don't let them twist your words!
I'm a lurker here and on DM, but I just wanted to say that you are such an inspiration. Your 12-in-12 *is* amazing and I can't wait to see what you do next. Congrats on your latest award!!!
WOW!!! i am so happy and proud of of you!!! and YES,your 12 in 12 goal is simply amazing,and something to be heard and inspired about!!
my hats off to you,you crazy head!!!
You are awesome and we love you! Soak up all that good publicity, you deserve it! (Your publicist was sent to you by Atalanta, of cousre!)
Come January, you can start writing your book!
; )
Congrats on both honors!! I am sure that your 12th of the challenge will be great! Best of luck & we will be rooting you on!
Congrats! Both the award and the press are very exciting. :) I'll be thinking of you this weekend and sending you good vibes.
Looking forward to seeing you in just a couple weeks!
As always...good luck and have fun! Muchos love!
Congratulations on your award!
Best of luck this weekend! I can't wait to hear what you have to say to the marathon people.
I am barely able to sleep thinking about your race tomorrow - HOW CAN YOU GET ANY SLEEP? I am sending you good NON-DOO-DOO vibes....run like the wind. (and enjoy every moment, even the hard ones!)
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