Another wonderful Woodruff 5K
As most of you out there would agree, family is permitted to talk about family. Of course, it鈥檚 up to the listener whether he or she cares to pay attention or not.
So, with that caveat broached, I鈥檓 going to talk about how Mary Louise Downey鈥檚 grandchildren (my nephews and niece) performed in the 32nd Woodruff 5K Run/Walk last Wednesday.
(Actually, I鈥檓 going to laud a lot of my nephews and nieces, her grandsons and granddaughters, so I ask for your indulgence.)
The Woodruff is a special 5K for me. It was the very first 5K I participated in, starting in 1989. The course is demanding and unique, especially for first-timers, but take the proper approach and a successful finish is within reach.
After the busy day I had leading into the race, I now have an appreciation for all those who put in a long shift at work and then transition into competition mode. I was dutifully serving my call to jury duty that day, so a late departure coupled with the road work on 119 altered my usual 鈥淲oodruff day鈥� routine of lazing around the house, eating a mid-afternoon meal and listening to 鈥淩ocky鈥檚 Greatest Hits鈥� before the race.
(I know, I know, pretty cheesy. You listen to your music, I鈥檒l listen to mine.)
The Lohr kids actually showed up in plenty of time, donning this year鈥檚 tie-dye 鈥渢eam鈥� shirts, the 鈥淩ace Rockerz.鈥� They are unique productions, to say the least.
Brian, the eldest, was running, but the middle child Jason decided to walk and the youngest Emily opted to run for the first time. Uncle Jim was walking again because he knows better than to try to run that course.
The Woodruff has a special feel about it and, not to put words in others鈥� mouths, I think most who run or walk the race would agree. The rain held off during the race, so Father Bob Lubic鈥檚 pre-race prayer was heard and answered.
Brian, Emily, and 363 other runners toed the line. Since the race is self-seeded, a lot of folks who really shouldn鈥檛 be at the head of the line are, meaning a lot of bobbing and weaving for those plan on finishing the race under 20 minutes.
Two minutes later, Jason, I and the other 111 walkers were given the command and off we went, especially Jason, three days from celebrating his 18th birthday, and Jaime Brooks. I lost them as they hit the maze of runners ahead.
I was pleased with myself as I approached the track, spurred on by Gloria Antoon鈥檚 hard charge to the finish, as I heard Kevin Harrison鈥檚 announcement that the first walker was approaching the finish. It鈥檚 always a good feeling to be on the same lap as the winner.
I crossed the finish line and witenessed Jon Guth and Jason Black talking to my nephew, meaning he was the aforementioned first walker! And, from accounts, he did it with proper form and style as he finished in 32:44.
Things are rarely simple in our lives, though, but the patient, good folks of SERJ (namely the 鈥淓鈥� of SERJ) straightened out misidentified bib numbers to the destruction of a tree or two.
Brian, despite a busy work and class schedule, was within range of past runs with his time of 21:42. That was good enough to be the second fastest 23-year-old male in the run. Emily, looking for a different challenge, ran most of the 3.1-mile course, finishing in 33:17.
And what became of Uncle Jim? Well, the 鈥渟enior鈥� member of the Race Rockerz was fourth in a decent time considering his age, 35:29. I looked back at past races and that鈥檚 been around my time, so that means I鈥檓 not getting slower as my pull on gravity increases over the past few years, but it also means I鈥檓 not getting any faster, either.
My dad, who passed away in 1999, truly enjoyed hearing about the Woodruff. Before illness robbed him of his sight and mobility, Dad ambled down to the Presbyterian Church and found a step to watch all the runners and walkers go by in the first mile. When he no longer was able to make his way down to the church steps, I鈥檇 return home and describe all the wonderful details. I was thinking how he would鈥檝e enjoyed hearing of his grandchildren鈥檚 races and handling the big trophy Jason聽received for his efforts.
As for nephews and nieces and grandchildren of others, finishing a 3.1-mile walk or run is a special feat. I think it鈥檚 accomplished so often we lose sight of just what an accomplishment that is. And, with the neighbors in the South Side and South Connellsville who live along the course offering their encouragement, it鈥檚 a really cool experience. An experience many relish and look forward to enjoying year after year.
It was wonderful to see so many young runners in the field. The youth of today are the veterans of tomorrow and I know a lot of what was has been, has passed by or is in danger of going by the wayside without the youngsters stepping in and participating with their legs, talents, time and hearts.
The 2016 race promises to be special, indeed, because it鈥檚 the 80th anniversary of John Woodruff鈥檚 remarkable gold-medal run in the 800 meters at the Berlin Olympics. This year鈥檚 race was just days after Mr. Woodruff鈥檚 100th birthday, but I imagine the race organizers have a race to remember in store.
There鈥檚 plenty of time to get those muscles toned and heart and lungs in shape, so plan on joining Uncle Jim and the kids next July!