1st Annual Memorial Day Trail Run for Vets

Hey Gang,

Okay, I realize this is incredibly short notice, yet when inspiration comes, I just gotta trust it and go with it. In the midst of my daughters recent wedding (last Monday) and following reception on Friday, along with juggling several other balls, I failed to realize that Memorial Day is next weekend; I thought it was in two weeks. So, again, I apologize for the short notice. Many of you may have plans or may be attending the Indy 500, so I understand if you cannot participate. If you can't make it out to Eagle Creek, you can still be a part of this special event. More on that in a moment.

Each Memorial Day, I do my best to remind folks to truly take a moment and reflect on why many Americans have a long weekend and get to enjoy a couple days filled with sleeping in, cookouts, wiffle ball, sipping a few cold and frosty beverages, watching/listening to the Indy 500 and spending some leisure time with family. It's due to the sacrifices of the men and women of the U.S. Armed Services and those who made the ultimate sacrifice of dying while serving. Whether you are one who agrees with war and our nations history of wars is not a part of the equation. The fact remains that we enjoy our liberties, our freedoms, and our rights due to the sacrifices of those who have served our nation and died. This year, I could think of no better way to remember and honor those who gave their life than to host a trail run with the proceeds going to the Disabled American Veterans Charitable Service Trust.

The First Annual, BTWG Memorial Day Trail Run for Vets.

What: A trail run along a (approx.) 5 mile loop around Eagle Creek Park. The pace will be moderate, so don't feel like you have to be Speedy Gonzales to keep up. No one will be left behind and you shouldn't feel like you will hold anyone up. For those familiar with the route, if you want to crank it, go for it! Otherwise, it's all about participating in a worthy cause, getting outside, and being with friends for some fun, fitness, and reflection.

If anyone is interested in doing a power hike rather than run, post your comments here and let's see if we can put something together!

Where: Eagle Creek Park. Peace Learning Center/Peace Through Yoga

When: Sunday, May 24 8:00-11:00a.m. Please arrive early as we will be departing for lap 1 at 8am sharp!

How Much? I am asking a minimum donation of $25 per runner. This is a no frills run in order to keep the expenses down and allow the donations to go to charity. Feel free to give more. Better yet, tell others what you are doing and ask for contributions to support your adventure or invite them to run with us!

Why: Along with sharing in the fun, fitness, and fellowship, you will be helping to raise money for a great charity which happens to be one of the highest rated charities for veterans, the DAV Charitable Service Trust. From their web site:

"The DAV Charitable Service Trust supports physical and psychological rehabilitation programs, meets the special needs of veterans with specific disabilities – such as amputation and blindness – and aids and shelters homeless veterans."

I've looked to get behind a veterans charity for some time and feel this group is a good fit with BTWG. In many ways, we will be running for those who cannot and perhaps help motivate those with injuries to resume a lifestyle of health, fitness, and well-being within the context of their challenges.

To learn more, please visit: www.cst.dav.org.

How Far? The original route is around 4.9 miles. However, due to all the rain this spring, we have to take a detour which adds a little to the loop. I'm guessing it to be right at 5 miles. Here are you options.

• Lap 1 departs at 8am. Go out with the 8am runners and do one lap. We should be back to the start/finish right at 9am where we can grab some fuel, refill water bottles, etc. and be ready for lap 2. Lap 1 usually starts pretty slow and the pace may increase slightly.
  
• Lap 2 departs shortly after 9am. If you want to sleep in a little, come out and join us for the second lap; some folks from lap 1 will stick around for this one as well. The pace will be about the same as lap 1.
  
• Lap 3 departs shortly after 10am. A handful may be up for the full 15 miles, others may want to join in for just one lap, our final loop around the park. For those who feel they are slow and don't want to hold anything up - this is YOUR lap. By this point the pace should be the slowest of the 3.

What to bring: Along with your donations, bring the appropriate gear/clothing, as well as any water, snacks, fuel, and post run goodies you might need or want to share.

As always, I may have a few surprises up my sleeve for this event, though trust me, it won't be anything that makes the run more challenging; it might make it worth your while to attend...

Email me with any questions and please let me know if you plan to participate and include what time you plan to join in and how far you plan to go. Also, I am open to other suggestions and ideas which might make this special event even more special. chris-roche@comcast.net.

Peace,
Chris