A Runner's Christmas

Its not just a open road race . Its a day of history because its when the past , present , and future runners gather for a morning of runnig and resurecting the distance runner.

I have come to find content in no longer getting up on Saturdays mornings to run for the red and gray of Bristol High. Joining the Warriors coaching staff has become a very profilling part of my life. I have watched as boys have become productive and respectable young men. The greatest part of my coaching career thus far is having my legs , body , and mind to teach running.

Athletes yen to put on a football jersey , a basketball uniform , a baseball jersey , or any other major sports' uniform one last time ... some do and some don't. Every second Saturday in September a runner can take a run down memory lane. Thanks to Coach John Mundy of Holy Ghost ... runners can train long and hard over the Summer to entertain the locals for another time.

The preperation for this one day means alot to me . I am able to understand and appreciate the fact I still have my health and the strength to run 6-12 miles during the Spring and Summer months. I love losing myself in a long distance run on a Saturday afternoon or after church on Sunday . Losing the feeling in my legs unleashes the determination that comes from within. A distance runner always looks to finish what is started. A pain from the previous day is used as adrenaline for the next run.

The Mill Street run has been a very eye opening ride. I started as a freshmen coming in 60th place ... In my sophmore year I finished 55th . As I started to understand the art of running , my preperation and determination led to a 5th place finish in my Junior year... this did lead to a mediocre finish in the district meet , but it only became a building block to finish my Warrior career. My final Mill Street run in a Warriors uniform came with a 14th place finish. I was looking forward to winning the race , and upsetting Holy Ghost . I didn't win the race , but I made it a priority to improve and make an impact in every race I ran in. I came back after graduating from Bristol High , but little training and no desire only led to a 52nd finish. I was lost and found myself losing my touch as a runner. I did not want to quit by any means , so the next Summer I trained long and hard to get back what I wanted ... I challenged myself and worked on coming back to full form. I finished 17th overall and found myself enjoying running again.

This year is a very important year for me because I feel last year's Mill Street run has an * next to it . Running in October instead of September is like a lockout in any major sport. There is half the determination and desire to participate. My body endured the run , but there was little desire to win the race . I came in 17th place and that will never change , but I do wish to win one Mill Street run before I hang up the cross-trainers for good. The rain has abbreviated my workout leading to the big run , but I continue to keep my mind and body focused on the task at hand . What ever happens ... I can keep my head held high because I run the races with dignaty and respect for this sport.

There is no better feeling then getting up for my Warriors during their running seasons. I have grown into a more positve individual , as I can now pass my knowledge of running upon a runner willing to put it all on the line for our brand. I appreciate the privledge Coach Jones and Coach Mcginn have cast upon me ... an oppurtunity to coach and share the triumph of a rich a rich running tradition. And for that I am most appriecative.

The Mill Street run is why I run Saturday afternoons after work in the off-season. I take it all in on a Sunday morning after church ... thanking God that I still have feeling in my legs and my mind ... the spirit to cope through life. Running will always be apart of my life because there is no feeling of rejuvinating the body as it feels tired and strained. Everything becomes understandable and positive once I take all my feeling out through the pounding of the pavement , as I pump my arms and legs to finish every run. Running has made me apprciate my life and those I share it with.

The Mill Street Run is a holiday for runners because each and every year runners gather to share , learn , and teach one another the art of running . Its a celebration of what once happened , what can happen . and what is to come with the discovery of desire.