At first I thought that it was a bit daffy for a beginning over-the-hill jogger to pay $35 (yikes! late entry fee) to 'run a race' (my code phrase for try to jog 6.2 miles consecutively). Having an event isn't so much a way to compete as it is a way to make myself go to the gym for aerobics class or put on a pair of shoes and run up to the store and back - I did, after all, spend $35 to expose myself in front of an electical timing device which will dutifully and coldly proclaim both my age and slowness - let's try to minimize the awfull humilitation, shall we?

Yup, back of the pack - asolutely no human interest, no sporting glory, not even a knowledge of how races are run (or how to run a race). But the volunteers! They were marvelous in their dedication and support. I was directed, explained, and encouraged with a respect for someone who is, well, a winner - at least in the  broader and more humanistic sense of the word. And for those wonderful people I want to say 'Thank You' from the bottom of my heart - $35,000 dollars (let alone $35) can't even begin to buy that kind of support and human kindness.