Remember the other day when I said something about being a writer? Ha! Riiiiiiiight.
You're already aware of my skill deficit, but I honestly didn't mean for it to be the last thing I wrote for... days.
Anyhew, I'm not dead yet, and it was a nice little holiday weekend for yours truly.
PARLOR CITY TROT
I participated in the 48th annual running of the Parlor City Half Marathon Saturday. Last year was my first time here, and it is perhaps one of my favorite courses. Plus I like the fact that it's just a bunch of people out running together. There are no banners, chip timers, or frills. Although, they did have nice shirts this year, and medals. I didn't get a shirt though, because I waited too long to register. Instead I got a cheaper registration rate (only $30).
There were five of us from my workplace (well, I'm the only one that works there and the other four work out there). Three of them ran together but they're much younger and faster. We did all meet afterward for a post-race beer.
I'd been having some IT band issues, and a couple toes were bothering me, so I was a little nervous about even finishing. Once I got started, though, it ended up okay. I ran with a guy a little older than me for the first five miles. When he took a walk break I picked up the pace a bit and finished around 2:16 (like a 10:20 pace). That's about what I was hoping for. Not my best, but not near as bad as the 15-miler the previous Saturday.
WARREN DUNES
On Sunday we rode along with the Feipel Five to Warren Dunes State Park in Sawyer, MI. It was about a 2 1/2-hour drive to just north of South Bend along the eastern shore of Lake Michigan.
The weather was not the greatest. It was cloudy and sprinkled rain off and on. That greatly helped reduce the crowd size, so it was alright by me. And we had a fun time nonetheless.
We started out by climbing this giant dune apparently named "Old Baldy." Oh my! I thought I was in pretty good shape, but I had to stop a couple times on the way up. I'm not used to walking in such loose sand (plus I could use some hill work!).
The waves were pretty rowdy in the lake, but I think that made it more fun for the kids. They played and played and played, until we left around 4 pm. I know it wasn't the ocean, but it sure seemed like it just lazing on the beach and not being able to see anything but water. Fun times.
LABOR DAY PICNIC
On actual Labor Day we eventually dragged our butts off the couch and went to the annual party/picnic at Headwaters Park here in Fort Wayne. It's put on by several labor organizations and such. There always seems to be a good crowd, and this year was no different. Of course, with free hot dogs, chili, beer (free beer!) and soft drinks... you'd expect it. They also have bouncy houses and games for kids, and bingo.
We both enjoy people-watching, and for some odd reason everyone seems extra friendly at this event. I saw a couple people I know from working downtown. The whole thing has a sort of 'family reunion' vibe to it. Plus the "Fire Jim Banks" posters didn't hurt. :)
You didn't have to be in a union to be there. Which is good because I'm not presently in one -- but I used to be, and the boy is a union organizer. So I felt good about 'supporting the cause,' so to speak.
So, now that this three-day weekend has come and gone... it's back to reality. And reminding myself it's Tuesday instead of Monday.
Onward...
***
Ecclessiastes 3:12-13
"So I concluded there is nothing better than to be happy and enjoy ourselves as long as we can. And people should eat and drink and enjoy the fruits of their labor, for these are gifts from God."
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