As we made it down the home stretch, a dark and stormy cloud hovered above the Inclined Plane. Cyclones of leaves scattered about our Subaru. My 2-year-old was asking her approximate 400th question of the 8+ hour trip as we attempted to out race the rain. Our 5-month-old was fast asleep. She could sleep through the apocalypse.
Without any discussion or strategy, my wife and I did a luggage run for the ages once the car was parked. We cautioned our 2-year-old to position herself on the porch and cheer us on. Mom and Dad participated in a parent's CrossFit workout that included sprinting, scaling, tossing, passing, yelling, and laughing. My awake daughter found this event to be initially entertaining and then a bit scary. The wind swirled wildly as we ended vacation in chaos and as champions. Our smallest vacationer yawned her way back to Johnstown, oblivious to what had just transpired. The rain fell and all was well.
While it was an ominous view, it was a fitting way to return to our hometown. On the Saturday that we left Johnstown, it was sunny and bright. My 2-year-old athlete competed in an American Ninja Warrior inspired obstacle course at Stackhouse Park before braving the beach. The annual Stackhouse Jamboree is a celebration of forest, family, and fun. My daughter made a book marker, had some watermelon, crafted a necklace, and gained ninja status. A special thanks to the volunteers who helped me burn off a 2-year-old's energy before that long drive south.
There is still a thrill when it comes to the beach. As a kid, I welcomed the waves. As a Dad, I crash harder than the waves. Most of this past week's beach nights, I welcomed going to bed at the same time as my daughters. On some mornings, I ran out the door before the girls and the sun arose.
Running has evolved into a personal escape and challenge. Running through a coastal community and on to the sand, I was able to soak in the rising sun and my many blessings. I try to keep a steady pace while my thoughts sometimes run wilder than those Johnstown leaves being thrashed in the storm. Ultimately, I try to stick to this thought when I complete a run: I'm healthy. I'm thankful.
My beach runs were the diving board into Johnstown's end of summer /beginning of autumn running calendar. I hope to participate in as many races as I can, supporting local causes and my Dad body. Here are some of the runs:
Jim Mayer Trail Family Fun Run
On Saturday, September 9th, runners will be lined up near this Stonycreek River trail. It is a part of the Cambria County Trail Series, which supports the development of our local trail system. I signed up for this 5K event online and hope the community gets out there and crowds the trail.
Conemaugh Que Classic
"The Que" as many have come to coin it, is an awesome autumn event. Held on Summer's Best 2 Weeks property in Hollsopple every year, there will be a lot of coming and going on Saturday, September 30th this fall. There is a 5K, 10K, and a Kids Fun Run. I do the 5K run every year. My time keeps getting worse and the cinnamon bun at the end keeps tasting better.
Race, Rock, and Rise
Bottle Works is bringing back the city's marathon - new route, new marketing strategy, and hopefully a new crop of runners. On Saturday, October 7th, there will be a full marathon, half marathon, and marathon relay in the Johnstown streets. The "Rock" part of the event is live music that should bolster the celebration. I'm currently attempting to build a relay team. Years ago, I was part of a victorious Johnstown Marathon relay team. Maybe, just maybe, we will rise up again. Or, I'll just go to bed early with my daughters and not really care if our team wins. Advanced thanks to Bottle Works for reviving this run.
American Red Cross Vampire 5K
On Saturday, October 21st, it will be a bloody good time. Dracula might be running down Jari Drive in Richland. I have never done this event, but plan on being there this Halloween season. Costumes are encouraged. Despite the theme, biting other runners is prohibited. All proceeds go to support our local Red Cross.
Morley's Run
For the 6th straight autumn, the Johnstown community will support Morley, a deceased dog, by running. It's not really for the pooch, but it makes for a great race shirt. The 10-mile and 5-mile event supports The Tribune-Democrat Newspaper In Education Program. This year's run is on Saturday, November 4th. In my Morley's Run career, I have run through sun, rain, snow, and rain/snow. Brave whatever the weather and lace up for this excellent Johnstown race.
Summer will be over soon and many of us will ask, "Where did the summer go?" Before it ends, take a look around you and find a blessing. Sign up for a race. Support the community.
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