OK, let me get the disclaimer out of the way right up front...because my wife said I had to: Girls on the Run is a fine organization full of wonderful people accomplishing fantastic goals.
Then why do they hate me so much!?!
Let me explain. No there is too much. Let me sum up.
So, if you have a really good memory, you'll remember WAY back in June of 2009, I ran my last Girls on the Run 5k, right here in Corvallis. Yeah, that was the race that didn't have a volunteer or a marking at the turnaround, causing about the first 50 runners to cover an extra 1.2 miles. Yeah, I wasn't happy about that.
Then, in the 2011 Girls on the Run 5k, just a few weeks ago, I ran what can only be termed an uninspired and unmemorable race, but, and this is the important part, I did indeed RUN.
So, you might ask, why then, are you not listed among the 500 runners in the results?
Well, that's a good question, isn't it?
I believe it's because Girls on the Run organization hates me for some reason. Hey, I'm a nice guy! What's the deal?
In case you were wondering, I finished 14th, about two seconds after Mr. Williams, my son's old fifth grade teacher. Go ahead, just write my name in there. In pen.
Why does it matter, you ask? It was just a small 5k, with very few speedy runners entered, and for a charitable cause, to boot.
Hey, I'm a runner. It just matters.
I get it. Girls on the run is not perfect.. Thanks for the info. You didn't mention all the wonderful things they do directing lives in a positive direction. But I forgot...this is all about you...
ReplyDeleteWell...it's my blog.
ReplyDeleteOf course, it's all about me. Who else would it be about?
I really like following your blog as it it's fun and interesting, but this post just makes me sad...and a little embarrassed for you. It sounds like there are some flaws in race coordination, but it is a race for little girls to boost their self esteem and self worth. I'd remove this post as it doesn't paint your heart and spirit in a very good light. Love your other posts.
ReplyDeleteJeez, don't be embarrassed for me - I can handle that on my own.
ReplyDeleteAs for deleting the post: nah, I don't think so.
First, it was meant with tongue pretty firmly in cheek. Perhaps it's not being read that way. That's my fault as a writer - perhaps I'll use a few emoticons next time.
In the end though, I run races and I comment on them in my blog. Good and bad. Is the Girls on the Run a great organization? Sure. But 90% of the races on my schedule are run as benefits for great organizations. Does that mean I can't criticize the race organization for any of those races?
I'll never say anything that isn't true, but I'm not going to lie just to make a race sound better than it is in reality.
Thanks for reading!
Thanks for the touhgtful response. Keep on running!
ReplyDelete