06/11/2020 - The Citadel - Virtual Torch Run Club

AO: The Citadel

When: 06/11/2020

PAX:

Number of Pax: 13

Pax Names: Bob Ross, Brick, Cataracts, Fargo, Mayhem, Nala, Parks and Rec, Pork Rinds, The Mullet, Trailer Park,

DR Names:

Number of FNGS: 0

FNG Names: Ten Pin, Samsonite

QIC: Cataracts


Introduction

Wednesday eve rolled around, and with no official Q for the Citadel Run Club, Nala was getting kinda threatening. Since Thursday was to be in honor of Special Olympics Illinois, and my son had been a Special Olympian for years, I was honored to pick up the glove.

 

Warm-O-Rama

Very basic warm up:

15 Tappy Taps

15 Abe Vegodas

10 second Quad stretch each leg…

The Thang

The One and Only…Virtual Torch Run

The Law Enforcement Torch Run is the single largest year-round fundraiser benefiting Special Olympics Illinois. But due to COVID-19, the LETR has asked EVERYONE to keep the Flame of Hope burning bright by pledging to run 2 miles between June 9-14. No problems…

The 13 of us moseyed over to the corner of the Catholic church parking lot with one shovel flag, our representative torch. We all ran. First one around the quarter mile loop picks the exercise everyone else does as we wait for the 6 to get in. He also carries the flag for the next lap. No one carries it twice. The hope was for all to carry it once.  Around, and around we went.

As I am usually the 6, I didn’t have to do any extra exercises (getting close to not being the 6). I did see burpees, arm claps, and possibly crunches being done as I approached the group. At 5:50, we did a group lap to finish up our 2+ miles.

For the little bit of time we had left for Mary, BR called out LBCs, followed by Brick’s call out for the Circle of Merkins. Fun was had by all for sure.

Circle of Trust

“Let me win, but if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt.”

This is the motto every special olympian says at the opening of their games. In researching the Torch Run, I said aloud the first part, and my son, who hasn’t participated in Special Olympics in years, proudly finished the motto. It is ingrained in the sportsmanship of Special Olympics.

Anna Geary, in writing about the Special Olympics when they came to Ireland, said this: “Special Olympics celebrates the impact sport has on the individual. It helps with personal development, promotes inclusivity, and encourages people to face struggles in other parts of their life. To turn to sports to enable them to flourish.

That rang a bell. Its F3. Its what F3 does. Special Olympics builds mini-leaders as well.

Booker T Washington has a quote that sums this nicely: Success is to be measured not so much by the position that one has reached in life, as by the obstacles which one has overcome. As some of you know, when I joined F3 in August of 2018, I couldn’t run a quarter mile. During Lincoln Games I ran a half marathon. I’m not where I want to be. I am better than I was. And I will be better than I am.

Naked Man Moleskin

I want to thank all the HIMs who have been running with me over the last 18 months. Yes, most of you have been site Qs. All of you have given me advice. When I run, there are the voices of many reminding me to make adjustments to be better. And because of you, I am. Thank you all.

For those who say “I can’t do a run club”…you’re wrong. You can. And I’ll do it with you. We will be better together. Come join the fun.

This Post Has One Comment

  1. Cataracts

    Somehow Quarter Cart’s name dropped off the list. He was here too!

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