Daymaker - a person who performs acts of kindness with the intention of making the world a better place.
~ David Wagner
, author of Life as a Daymaker; how to change the world by making someone's day ~

DayMaker - any thought, word, or deed that spreads happiness, compassion, or fruitful ideas.
~ Annis Cassells ~

Sunday, September 21, 2014

D is for Downtown Coos Bay



Today’s blog is a departure from the series of motorcycle stories.

 

Steve Prefontaine
Judy and I met up with our friend Laurie Saturday morning as we and hundreds of others gathered in downtown Coos Bay for the start of the 35th annual Prefontaine Memorial Run. It was already hot in this little coastal town.

It was Laurie’s 34th consecutive year to run. Now, that deserves a trophy right there.

 
“Well, are you ready?” she asked, pink hat in hand and a smile on her face.



“Sure,” I said. “I’ve got my chewing gum and my orthotics. My toe spacers are in place, and I’m wearing my knee compression sleeve.”  Dang, I thought, I forgot to take my ibuprofen! 

The two-mile “Fun Walk” (up and down a hilly downtown course, I might add) was my event. Laurie and Judy would participate in the 10K run/walk that retraced hometown track star Steve Prefontaine’s training route.
Judy, Laurie, me, and Patti
 

Jan, me, and Mary M.
We met up with our buddies in front of the Coos Bay Art Museum for our usual pre-race photo shoot. Many of them had trained the last ten weeks at Downtown Health & Fitness, our friendly combination social club and fitness center. I could feel the energy as they moved around, and I listened to their talk.


“I’m going to jog more this year,” one said as she walked back and forth.

“I just want to finish and be upright,” came from another.


Steve Prefontaine’s sister squeezed the starter gun’s trigger to begin the race, and we were off. Judy and I parted as we two-milers hung at the rear to give way to the serious 10K runners. 

The sight from the back of the pack as we turned up Central Avenue was spectacular. As far as we could see, a flood of florescent yellow dotted with bright pink filled the entire roadway and climbed the hill toward where the street curved. It was like a lava flow in reverse.


As I made the turn onto 11th, which leads into the Marshfield High stadium, it was lined with people of all ages urging all of us on. And in the stadium bleachers, more friends waited to cheer as we crossed the finish line.


I rested a bit then waited near the finish line to try to get photos of our friends as they came in.
Marilyn
Laurie

Patti

Jan and Mary P


Laurie was with me as we watched for Judy to come in. Red-faced and drenched from sweat and water that kind bystanders sprayed on the runners as they passed, Judy jogged down the stretch and into the chute. 
 
 Her time of 1:24:55 earned her a 1st Place trophy in the senior division, or as she said, "the old lady group." 
Yea, Judy!





 
Judy & Linda Prefontaine












 


Downtown Coos Bay -- where the Prefontaine is followed by a big parade with marching bands, an evening rolling car show, and a sock hop. All part of the Bay Area Fun Festival.

~ xoA ~

14 comments:

  1. You don't need a motorcycle to have adventures! Another fun adventure. I love your use of dialog to bring the event to life. Annis, I do admire you so much, not only for your adventurous spirit. You have a spirit of service and a wonderful way of painting a clear word picture. Thanks!

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    1. Oh, Joan. Thank you so much for your kind words. They mean a lot, especially coming from you. xoA

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  2. I love the use of dialogue Annis. The finish line pictures are precious and yes, yeah (your) Judy.

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  3. Thanks, Anke. It was fun seeing everyone come in. Proud of Judy. xoA

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  4. So cool. I love this story. my first race was an obstacle course last year. I was terrified out of my mind but there is nothing like crossing the finish line.

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    1. I agree with you, Donnee, about crossing the finish line being a thrill. Just look at the faces of those who crossed and realized they were being photographed! Thanks. xoA

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  5. Love your story of two feet on the ground compared to two tires on the road. My favorite sentence: "It was like a lava flow in reverse." I could easily picture the scene. Congrats to Judy for her 1st place finish.

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    1. Thanks, Joan. Judy was pretty proud of herself. xoA

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  6. Great description of the runners ahead. I got a very clear picture.

    I've never participated in a 10k, but I finished the couch to 5k program (C25K) last year. Hoping to jump back in when the weather cools.

    I can't imagine doing a 10k in this heat (although I'm sure it wasn't quite as hot there as it is in Bakersfield). Good on you!

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    1. Thanks, Mandy. And, no, it wasn't as hot as in Bakersfield, but 75 degrees here is sweltering. Those who ran the 10K were beat up by the heat, hills, and distance. I did the 2-mile "fun walk" and came out of it fine. xoA

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  7. Finish and be upright. ..definitely the only goal I'd ever to aspire to! Lol! I bet there were a few people wishing for a motorcycle as they ran! As always, I am impressed by the sheer energy you must possess. I'm worn out just thinking about running!

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    1. This course is a difficult one in good weather, but I, my dear, only did the 2-mile "fun walk" and was there to photograph the 10K runners & walkers. It was exciting. Thanks. xoA

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  8. No disclaimer Annies! You did a race, it's commendable regardless of the distance!

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