TeamAlzheimers.org - Our Runner's Words

Even The Day Couldn’t Dampen Our Spirits

Photo: Mark Pfeil

Here are a few comments from our runners after a long wet day!

I really enjoyed meeting you and had a blast on the run. The weather, although not optimal in theory, proved to help me out as I ran much better than I had anticipated.

What a great event, thanks for putting the team together! I hope to see you again, next year.

The rain was brutal...I'm a big whimp...and I twisted my ankle in a mud puddle at mile 9 when I was totally on track to finish with 8 minute miles! : ( I finished at 1:50 flat and was pleased I was able to suck it up and turn in a respectable (for me) time.The best part was the inspiration that other runners gave through out the course. Several came up and commented on my team fraser shirt. Others just commented on Alzheimer's in general. At the end I was thrilled to have completed the run. The rain seemed so much less important at the finish line! I'm off the leg for a week to rest the ankle but I will be back next year. Save me a spot!

Considering everything, I thought it was a great race. I was able to pick up the pace the last few miles, which probably means I started too slow. I'm sore enough though, so I'm not disappointed.

The rain was not horrible. It kept us cool and hydrated. It did make our shoes heavier. That was my first long race, and I'm hooked, so it will not be my last.

Sunday was a rough one...I think what made it hard was the waiting out in the rain for the bus for a half hour to get to the start, then no busses at the finish to get back up that hill.

I had a great time - I actually enjoyed and appreciated the rain as I think I would have struggled in hot humid weather. Thank you again for letting me be a part of the team!

I was pleased with my run this year. It was the fastest I have ever run that distance and I actually enjoyed the weather. Given the choice between that and 80 degrees, I'll take rain every day. Coming out of the Woodstock covered bridge was deafening and certainly a memory I will cherish for life. As I turned the corner my family was there jumping up and down screaming for me to "run like a cheetah." There is such joy in running, but rarely opportunities in a race to laugh - what a joy to laugh and run at the same time. I kept feeling better as the race went on and progressively ran faster until I felt like I was flying. I caught up with a friend who I trained with and finished the race almost simultaneously. It was a blast.

My only regret is not being able to see more Team Alzheimer's teammates at the end. That is when 80 degrees and sun would have helped! I hope to have the opportunity to run with this group again next year, God and Jane willing!

Thanks for all you efforts, it was a run to remember, as it was my first time running that type of distance.