Peachtree Roadrace Finish

"Finishing races is important, but racing is more important." -Dale Earnhardt

It was a particularly warm and muggy day to be running in the 42nd running of the Peachtree 10K Roadrace. This race is held each July 4th and is an Atlanta tradition. With over 60,000 runners, the heat pushed the tempo down for the regular runners but the elite runners always finish in fast style.

What I like about the roadrace each year is the excitement leading up to the start. You work your way into your starting section and wait patiently for the staggered start. You meet new people, you see people from previous runs and you see the mass of people out there in front of you. You also know that a mass of people are behind you as well.

This running race reminds me alot about life and the paths we choose to take. One could argue that the 6.2 miles of asphalt in front of us is the journey we are travelling. The START line is where we choose to begin, filled with excitement and expectation. Everyone around you are encouraging, all knowing that the FINISH line is at the end of the course.

We begin and things go very smoothly as this course starts on a short slope downward. The elevation then deceives you. After the first block you begin a slow uphill run for the first mile. It can quickly take the 'fun' out of the journey. The first water stop refreshes you and you catch a breath.

For the next two miles its a long descending stretch and things are going pretty well. Life is pretty good and you're feeling that the FINISH is going to come quicker then first anticipated. Yet life has a way of jumping in the way. The next one-half mile is called Cardiac Hill, a rise of one-hundred ten feet that takes its toll. Appropriately Piedmont Hospital lay at the top of this hill.

The remaining miles are what you would expect. Upward, downward, upward and again downward. The course toys with your mind and body; that is if you let it. I will definitely say that when you come down that gradual slope of 10th Street to the FINISH line, there is no greater view.

There are people lining the streets, cheering you on, encouraging you and helping you with shouts to pass under that sign. From START to FINISH, those people are there along the course of our lives. We may not always hear them. We may become so focused on the run and ignore the chants and cheers.

Yeah, I would pretty much say it isn't strictly the FINISH that matters in life. A goal achieved, a vision caught or a journey completed is a great and enduring thing to hold in one's hand. But the journey getting there is just as important.

Meeting a few of the 60,000 people along the way, seeing the costumes and hear the music matters. Waving to those ringing the cowbells or clapping in return for the encouragement matters. Stopping to shake the hands of those in wheelchairs come out to cheer you on, it matters.

To live the race, your journey is as important as the finishing. Don't miss any part of it even though the course may try to take it away from you. Know that the journey will be tough at times, but also know that there will be so much missed if you ignore what is along the side of the road.

From START to FINISH, there will be things not quite so enjoyable. But those moments will be great if you allow yourself to experience the great things along the way. Run the race of your life. Reach out towards the FINISH line. But enjoy the race as well.

July 4, 1776

"...Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness."

This Monday a holiday of importance in the United States will be filled with families, picnics, parades and fireworks. People will gather together, talk, drink, and eat hotdogs, hamburgers, chips and potato salad. They will go to the pool or lake, swimming in their local pool or sail their boats on the open water.

My wife and I along with 55,000 of our closest friends will run in the Atlanta Peachtree 10K Roadrace. An annual event that is filled with great athletes down to the casual walker. I try to enjoy the people watching, the people running and avoid the misery of the heat and humidity. I even take moments half way through to stop and shake hands with the Sheppard Center patients. Each year they line the sidewalks of Peachtree Street. I feel honored to shake their hands, to offer some encouragement and provide a smile.

Its a part of a great life we live, the ability to share a smile, to share a moment, or to give something of yourself. There were people back in 1776, people well before that and to this day that have given something for others. Each of us will have given large and small, life and limb, or words and hugs. In the end, we will have made life better for those around us.

As you celebrate this day, as you approach any day, know that you have the ability to impact the lives of other people. All it takes is a smile, a kind word or a thoughtful hug.

Sunrise Sunset

So stop waiting until you finish school,
until you go back to school,
until you lose ten pounds,
until you gain ten pounds,
until you have kids,
until your kids leave the house,
until you start work,
until you retire,
until you get married,
until you get divorced,
until Friday night,
until Sunday morning,
until you get a new car or home,
until your car or home is paid off,
until spring, until summer, until fall, until winter,
until you are off welfare,
until the first or fifteenth,
until your song comes on,
until you've had a drink,
until you've sobered up,
until you die,
until you are born again
to decide that there is no better time than right now to be happy...
-Author Unknown

As you stand watching the setting sun, you wonder what was accomplished. Did I take another step towards my goal? Did I choose to make life better for having been a better me? Did I waste an opportunity to accomplish so much more?

If you are standing there watching the setting sun, know that the sun is rising in the morning for someone else. The dawn of a new day filled with opportunity is presenting itself to that person. That person is contemplating all that he or she can accomplish.

As you stand in the dimming light of day, as the darkness begins to envelope your thoughts, know that the sun will rise for you again. Know that a new day will rise to meet your dreams. In the moment your dreams come into the new light, new opportunity will present itself to you.

Take yourself farther with each new day and reflect upon the setting sun as an accomplishment.

Runnin Down A Dream

"Sometimes you want to give up the guitar, you'll hate the guitar. But if you stick with it, you're gonna be rewarded." -Jimi Hendrix

Another birthday and another year gone by; my son is celebrating his today. Steve has taken on another year and taken on the challenges that all of us face. But his determination and talent will take him places that only his dreams understand at this time.

Steve has a musical talent with the guitar that he is a wonder to behold; a song in his heart and a voice to pleasure the ear. His talent is not noticed only by a father, but by many others. The tough part is following your talent when it can be frustrating and filled with the unknown.

So don't let things get in the way, keep your focus and reach out for those dreams. Whether it be in your 20s, 40s or 80s; time is never an obstacle. All you have to do is move towards the dream, the vision, the goal.

Happy Birthday son and reach for your guitar....reach for your dreams. Here is a little something different then the usual birthday song. Keep runnin' on your dreams and going wherever it leads.



It can happen, it all starts with believing in yourself, a bit of a crazy thought and keeping happy along the way. Love you. -Dad