#15 August 11, 2018 Special K

Dear Friends

Special 5k that is. Not the cereal. It was part of the Alaska Distance Classic held last weekend. For a special combo medal, some chose to do both the 5k and 10k (with a short break in between) but I know my limits and the 5k was just fine for me. The courses wandered around the campus of Alaska Pacific University and Goose Lake, just a few minutes from the Thomas Center.

What made it special and different from the multitude of 5k's I have participated in were some of the greeters and hosts. This was a fundraiser for the Alaska Special Olympics team. Various team members who had competed in Seattle this past spring, among other things, led a Zumba warm up before the race and gave us a pep talk before the starting gun was fired.

I especially enjoyed my pre-race conversation with Matthew who was proudly wearing the gold medal he earned as part of the basketball team. He asked me if I wanted his autograph. I asked if I could have a picture with him. The joy he and the other special athletes shared was infectious to all who came to support this event.

I didn't get a personal best or place high enough for a medal in my age group but it didn't matter. I got to be with Olympians from Alaska. And that made this a special day, a special 5k.

John

P.S. I also had fun going around before the race asking kids if they were in my age group, feigning relief when they told me, with puzzled expressions, no!