INTRO

I am Scott aka Scottydog aka Scotty Dogg, runner since 1983, cancer survivor – caught very early, so I actually had a fairly easy time of it - , retired Air Force, employee of University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA), friend of dogs, fun-runner, and all-around punster and goofball.  In 2003 I had spinal arthritis flare up and ever since then I’ve done the run/walk method since it hurts my back too much now to run continuously with no walk breaks.  I’m on what I call my “2F Plan” which stands for Fun and Finish.  My only goals for a race these days are finish everything I start, have fun along the way, and finish standing up with no ambulance waiting for me.  At events that I now do for fun I carry my camera, chase “Great Legs” to help motivate my slow old man self to keep moving forward, and take pictures before, during, and after the race. Sometimes I even get a nice post-race sweaty hug from one of the Great Legs ladies.   I then do a pictorial race report of my events.  I also carry dog biscuits with me to treat any dogs I may meet at a run – unless it’s a mean dog; then the biscuit goes in one direction and I go in another.  Hence my nickname “Scottydog.”

And a big thanks to runningahead.com for allowing me a “home” for my many many MANY race reports and photos.  Great site, free training log; calendars; running routes; maps; conversation forums for runners; and much more

Here is yet another of my photo reports.  Full report below. 

Link to a slideshow of just the photos: http://s166.photobucket.com/user/scottydog69/slideshow/2016%20Race%20Reports/2016%20Race%2051%20Transplants%20for%20Children%205K

BEFORE THE START

My 51st race of 2016, held on October 2 at Morgan's Wonderland [ <cite>www.morganswonderland.com/</cite>  ], a specialized park designed for those with special needs and the park now has an international reputation for it.  Race supports Transplants for Children [<cite>www.transplantsforchildren.org</cite> ], dedicated to helping young organ and tissue transplant recipients and their families.Weather was just beautiful, sunny, blue skies, and a nice temp of around 63 degrees at the 8:30 a.m. start time.  There was also a Kids Run.   I arrived on site with about 45 minutes to start time and started doing my photo taking.  The day was VERY bright, with lots of shadows and sunlight resulting in some of the photos.

Arriving at the park, you are greeted with these hands.

The park has a very nice man-made lake that loops around inside the park

Jr. Air Force ROTC Color Guard for The National Anthem

Me and friend Karen.  This was the 2nd event of the weekend for both of us, as we'd each done the same 5K on Saturday morning.

Two lovely ladies, Bernadette and Karen

The 3 of us

MC Extraordinaire Mark Purnell, doing his usual great job, with Mitch Allen if iRun Texas, local race management/running store company that does a great job with course set up, timing, results, etc.  Not to mention the stores selling some great quality running products.

Mitch and the Race Director

One of the Wonder Women who help oversee Transplants for Children....they all really are Wonder People doing the job they do.

Kids getting ready to go for the Kids Run which started at 8 a.m.

Various participants, volunteers, etc.

I found someone to make sure I behaved while I was there....my wife would be happy...

Sorry about that sunlight, Thor....

very cool dog...the guy told the dog "photo...get ready" and the dog posed, lol

Little Heroes and Mom (I think) finishing up

Wonder Woman - there were several at the race - finishing

ON THE COURSE

A loop in the park around the park lake, then out the gate onto some flat roads.  Pass by Toyota Stadium (professional soccer) and Heroes Stadium (local school district stadium that hosts a variety of activities and sports events), do a turn around in the parking lot area of Toyota Stadium and then back the way we came out, finishing with a loop back around the lake in Morgan's Wonderland.  I was feeling pretty good today and managed to finish in 33:57 - first time in a long while I've gone under 34 minutes - placing first in my 60 - 69 age group. Of course, there were only 2 IN my age group, lol.

Passing by Heroes Stadium

Toyota Stadium behind us on the way out

Mitch pacing the overall winner as he heads back to the finish

Volunteers like these two were out on the course for us, some in costume

I'm now heading back to the finish

After that last photo of two of the volunteers, I hoofed it back the last 1.2 miles nonstop to the finish.

AFTER THE FINISH

Goodies were bananas, gatorade, water, and various other sundries.   No post-race beer for me at this one, but I get it - this event is designed after all with the kids in mind, so it's all good. It was a tough row to hoe, but I managed without my usual post-race beer.  [Insert BIG SIGH here....       j/k, of course!]   I did some post-race stretching, drank down some water to rehydrate, and then it was off to get the post-race photos.

Batgirl and Wonder Woman in the shadows....watching for crime....  

..and out of the shadows...

At the park amphitheater for the awards

First 5K ever for this young guy and he got 3rd in his age group

Bernadette, 2nd in her age group.  She and me with our medals

My running friend, John T., got 1st in his age group

...while my friend John F., got first master overall.  I have some speedy friends.

Super Heroes Line Dancing, post-awards

And a jump-roping doggie

Closeup of the Age Group Awards medal.    I got a photo of it and then gave it to the Director to give to a child in their system who has had a transplant.  After all, the kids we do this event for are the real heroes.

EPILOGUE

A fairly small event with only 109 finishers, but hope this one grows.  Good cause, nice flat course - good PR course for a 5K for those of you so inclined to shoot for a PR - nice to actually run through the park, plenty of costumed folks making for a fun outing, nice age group award medals.   Definitely would do this one again.  Mucho thanks to all the folks who made this one happen for we participants:  law enforcement, Morgan's Wonderland, volunteers, sponsors, vendors, etc.

Postscript - Good luck to my friend, Karen, who had to DNF (Did Not Finish) from the course after an ankle issue.  Wish you speedy healing, my friend!

Those are great costumes!  I love the posing and jumping dogs.

Congrats on #51.