We hit the road again this morning, but today's trip was a short hop to the 28th Annual ACLI Capital Challenge 3-mile run. The race benefits DC Special Olympics, a terrific cause. It was my 14th outing in this enduring DC event; not too shabby, but how about some kudos to Indiana Senator Richard Lugar, who has competed in every race.
This was my first time running with a team from an Executive Agency, and we finished a very respectable 3rd in the competitive Executive category. I want to send a big thank-you to my fellow DOT harriers, pictured below with celebrity host Olympic Marathon Silver Medalist Meb Keflezighi.
From left to right: Steve Clinger, Meb, Liz Gross, Yours Truly (note the stylish U of Illinois headwear), Tim Arnade, and Mark Swanlund
My finish time? 36:30. I can also confirm that I was the first Cabinet Secretary to cross the finish line today. That's me below, approaching the finish looking pretty good for an old guy who's just blazed 3 miles. I do feel a little bad for the guys in my security detail; I hope they can recover from the brutal pace.
Race Director Jeff Darman says, "We are one of the last examples of true bi-partisanship in Washington, as teams from both parties compete while displaying good humor, if not great athleticism." Enough said.
Congratulations!
Just to let you know some of us read your posts and want you to continue.
Posted by: Murray | April 29, 2009 at 05:22 PM
Congratulations and Good Job!
Special Olympics is a very special and wonderful organization.
And a really big Congrats for still being able to smile for the camera near the end!
Posted by: Sybil | April 29, 2009 at 05:50 PM
haha 36:30 aint bad. but I can still outrun ya!
mlm training
Posted by: Eric Su | April 30, 2009 at 04:53 AM
Thanks for participating in a good cause, but I wouldn't call 12:10 miles "blazing" or "a brutal pace." I can walk almost that fast. Maybe that was tongue-in-cheek though?
Posted by: Tim | April 30, 2009 at 10:47 AM
As an Illinois born and bred, Vietnam veteran, runner, cyclist, and transit rider, I have to say that the more I see of you, the more I'm beginning to believe you might be the real thing. And I'm impressed. Congratulations on your finish, by the way. (I can still beat you)
Posted by: Albert Pyle | April 30, 2009 at 03:12 PM
Hey, well done, faster than mw!
Posted by: Alison Rothwell | May 03, 2009 at 06:19 PM
Nice finish (3rd) I can only hope that I would be that fit when I reach your age.
Continue on taking care of your help sir. You will serve as an inspiration to other people that nothing is impossible
Posted by: H.P. Jones | August 25, 2010 at 06:49 AM
What stamina. I hope that you continue to inspire people that what the mind can conceive the body can achived.
Posted by: T.C. Parks | January 03, 2011 at 02:59 AM