[srlopez]

<a href="http://srlopez-maniac111.blogspot.com/2007/09/091507-air-force-marathon.html" target="_blank">My Air Force Marathon report</a> is kind of different, and way long.<br><br>
I ran it in honor of my father, who retired from the Air Force to take care of my mother. She died a year later, and my dad... who had spent 20 years doing the military thing... was suddenly a single parent of 2 in a civilian world. He had a little squirt (I was 3) and a 14 year old trying to be a teenager in 1969, as the world went hippie.<br><br>
Not an easy time for a military man.<br><br>
Anyway, I ran a 3:44 with a 1:53/1:51 negative split.<br><br><a href="http://srlopez-maniac111.blogspot.com/2007/09/091507-air-force-marathon.html" target="_blank">My Air Force Marathon report</a>.<br><br><br>
.<br>
.

 

[dg1]

SR - Great report...story about your dad.<br><br>
The day after Chuck Engle cruised to his 2:31 in AF he finished 6th OA at the Rochester Marathon (2:41).

 

[altoids]

Thank you for this. I feel honored to have heard your father's story.

 

[bard73]

I always enjoy your race reports, but this one is probably my favorite. Thank you for sharing the stories of your dad.

 

[missy1102]

thank you for sharing such a wonderful race report!!!

 

[Timr1]

Hey SR, I remember seeing you. I remember reading that on the back of your shirt. Great tribute to your Dad. My Dad was in the AF too, he would have loved the pagentry of this event...the dinner in the museum, the generals at the finish line. If my brother and I go back next year, I'm sure he'll make the trip up to watch us.<br><br>
Thanks for sharing that story. And, great running!

 

[drgenie]

You write with so much feeling and emotion, it is always a wonderful experience reading your reports. Please keep sharing! This one made me tear up a little-your dad sounds like a pretty special person.<br><br>
And FWIW, he did a good job--that little squirt turned out to be a pretty special person too. <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.kickrunners.com/forum/images/smilies/smile.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="Smile">

 

[winter]

Stevie Ray! Great job.<br><br>
I loved the sentimentality of your report. It really sounds like an interesting run, what with the air show above and all.<br><br>
Congratulations.<br>
SR!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[rhody92]

Another great report, SR.

 

[PacerChris]

Great job - a negative split is ALWAYS nice! I'm glad that Ohio could once again deliver some perfect weather for you!

 

[milergal]

That was an awesome race report. Poignantly sad but happy all at once. <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.kickrunners.com/forum/images/smilies/smile.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="Smile"><img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.kickrunners.com/forum/images/smilies/sad.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="Sad"><br><br>
It made me think of and respect my parents more...<br><br>
Great racing too, by the way. <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.kickrunners.com/forum/images/smilies/icon_salut.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="salute">

 

[solarpowered]

SR, my father instilled in me a great respect for the military. Stories like this remind us of the sacrifices these men and women make. You ran an awesome race in your father's name. Congratulations. Thank you, sincerely, for your report.

 

[mmoonptdeux]

I grew up in a military family myself, <b>sr</b>, and I appreciate all the hard work and sacrifices that my Dad has made to provide for us, both during and after his 20 years in the Navy.<br><br>
I think deep down he would've loved to have spent more time me and fellow sibs as we grew up, but in a way, he's getting a second chance of fatherhood by helping out my youngest brother & his DW in caring for their two youngsters.<br><br>
Your report was really a beautiful read - thanks for sharing

 

[Dankinia]

SR wonderful report. Thank you for sharing your fathers story with us. I also have respect for members of the service. My father was Air Force for 22 years until he retired, he would have stayed in for longer but he decided to retire while he was still young enough to spend time doing fun things with my sister and I. Then he became a postal worker. *grin*

 

[Grizzly]

Yup, this one is definitely my favourite. Congratulations Stevie Ray. I know that your dad IS proud of you.

 

[kruss]

Wow-Great report. I really like the idea of running something that has a special meaning to you. Very touching story about your Dad.

 

[2oh]

Great report Sr. My dad bailed from active duty before I was born, joined the army reserves and took a career in insurance. He made all of my baseball games, all the way through college - I don't think he missed a single game.<br><br>
Good stuff.