Beaver Stadium Run

This morning, I got to do something that many Penn State fans can only dream about.

I ran through the tunnel at Beaver Stadium onto the field.

It was the culmination of a three mile race to benefit Special Olympics, sponsored by the Paterno Family.

Sue Paterno was there, but I really couldn't see her.  There were over 4,000 runners entered in the race.  I'm short.  I found a spot somewhere between the sign that said pace of 7-8:00 and the sign that said pace of 9-10:00.  My final pace was 7:36, but I usually run between 8:20 and 9:00.  There wasn't a sign for 8-9:00!  I should have moved up, because I spent the first half mile trying to pass other people on Curtin Road, and it was kind of like the crowd at Walmart on Black Friday.  (Honestly, I have never shopped on Black Friday, so I have no idea if it was like that or not.)

I came in 165th with a time of 22:48.  Not my best ever, but I still got to high five Franco Harris at the finish line!

This is what it looked like.  I felt like I was all knees and elbows surging across the field, but I was probably more limp and drag.  Of course, this isn't me crossing the line--I'm taking the damned picture and trying to inflate my lungs at this point.  Where is that oxygen tent?

So winded from my run, and praying for some beer and donuts, I head outside to where the refreshments are located.

ARE YOU KIDDING ME?

SERIOUSLY?  BANANAS?????!!!!!!  I could have died here today.  Or sprained an ankle.  My toenail might turn black and blue.  And you give me bananas????

Why did it have to be bananas?

There were some pretzels.  I ate one of those--big ones with lots of salt.  (I broke down and ate a banana too, but don't tell anyone.  I was hungry!  I didn't eat breakfast, given an 11 am start time.)  There were some mini-bagels, which I guess in a bizarre way are sort of like donuts.  BUT THEY ARE NOT DONUTS.  And there was water.  No beer. 

There was free Sheetz coffee.  I had some before the race because I can't really resist coffee.  Or FREE!  Of course, I regretted that decision.  I'm at that age where I can't grow hair on my head, but I can grow a Country Fair winning prostate gland with no trouble.

All in all it was great day with great weather.  And it was for a great cause!

THANK YOU SUEPA!