This past Saturday was the Meals on Wheels Charity 5K Run in Baker Park. If you participated in the run or happened to be in the area, you probably saw a few cyclists cruising throughout the course. Well, if you did, it was me and some other TBE employees assisting with the run. I led the lead woman runner along the 3.1 mile course. My cohorts rode back and forth between the athletes to make sure everyone was headed in the right direction and not passed out in the street. We carried water for thirsty runners and walkie-talkies to communicate from our different locations.
We helped with this event for a number of reasons. For one; we think this organization provides a necessary service to the housebound and elderly in our community. Number two; the event allowed us to support the community which so graciously supports us and our bike shop. And three; any day we get out on a bike is a good day!
I enjoyed reliving my former days as a cross country and track runner. I can remember running in similar races, in a pack, behind a bicycle leading our way. I was able to cheer for the runners and encourage them to push it to the finish line (something that is easy to do when you are peddling a bike at 3 miles an hour). It was very nostalgic for me to be out in the frigid cold weather watching the runners try to keep themselves warm and relaxed before the race started.
The Bicycle Escape will be assisting with the Garrett 5K run next month. This run is also located at Baker Park and is the same course as the Meals on Wheels run. If you want to participate in the Garrett 5K run swing by our shop and pick up a registration form.