Ticket

Greetings Saint Peter says to two men in line at the Pearly Gates. Please state your case for admittance. The first man to talk says "I gave $200,000 to the church, prayed an hour each day and read the bible 49 times."  Saint Peter stops smiling and says "I'm sorry this is not your lucky day." 

The second man then says "no need to waste your time Saint as if that dude can't get in I got no chance. I have not been to church or prayed or dropped money in an offering plate since was in kindergarten, plus I know less bible verses than Donald Trump." Saint Peter then smiled, the trumpets blasted a joyful tune and the gate opened, and then he says "you got a ticket cause you worked at Camp Wawbeek" as the astonished man walks on in.

Situated next to the Wisconsin Dells, Wawbeek's 400 plus acres were donated to the Easter Seal Society of Wisconsin in 1938 by the Upham family and that very season 91 campers had a grand time. Since then over 50000 persons with disabilities have taken part in the camp experience, Wawbeek is the industry standard for excellence, providing recreational and social services that truly make a difference for all involved.

I worked there as a counselor and program support person the summers of 1970 and 1971. Prior to that had spent three summer breaks as a dishwasher and then counselor at YMCA Camp Manito wish. Situated in the north woods of Wisconsin Manito-wish's large property takes up most of the south shore of Lake Boulder. My older brothers were there too for some of that time. It was a fantastic experience and where I learned how to wedgi flip a canoe, paddle white water, lead canoe trips, swim better, and not fall off a horse. Plus got to sail and use a diving bell. Camp was great, got to know a lot of people, had a lot of fun. Did not have to think about grades or doing homework or worry about what was going on in the world. It was an escape.

The ping pong draft lottery held December 1, 1969 which pinned my birthdate to the number 6 was a wake up call, however, and it determined what would be doing after student deferment ended. I'd like to say it didn't make me think about mortality but the truth is it did. Some thinking about the impact and time one has to do something meaningful led to deciding to try a different sort of camp the next break.

Early June 1970 found me at Wawbeek's orientation's week. Learned a lot of new stuff like how to transfer people in and out of wheelchairs, provide partial and total care, turn those subject to bed sores during the night, assist with braces, use the swimming pool lift. Much good fun too playing water bb and keep away plus land sports, cookouts and eating bratwurst. Co-workers were great, some of the guys were athletic fraternity brothers from La Crosse and many staff were on track to become medical and/or educational professionals. Boy's Director Ron Falkner started calling me "Missouri" because went to school down there - the nickname stuck.

Orientation though could not get one ready for the impact of the day campers arrived. Back then the first two 12 day sessions were for children, the third for teenagers and the fourth and fifth for adults. At the end of the summer there was a 5 day session for campers who came with family. I got 6 campers, one of whom needed a good deal of partial care. That first night dinner in the mess hall surrounded by over a hundred joyful, boisterous campers was when started to gain an understanding of just what camp meant. For many it was the best two weeks of the year, and for some more than that. My partial care camper that first day was homesick but he got over that pretty fast. Hard to feel sad when so many around or singing their hearts and laughing their teeth out.

There were 3 campground areas away from the main buildings on the acreage each about a 15 minute tractor ride away. Camping and cookouts at those sites were a lot of fun. The kitchen would set us off with fresh hamburgers, bratwurst, and corn on the cob which we would cook. Counselors were free to schedule such as they felt like it and would often join another group when doing so. At teenager session Avery and I had our groups go together to the most primitive site known as Crow. After eating he suggested we hike on over to the modern Iroquois to visit some of the girl campers. Our kids were all for that. So we headed off over a dirt trail with rocks and roots aplenty. Most of the teens could walk fairly well but my camper, Mike, who was good size had duchenne's muscular dystrophy and used a wheelchair. After about 5 minutes of pushing him up the hill we were both thinking what a harebrained idea to do this. It took a lot of our strength to get there and by the time we did it was getting dark so had to turn around and go back. Michael however loved every second we were on the trail. As did all the other campers. That night like most every night when on campouts the group barely slept. Was a treat to be sleeping out by the camp fire that got tended to till dawn, to stare back at bobcats lurking in the woods, to view the milky way ad mist the heavens.

Adult campers had freedom to roam around on their own. Some had their own cars and some brought their own booze too. Schulze's car had a metal plate on the floor which he used to steer with his feet. Cerebral palsy messed with his hands not his mind. He was a mechanical genius. Someone came up with an idea to prank camp directors Guy Wharton and Ed Driscoll. Schulze's car was used and we parked it a bit off one of the backroads in an isolated section of camp. Gary Powers, Helge and Joe directed me to open the passenger door and slump over. After which ketchup was applied to the forehead and arms and the guys pulled nylon stockings over their heads. When Guy and Ed drove nearby on their nightly rounds they stopped their car several meters away. Got out the big beam flashlights and started walking forward very carefully. Vietnam buddies they were not wanting to take any chances especially after seeing red. As they got closer, the guys jumped out of the woods while Ed yelled "what the hell" and everyone  had a good laugh.

Each session had a final night banquet and dance. People dressed up and staff made sure everyone got to dance as much as they want. Hawaiian Breakfast was another tradition, as were pow wows, outings to the Dells stables for horseback rides, and boat trips up the river to view the cliffs up close. Talent show was another big event. If the MC proved to be too over the top obnoxious they got thrown in the pool (like me).

At the end of each session staff got off from when campers left on the Friday till the next group arrived on Sunday. Vendors in the town of Wisconsin Dells provided half price or no price credits for doing stuff like "big slide" or helicopter rides. I rode the chopper to watch a Native American show. Guy and Ed had told me prior to doing so too not get shocked when at the end when they burn a huge American flag. So I was pretty excited as the show wound down but there was no fire just singing of God Bless America. When I got back to camp they all had big laughs. We also would frequent the Trading Post where could get pitchers for cheap and play "wink". More than one staff couple ended up getting married thanks to that game,

Jeffers was an adult wheel chair camper with outlier abilities when it came to figuring numbers. You could give him any date and he would respond immediately with what the day of the week was that year. His condition caused his hands to be held in an odd manner. One day he got cut somehow and we took him to the nearby ER where had to hold him down as he got stitched up. When we put him on the greyhound for his trip home the person that was sitting nearby got up and moved away.  On a different day someone mentioned to Eddie Bobeck, a camper whose hands and feet were different that euthanasia can be a good thing. I heard what was said and chatted with Eddie about it. He responded that's him and I just said over and over no it is not. Those unthoughtful actions/words are I believe part of the reason why camp was so special; camp allowed for an escape from negative attitudes some people have. It provided opportunity to be oneself, to have good fun and to not looked upon with pity or scorn.

A great number of people that went to camp as children and also as adults attribute their time at camp in addition to being loads of fun as having a significant positive impact as they moved along through life

Avery and I ran mini golf course on the hill during adult sessions. It proved to be a big hit and led somehow during the final week to people asking about camping out right next to it. So three nights in a row everyone slept up close to our makeshift fire ring. Those were the best nights.

It has been 54 years now since those summers of 1970 and 1971. I was a pen pal of a few campers like Eddie for many years, and am still in regular contact with over a dozen of fellow staffers. Have spent time with several here in the islands and on the mainland. They remain among my closest friends.

Am forever grateful that had the opportunity to take part in and witness the joyfulness of Wawbeek campers. 

No need ticket for entry in the pearly gates. 

Been there already.

The castle - staff residence

Camp Sign

Koolau summit trail with wawbeeker, physical therapist Steve Avery 

Gretchen and Eddie

Ron with Schulze

mini staff reunion

1970 Staff picture

For many of us staffers camp was a transformative experience. Several committed to continue their journey to serve others. It resulted in my being the first recreation therapeutic intern at the Kansas City Woods VA hospital, an Orthopedic Technician medic, and developer of multi day challenging outdoor adventures for Hawaii's Hoopono youth. Most of the other staff have similar stories as well. 

   

Patience ,Calmness, Courage, Love- My Dad and Me

I woke up at 1:30 am this morning thinking about Dad and the man he was and the way he lived his life, and his impact on me, and what it meant to be a preacher's kid.

I wish I knew more about my Dad's upbringing. The third son of a third son of a line of preachers, he had two older brothers, three sisters one older and two younger. Taught school, coached girls basketball, got a degree and began preaching, Met Mom, also a teacher, got married secretly as her Dad did not want his youngest child to live in poverty on a ministers salary. Tried to enlist during WW 11 but denied due to cataracts, finished divinity school in Ohio prior to first assignment at Bartlettsville Oklahoma. Oldest son Johnny born while in Dayton, then three years later Paul born soon after their 1946 move to Muscatine Iowa , followed by me three years later. The EUB United Methodist church there grew tremendously during the late forties and fifties. Partly that was due to those being boom times for church going but a good deal was also due to the energy Dad put forth each and every week for the congregation. He and Mom both were much loved.

When was around 11 years old neighborhood friends Walter and Rodney and I for some reason went to watch a matinee play at the high school. There was hardly any one else in the auditorium so more n likely it was a dress rehearsal. We sat in the front row acting like the 3 stooges yukking it up doing what we could to annoy the performers. Some of them did get flustered and flubbed their lines. It didn't take long for us to get escorted out by security and marched over to a school officials office. After reading the riot act he then pointed his finger at me and said, " you of all people know better. I have a mind to tell your Dad what a disgrace you are to him.'

He then kicked us out and I spent the rest of the day worrying about what would happen when Dad got home. Mom dealt the punishment but on special occasions Dad would take off the belt. I honestly don't recall him ever belting me but did know such was something to avoid. During dinner he asked me how I liked the play which was a warning that danger may lie ahead. I said it was ok or something and that was that. No spanking or reprimand. I am pretty sure someone must told him but for some reason he decided to not make a big deal of it.

We moved to Des Moines when I was 13, and I never understood why but Paul says so that I could be in a better school system. I did have a difficult 7th grade year flunking math four terms in a row as well two terms of mechanical drawing. Got accused by the vice principal of cheating in Literature and History due to high marks in those subjects but an investigation determined had not. Dad believed I was telling the truth. So it could be that parents thought I needed a better school environment.

As a paperboy my first year in Des Moines one day had a brush up at the corner where two of us with routes got our paper bundles each day. Soon we were squaring off and a small crowd gathered around. The other guy set rules of no hitting in the face or wrestling and I had a hard time trying to box through his defenses. After awhile the fight got halted. As soon as got the paper route done headed to our detached garage to hide out, ashamed and angry that got beat.  Dad came over a bit later and asked how I was doing and was I alright. After his little talk he said things will be okay. He didn't say next time try an upper cut or why were you fighting or so on. What he did say though was perfect and true.

Learning to drive took me awhile. Took driver's education and did okay but on test day was nervous and didn't pass the license exam. So, Dad started having me drive a lot, including multi hour road trips to Missouri. On one trip to Paul's college his girlfriend at the time was along and she rode the whole way in abject terror, especially when Dad would say things like okay son next time leave more space between you and the semi when passing. On another trip at a road block I somehow managed to hit the driver side of a patrol vehicle's open door knocking it off its frame. Dad did not get mad but he did say the car insurance was going to go up.

He only played the preacher's kid card on me two times. One was as a 16 year old when played a lot of one on one basketball in the church parking lot with a street wise youth of about the same age. We hung out quite a bit and comments were made by a few  church parishioners. Dad never said stop but he did let me know people were watching. I really don't think he wanted to say anything about it but this was Des Moines 1966 and his church there had a lot of internal conflict pertaining to moving out of the part of the city we lived in. The issue resolved it self once school kicked in and my friend made the team.

The other time was after the 1970 move folks made from Iowa's largest city, Des Moines to Brooklyn, Iowa population 3000 or less. I got home from a first date with a local girl at 3:45 am on a Sunday morning. It was so late because it took forever for me to draw up the gumption for a goodnight kiss, and then the car got stuck on the ice, while trying to leave her farm. She had to come out to the drive way and instruct on how to get the vehicle unstuck. Upon getting up for church a few hours later  Dad said you got to remember you a preacher's kid. He never said any thing about that night or other nights again.  A few months later as a boarded a bus to get to a camp job for the summer he said oh to be young and in love. 

Dad loved being alive taking pleasure in so much. Whether it be during croquet knocking opponents balls out to the neither land, fishing for whatever would bite, swimming at the Y, playing volleyball, watching out for the rook card, catching the Celtics and so much more brought joyful moments. He loved people. No matter whether in the queue for Niagara's Lady of the Mist boat ride or at the post office he would strike up conversations with strangers. He also enjoyed conversations with Missouri relatives about the season's farm crops as well as the worthiness of all humans.

Our vacations as kids were special. On a 3 week trip from eastern Iowa throughout the west we averaged covering over 300 miles a day. And at the end of the da full of sightseeing if there was a miniature golf course or drive in movie theatre nearby we would hit that too. He taught us how to swim in the Ozarks, and survive in cold fresh water ponds. At Iowa's church camp one year while leading a devotional for our group one of the boys that was messing around in the attic fell through the ceiling and landed in front of us. We and Dad all laughed our teeth out. The same could be said for countless  breakfasts in Muscatine. Each day prior to scarfing down pancakes or eggs and bacon Dad would read the upper room devotional. More often than not us three boys would start laughing and occasionally even rolling on the floor. Dad did not mind one bit.

In the spring of 1974 Mom and Dad drove out to see me in Greeley Colorado where I was finishing up my rehabilitation counseling program that started after getting my Honorable Discharge. I looked like a bum but was so proud of them. Had them meet my favorite professor, a girl that hardly knew, and a nurse that worked with at the university clinic. Then drove them to Rocky Mountain National Park. We did the short hike around Bear Lake altitude 9.499 feet, during which Dad had to stop a couple of times to catch his breath. Then we went over Trail Ridge Road which soars to 12,183 feet to the other side and looped on over to Georgetown where spent the night. Dad and I floated at the hotel pool that evening surrounded by mountains and stars. It was the best night ever.

Six months later, he was gone. 

The earth gave way under my feet when got the news. Brooklyn's MD had that summer given him a clean bill of health. He participated in brother John and sister Diana's Hawaiian wedding and the day before he passed conducted the memorial service for his brother in laws wife. Congregation members from each of the 3 Iowa churches he served, and several Missouri relatives braved a severe November snow storm to attend his memorial. 

I had already completed comps and was nearing the end of internship at Denver's Fort Logan mental health hospital, so was cut loose from school. Over the next 3 months assisted Mom as she got ready to move from the parsonage back to Missouri. At one point Mom told me to go do what had planned to do prior to Dad's passing, which was move to Hawaii. So I did, arriving in the islands President's day weekend 1975.   

I was still suffering though. Got a job right away as a Liberty House Stock boy but it took 9 more months till landed with the State doing what was trained to do. The government's pre employment physical mental scale showed that I spiked for lingering depression. I was still having dreams that Dad was alive and welcomed sleep each night where would experience his hug, kiss on the cheek, his laugh. 

It took his passing for me to fully understand just what my Dad meant to so many people. He was there for them and they knew it. One of his letters he mentioned his stats for the week which included 35 home or hospital visits. Most of those consisted of much more than just hello or how or you. He would talk story, listen to, and pray with each person each visit. In addition to his calling was the work to deliver two sermons on Sundays and sometime three, plus mid week services, bible studies, and group chats.

I think that part of what drove Dad was that he knew he made a difference for people. That the sound of his voice, his presence was welcomed and lifted spirits. He brought them hope. Of course, Dad being the man of faith he was all the hope and yes joy he brought to others he attributed to such coming from God.

Now I am much older than Dad was when he died. I have not had near the impact for good he had but what bit of good have done is in large part attributed to what learned from him. Oh how I wish that Betty and our children and their spouses and their kids could have had the chance to know him. In some way though I think and hope they have.

The frequent dream visits I experienced with Dad went away many decades ago. The memories however, thank God, live on.

Breakfast fun 

Muscatine 1959 or so

Colorado visit spring 1974, 7 months no hair cut or bear trim since mustered out of the Army, Mom and Dad very happy and proud too despite my looking like a shaggy dog.

Josh Wendy wedding 2017 with Betty, sons daughters brothers nieces nephews

Mom Dad before kids

Dad and me 1952

Christmas 1973, Diana, me with a three month post army beard. Lani, Paul, John's portrait on the wall, Mom and Dad. The last holiday we were all together. 

Brothers where what would be

A friend asked me a while back where what would I be if had never met Betty Lee? The question made me cry as had never thought of that too much before as to what life would be like if had never married Betty. The answer as most everyone knows is that I would be a lonely old man eating hotdogs sitting in a tree.

The other day watched the movie about a man who towed his homemade trailer across Iowa via a banged up riding lawn mower to visit his older brother in Wisconsin,  When asked why he would do such a thing the actor said "no one knows you as well as a brother."

That in turn got me to thinking good grief where what would I be if had not had two older brothers. I dunno the answer to that, but it could be that would be worse off than if had never met Betty Lee. What follows are some of the reasons why that could well be true.

I am the youngest of us, Paul was 3 years old and John 6 when I got born in the fall of 1949. They were always bigger, stronger, smarter, while growing up. We had wonderful parents. They did though have full complete lives besides just raising us. Dad was the pastor of one of the larger congregations in Muscatine Iowa, and Mom in addition to being a de facto co minister was a full time junior high home economics teacher. The fifties were boom times for church attendance, and Dad's United Methodist church was packed for each of the two Sunday morning services, plus also well attended Sunday and Wednesday evenings. Mom didn't miss any of those services nor the various church group meetings and outings. Dad typically visited 35 or more people in their homes or hospitals each week, praying with them and often administering communion as well. 

Their schedule met that there was a good deal of time us boys were in charge of ourselves which meant lots of backyard football, alley way softball, basketball, attic wrestling, and low grade neighborhood hijinks.

Lessons were learned. A wooden backboard with metal basketball rim was set up facing the alleyway on the back end of our detached garage. My first baskets were made there, and in addition to endless games with bros and neighborhood gang spent a good deal of time out there on my own too. One afternoon when I was around 9 years old three youth from where did not know showed up to harass. After a bit of having fun they tossed me in a nearby garbage can. Some commotion was made and John who had just got home from school came out to see what was going on.  They started to needle him too, which resulted in big brother who really was small for his age until later years but nonetheless took immediate action. He picked out who the leader was and then hit his face with all his might. The dude staggered, then fell backwards into closed tin entry of a dilapidated abandoned warehouse. His two buddies looked at each other and then back at John and took off to wherever they had come from. I never saw them or their leader again.

I was no great athlete but did get the most recognition at high school's football banquet. My parents and others in the audience had tears listening to coach Bob's words. After a month of JV football the knobby growth underneath the left knee cap swelled up. A trip to the ortho clinic resulted in getting a cast for two months from the ankle to the mid thigh and orders of no weight bearing which meant had to use crutches. The next day, John suggested that I go to practice anyway. So that is what I did, never missing a practice or a game for the rest of the season.  Standing on the sidelines with weight on the crutches, arm pits and hands got calluses. At the banquet coach's talk was the emotional highlight.

I had waterskied a few times as a teen, but never got to where could stand up more than 3 seconds. A few years later Paul got a boat and upon discharge from the Army stopped off to see him and Lani. We went to the lake. I tried time after time to stand up and go but kept failing. He did not give up. Finally near the end of the day I got it right and skied all over that lake. Was similar to when learned how to drive a manual shift car. Paul had a 6 speed karma ghia convertible, and I was due to have delivered soon a 5 speed on the floor vega gt coupe. So was a little desperate to learn how to use the clutch. Despite numerous burning attempts Paul kept having me practice till got it right. He succeeded and was able to use my car to drive housemates all over Colorado. They called me Mario.

The 3 of us worked the summer of 1967 together at YMCA camp Manito-wish located in Wisconsin's north woods. John had just finished his graduate program at Drake, and Paul was to be a senior at his school in Missouri and I a freshman. That summer Paul led two 20 day long wilderness canoe trips and John took photos while waiting for his order to report for USMC boot camp. On the morning of one of Paul's trips I spotted him near the boat dock contemplating perhaps praying for safe journey for he and his campers. The day John left for the Marines he was deep in thought too.  The three of us huddled up that morning and said our goodbyes.

Paul's trips were a success and broke camp records for miles travelled and rapids ran. John was his company's outstanding boot during training and served with honor in Da Nang. 

There are so many more stories that are locked in which contribute to how grateful I am that learned and got reinforced the values of perseverance, determination, giving back, hard work, loyalty, and love from my brothers. Where would I be without them? More n likely would have flunked algebra for sure, taken a bus instead of a car to Colorado, been a cousin bowl loser, never a leader, no mountains climbed or rivers paddled, blown courage to propose to Betty, never moved to Hawaii, boloed out of basic training, no graduate school. In short would have been lucky to find a tree to sit in let alone eat hot dogs from. 

They remain and will always be bigger, stronger, smarter - Thanks John and Paul for everything

us 3 with Mom and Dad we are 4,7, and 10 in this photo, John (10) wearing cowboy hat and is in the middle which seems to be where he fits in most of the photos.

Christmas 1949 

Another Christmas John in the middle and we wearing bow ties they must of been clip ons

Backyard football with neighbor kids and a cheerleader. The one story building there is the garage and behind it is the run down ware house mentioned in the narrataive. Both have numerous broken windows thanks to us boys.

Paul and I on the AT. both with white beards. am protecting my stomach from getting punched by brother due to protective natural reflexes due childhood memories.

wearing our camp shirts warming up for our annual Iowa vrs Missouri cousin bowl. These games started when in junior high and continued for several years. This is the last one as our Missouri kin got old. We never lost.

John in Ethiopia 1965 meeting the Conquering Lion of the tribe of Judah - Emperor Haile Selassie

kid time with Mom and Dad wearing bow ties - either Christmas or easter cause we rarely dressed up

the three of us at the Grand Canyon. Paul and I are wearing shades and hoping we don't get punched in the gut by John who is in the middle.

Paul and I at McAfee Knob, which is an iconic AT spot with big view of Virginia mountains

 

View from a distance of half dome. if not for brothers would have had no interest in hike like this. They though got me interested in this sort of stuff from a young age. It was thinks to them that got going canoeing and hiking.

three on top half dome

us three with John in the mid again  at Josh's wedding- 2017

I

If not for brothers scenes like this may never have happened - Betty and SC plus our immediate fam and a few extras - Dec 2021

 

Betty and I about a year before kids, unwavering support from brothers for taking the leap

I think is only photo of me in uniform this taken on home leave after a few weeks of training - knowing big brother was top boot bolstered my determination to at least not get kicked out.

1997 through 2023

2/08/24 Up date:

The body of this post was written 12/24/23 and the fact that have been battling tendinitis since that July was noted. Recently had a MRI done which shows that the posterior tendon is detached from the tibia by 2 cm. Sports Doc made referral to Orthopedic clinic and told me more than likely they will recommend a surgical procedure to correct. At consult with surgeon on Jan 26 recommendation made to just keep running and if hurts to stop. Reason being if get the surgery done will be laid up for about one year and still may not be any better. So far though every time that try to run it hurts. Am going to try cold laser treatments and maybe an ankle brace, hopefully such will help. Rest of this post is my running history more or less and have high hopes am not done yet. Long term goal remains to be like my father in law with whom had one of the best runs of my life when he was 96 years young.

 Since the year turned 27 have been a recreational runner. A review of those past logs reveals have run 54000 miles. Runner logs though especially back in the pre gps days are akin to personal body weight estimations. In other words, probably off by around 10 percent, but if add in army days and high school track then more n likely am over 50K lifetime.

That total though is a far cry from Darryl Beardall's 312000 lifetime run miles. done. He may have run the most recorded miles of any one ever. There are others who have reached 200000, and many are over 100000. Regardless, am grateful that have gotten to this point. I have run every year since 77. Some when working and when children were growing did well to muster in a few half hour work week lunch sessions and an hour or so on the weekends. Many of those years averaged between 500 to 750. According to some running authorities one has to average 25 miles a week (1250 yearly) to be considered a consistent runner. That may or may not be true but in my mind no matter how much or how little got logged in every year I was always a runner.

There were a number of years that when circumstances allowed averaged between 30 to 40 weekly miles.  Have only done 5 in person marathons, plus several virtuals but trained for several more which for one reason or other did not get to the start line. Those years that ran marathons typically included a few months of weekly mileage at 50 or more.

Upon retirement 14 years ago at the age of 60 running volume and quality workouts significantly increased. At the age of 61 thanks to such ran a sub 7 minute mile, and was averaging well over 30 weekly miles until 2014 when spent 4 months hiking with brother Paul. The following year did the New York City Marathon. Developed high hamstring tendinitis that spring which took months to get rid of and then 2 weeks before the race reinjured the ham. So had to walk about 6 miles off and on but did finish in 6:21. Despite the time and cramps and injury was the best race experience ever. I mean where else can one find over a million people cheering for you! It was as a good or better a feeling at the finish than my personal best of 3:35 at the age of 31.

MRI's show lots of arthritis in the left knee and lose of cartilage in the left ankle. For half a year 2017 elliptical machine replaced running. Then while on a hike with Josh and Wendy knee and foot felt good as ran down the trail from cascade pass. From that point onward was able to get back to regular training. In early 2019 did the Phoenix marathon in 5:21. Due to the cold and a 10 minute wait for porta potty use cramped severely at the 5 mile mark. Ran every step though the rest of the way as felt if started walking would not be able to finish.

My best four year volume and quality stretch started after turned 70 with the  pandemic. Have logged 8400 miles (accurate no need deduct 10%) from 2020 through 2023. Those years included 6 virtual marathons, two of which were 50k, and three mileage accumulation events. November 2020 ran 252 miles for a second place finish among 64 entrants and first place (was the only one) for age group. There were other multi day events as well as additional months when ran over 240 miles. 

Some of the virtual marathons were due to closure of in person options. One though the race director offered a choice due to unexpected heat wave in the northwest. I did that instead which proved to be an experience that cannot forget.

During a fifty two pandemic week stretch from June 28 2020 through June 21 2021 I ran 550 hours while covering 2800 miles. Darryl hit 3000 when he was 73 so as a 72 year old I was not that far off for one year at least from the dude that has run the most (his over all yearly average was an incredible 4500).  

Now at the end of 2023. I have a goal to run till am 96 or more like my father in law did. For the past 5 months have been battling left ankle tendinitis. Still running but probably will have to take some extended time off at some point. There are days when it hurts while running and other days when feels well. I don't like the idea of stopping for a myriad of reasons which include:

Don't feel guilty when running like do sometimes when watching Jurassic park for the 100th time instead of doing something productive  - like house/yard work;

Have composed letters. emails, music, and so called raps while pounding the pavement;

Provides joyful memorable moments that are forever on tap like when Albert yelled out marine trying to pass which resulted in going as fast as could muster to finish a 5k race at age of 73 with a sub 8 minute;

 Although average pace is way slower than 40 years ago the sensation is the same which results in feeling as young now as was back then;

There are times when both feet are off the ground that don't know if they touched down;

I float.

2020 Kagoshima marathon in Japan was cancelled but a couple years later they sent a towel and medal which helped to ease the pain of losing round trip airfare.

Photo from empty lot up the street with month long accumulation lanyard reward with blue wooden medal attached highlighted by a Golden capitol S for super job!

Photo of list of 3 week long accumulation event. My 2nd place total was 229 miles, 68 behind first place and 11 ahead of third. 

The highlighted area near the bottom of the page and the section just below of this print out shows achieved a ranking of 100% for running 252 gps miles and the 50 that walked for a total of 302 during month long  accumulation event. The ranking takes into account age at time of event. 

No matter how much or how one exercises, whether one or hundreds of minutes research proves all is beneficial. It would be great if these posts somehow serve as motivation for others including our adult children when they reach the golden years to stay active, and maybe the grands to think about school track or cross country.  It makes me glad to report that a few readers or observers have mentioned that what have done has served as inspiration, which in turn motivates me too.

 windwarddavemusings.blogspot.com

Apocalyptic Humbleness

After the high of running that sub 8 minute mile at the end of the 5/5/23 5k I signed up to attend Ryan Hall's annual Run Camp on the campus of Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff Arizona. 

Run Free Training coaches

Ryan Hall

Was scheduled to be in Arizona anyway to visit oldest brother John so figured what the heck. Arrived mid day July 16 at the Phoenix Sky Harbor airport where got picked up by Army buddy and life long friend Carlos Montoya who was in town to assist his daughter's move back to New Mexico. At her apartment most of the work was done but I did carry boxes and stuff to the trash bins in oven worthy weather. Then it was off to the nearest joint could find to have some cold ones. Carlos then took me to Sun City West where John and his family live.

Next morning, which was Monday, July 17 John and I went up to the dorm at NAU where was given a fan at check in due to no AC. Not long after joined the slowest group to do a short campus trail run. Within the first five minutes I took a hard fall. Scrapped the left knee and hand, and caused concern among participants. After a quick shake off continued on to finish the run. Lots of reasons why fell including had just arrived from an overnight flight the day before, despite being at 7000 feet it was still hot, the left foot had been problematic for the past month. But the main reason was because basically am clumsy and my foot hit a rock.

foot after rock hit

That night was difficult to sleep. The dorm room was a few feet below ground level which meant the box window fan did nothing but stir up warm air. Eventually got some shuteye by moving the mattress to the cooler floor.  The next morning conversations proved I was not the only uncomfortable one. Before breakfast we did a trail run out by Saint Mary's Road.  I limped along for an hour. The highlight was when Ryan Hall ran alongside. He was friendly and a few seconds later he was like a mile ahead. Towards the end of the run one of the coaches children whom appeared to be 7 or 8 years old left me in the dust too.

faster than the author

That afternoon was on the track. Did a lot of drills and several 100 meter strides utilizing the various steps just learned. Later we hit the weight room. For my turn to lift the coaches noted my goal should be to maintain position without falling. Second night slept much better. In the morning though could barely stand up. My left foot was swelled and could not place weight on it. After a little loosening was okay to walk. I sent a photo to coach and he fired back to not run today. Morning was back on the track. The Physical Therapist after seeing photo said that wanted to see me walk without shoes. So while everyone else was running circles I spent 85 minutes walking shoeless on the track and the football field. Worked on walking tall, and sucking up the core while holding arms out horizontal. As it was already well established that I was way slower than everyone else including the youngest keiki I felt no embarrassment.

 In the afternoon there was a somatic breathing session. Spent over an hour lying down matching breaths with music. I got scolded  a bit for squirming so the leader put her hand on my chest to quiet me down. Then a bit later maybe it was her or someone else  not sure who but felt some feminine (at least hope they were) fingertips going up and down the sole of my foot. A bit later each of my toes got stretched and then the whole foot got massaged. It was very relaxing and I basically slept till the music stopped. 

Wednesday evening was a social at a pizza place in town. Only a hand full of the adult participants went and 3 coaches. It was fun listening to their stories about 100 milers. There was also a discussion about what one would tell one's younger self 10 years ago. For me they said make it 20, and my response was "retire when you can." Talk about why we run was interesting too. Some commented for glory of God, and others the sense of movement. Mine was that running slows time down.

Thursday was the big day for a run to the top of 12,550 foot Mount Humphreys. As still limping  figured no way could get that done so joined the group doing a shorter trail run on the mountain's slopes. Did not run though but did do a short hike with the mother of one of the high school runners. She and her son and husband (he ran the entire Appalachian trail in 50 days) had spent two years or more as a missionaries in Uganda. So it was an interesting conversation. That afternoon I took the shuttle to downtown Flagstaff. After walking a block or two had sharp pains in the left foot and felt as if would need to get to the hospital. Rested a bit then made it back to the shuttle to return to campus.

high country hike

Friday morning foot still hurting so skipped the last run. John drove back up and we went headed off to Sun City West with a stop at a rock and pie ala mode joint. The pie was great as were all the other pies sister in law Wei presented each day while with them.

Camp was something else. I had been averaging well over 40 miles a week since first of the year until just a week prior when foot got worse. I have had lots of osteoarthritis in the left foot for some time now. In early 2017 an MRI was done and sports doc advised to go swim. I took off a few weeks but was soon back to it. In early 2019 did the Phoenix marathon and have picked up the volume and quality a good deal since the start of the pandemic. Am on track to easily surpass 8000 miles run from 2020 through 2023 as long as can get in another month or two by 12/31. As to how much entire lifetime extensive review of past journals indicate that have run well over 50,000 miles since  started recreational running in 1977. When add in miles run in high school track and the Army then am at around 54000.

 So was really disappointing could not do much at all during the camp. But did get to meet a lot of neat folks. Run Free Training (RFT) is a company run by American marathon and half marathon record holder (204:58; 59:43) Ryan Hall, and his friend Jay Stephenson also an elite. I signed on with their program in April 2023 and they did help me do well in that 5k. 

Ryan is an outspoken Christian but he and others of like persuasion at camp did not proselytize. They did share their faith and they did set the tone via virtuous behavior. There were around two dozen high school runners, 15 or so adults like me plus 10 or more coaches. I do not recall hearing any swear words or any thing of a salacious nature the whole week. In truth that was a welcome relief from much of the garbage I consume via Netflix etc.

I do not regret going to camp, other than doing so made it impossible to meet up with two fellow Wisconsin camp wawbeekers.* It was good to spend time with coach Jay and others. Also got me out of the Phoenix area record breaking oven heat. Three days later in Sun City did mange a 103 minute run before temp hit 100+. But foot hurt a good deal so as of this writing have not run since. Am hoping in the next few days will be able to pick it back up in short stretches. Am trying to stay positive. I did get over this before, but am concerned as to how much more ankle area cartilage has been damaged the past 6 years. Hoping sports doc can help. If not then maybe go build a pool.

Brother John had planned a full itinerary for the five days after camp but with temps hitting 117 we basically hunkered down with the AC. Had a lot of awesome talks, John hits 80 next month and has lived an eventful life. But dang to step foot outside from 10 am till late was the most intense heat have ever felt. Far surpassed Louisiana and Asian summers. Made me fearful for what the future holds. We got to get a grip on climate change/global warming. Many say it is too late already but there are some hopeful indicators too. I wish Revelations was not in the bible. I think that book has led to too much procrastination and lack of action. I believe rather than hanging on for the rapture we are called to get moving on undoing all the damage we have done to this earth. And we need to not point to other countries lack or progress as an excuse for not taking action. I wish we had a strong Green party but we do not so reds and blues come on let's get it done.

Brother John

On July 26 flew up to the northwest where spent 6 days with Josh and Wendy and grands Luna and Nalu. The weather there was fab temps low seventies day and fifties at night. We spent a weekend at Mount Rainier. 4 year old Luna is a terrific hiker doing much harder stuff than mine did at that age. She no whine either. Nalu not even 2 yet but he likes to get out of the backpack carrier and walk. Such a sturdy kid! So was fun and next time go up will stay longer.

Luna with Pop Pop

Wendy, Josh, Luna, Nalu!

there goes Luna forging ahead 

In the presence of Mt. Rainier

Josh and some random stranger

* Next month I hit 74, and as far as could tell the next oldest were a full generation younger and some campers even had great grandpas not yet that age.

I never found out who massaged my foot, but daughter Deb told me it is common practice during yoga so now thinking maybe everyone else got massaged too.

What's next? Betty and I and our fam across the street going to Taiwan and then later in the year going with Betty back to the northwest. After than not sure. If foot heals will try for one more marathon in 2024.

Up Date: 2/08/2024 -- Was able to build mileage back up to over 40 miles a week for the months of November and December 2023 which brought total 4 year pandemic total to a little over 8400 miles. But foot became more problematic early January so got another Mri done, That one showed the posterior tendon is detached from the tibia by 2 cm. No matter how try to treat it there is no way it will ever reattach itself without a surgical procedure.  Sports Doc told me would refer to ortho and that more than likely they would recommend surgery and she thought should get such done so as can stay active. At the Ortho consult late January Doctor noted that the tendon more n likely was broken long before went to run camp. He  suggested to not do any invasive procedure, and said if go that route expect to be laid up for a year or more. His advice was to keep on running and when it hurts to stop. Since then have tried to run a few times and it hurts right off the bat more than in the past so have not made it more than 5 minutes. Am checking now as to if cold laser treatments may help and also consideration to get an ankle brace. I no lie this development is discouraging. Am focusing on the positive. Even though may take a long time to get back that goal to run as a 96 year old is still there, still motivating me to not give up.