CHRISTMAS RUN 2012

Today I celebrated Christmas Eve with 13 other runners, legends from past, present and future. 14 of us set off from my house, for our annual 4-mile xmas run.

From this old 2:22 marathoner to Randy and Lisa Haas, both veterans of the Olympic Trials Marathon,  to a host of other sub-3-hour marathoners, to Haylee Burnhauser and Alex Chimahusky, two young runners, who both earned All-Conference honors in PA and ran USCAA Nationals this year. We ran an 8-minute-a-mile pace, chatting and laughing the entire way. To the dismay of many motorists, we 'occupied' the streets of Pottsville.

Running bonds us. People of all ages, abliities, and backgrounds. We are one running 'family,' and although we are ultra competitive when the gun sounds, we are kindred spirits.

My oldest running partner, Brian Tonitis, owns a PR of 2:39 in the marathon. Three years ago, after placing 4th in a triathlon, and winning the 50-and over age division, he suffered a heart attack. His commitment to fitness enabled him to fully recover, and he completed an Ironman triathlon in November. Today, he joined us. He is a dear friend. Running helped him to beat the Widowmake

From one who has been a runner for 36 years, I can say, my running friends are my TRUE friends. Appreciate and cherish your running mates. They share your passion. They understand you. They are friends...for life.

Merry Christmas to all!

Joe