Run/Walk for Autism

Well, I'm back...again...at last.

So there's a few entries to catch up on over time. First, an event.

One year ago this past October, I volunteered at the Triangle RunWalk for Autism, sponsored by the Autism Society of North Carolina, who I have worked with since early 2013. It's rather interesting to see families come together for any cause, but the way they take over Moore Square for the race is rather cool. Now I was at it again.

Difference this time is that I was a runner, so I got to combine my running ambitions with the chance to help the cause. I was captain of a small team for the event that branched off the House of Hops Running Club. At least I didn't have to show up at sunrise this year, but even as a runner I kept looking out for members at the event who I knew or worked with previously. I somehow didn't find too many folks that I was close with at first glance, but I was also trying to stay around my team for the event.

Then we got to the actual race. Once again, recognized something new as a participant. The instructions were much more clear and not "implied" as they often are at races. This includes having to step between the cones for your chip time to start and instructions on where to expect the turns, including the bend at Person Street. Maybe there were a few high functioning competitors like myself, so they wanted to pay mind to us...like I've said before, we're pretty smart people but do need things explained on occasion. Though I didn't quite notice if there were noise markings closer to the speakers, which blasted music as most races would.

As for the run itself, I didn't expect to PR (personal record) after a buffet dinner at Tyler's tap room last night, and two beers to boot. Somehow my body was ready and the ladyfriend's electrolyte tablet kicked. My chip time was 22:32, enough for a 7:15/mile pace. Some run fixations I typically have didn't take hold until the second mile, such as looking at my watch to check my pace considering how well I started. Funny thing is that it didn't even slow me down. They also had the usual encouraging spectators at the event.

Basically, what I like about the event is that it brings folks together for the awareness of autism, but they make the event friendly to those on the spectrum. Many of them are participants (and children to boot), who are in the event for fun or cheering on their own family who run as a tribute. It was great to be on the running side this year, and now I need to figure out which side to be part of again...well, once I'm cleared to run again, but that's another story.

Now I have a lot more to catch up on with the blog...