At age 45, Baker joined Boot Camp. The big crowds were fun for him. Baker loves to talk. We weren't sure if he cared about fitness, but we knew he loved the fellowship.
In the old days, the Peachtree Road Race required us to run under 42 minutes in a certified 10K in order to qualify sub seeded. Boot Camp would run the Buckhead Sizzler every year in an attempt to get as many guys/girls as possible under 42 minutes. In our first attempt, Baker joined us. It seemed like usual Baker, there were a group of people getting together to run, so he joined.
On our journey that morning from the Chamblee Marta Station to Piedmont Rd, we clicked off 6 minute and forty five second miles like clock work. At 5 miles, we looked around and saw that everyone was still with us, including Baker! Baker asked with his typical smile "hey Boss, what should I do?" I said "hell Baker, you have come this far, you might as well go all the way." Baker ran 41.59.
Equipped with evidence that he is a competitive club runner, Baker has enjoyed road racing ever since. In addition to winning age group awards over the years, he has also qualified for the Boston Marathon.
In the last decade, Baker & I have seen wives, girlfriends, friends, jobs & houses come and go. Much in our lives comes and goes, but the workout stays the same. We have remained grounded in the discipline and we still love it.
No comments:
Post a Comment