The 2024 Grand Prix Series Kickoff

 

Silver online presents 

 

2024 GP Series Kickoff – Des Moines

 

1/6/24 – Des Moines

“A little rain never hurt anybody”. I remembered these words as we gathered at the Des Moines ParkRun for the starting race of the 2024 Series. The remembered words were spoken in 2009 and the speaker was Richard Olafson. We were at a race in Olympia and there was a cloudburst combined with a 20 mile an hour wind. Betty and I were sitting in our car hoping the rain would let up. It only seemed to get worse.

We had just decided to forget the race and drive home when we saw Barbara Olafson limp past the front of our car. Using a cane for balance and leaning into the driving rain she was making her way to the start line. She was a couple of months past a partially disabling stroke and still had the will to race.

I looked at Betty and we saw the embarrassment in our faces. Without another word we exited our car and fought our way against the elements to the start line.

I remembered that day as we waited for the start of the Des Moines race. This light rain is nothing I thought to myself.

At the same time I couldn’t help but think, “What a hardy group the Silver Striders are”. There we were at the start line in January of 2024. We were getting soaked while the Race Director was talking on and on. My thoughts were of Richard and Barbara. They had since departed but their spirit lives on in these runners.

The turnout was much better than I expected and I felt excited as I greeted my friends. It appeared we would have about 52 or more photos on our first Series Standings page. Bruce was busy taking photos.

It had been a several years since the last time I ran this course and I remembered I didn’t care for it because the first half was all uphill. I was dreading the first half. The last time I ran this race I was running. Now I am walking. I expected it to be difficult.

To my surprise, it was not difficult at all. I actually enjoyed it. Before the race, I was a little concerned there might be ice on the path. Luckily, there was none and the path was not slippery at all for me.

I still had a ways to go to reach the first mile mark when Keith Lerew came speeding around a corner. The downhill portion was not as steep as I remembered and it was possible to go all out and not lose control.

I had just finished making a final audit of the TOP IO to determine the Super Athletes for 2023 the day before and Keith had led the standings. He finished first in his age group at all four distances.

Then along came Kent Sizer churning out long strides. He was soon followed by Steve Husko. I had a perfect position to see all Silver Striders returning toward the finish. They all looked great.

I was sad that I was unable to join our group for a post-race lunch at the Azteca because my ride had to return to Gig Harbor.

These runners can really put it away.

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The No Excuse Running Club

By Roger Dean

1/6/24 – Des Moines

Under raining Seattle skies, the hearty ones faced the elements and the No Excuse Club was formed by Jerry Dietrich, founder and publisher of the Silver Strider Magazine for men and women, runners and walkers over 50.

In his pre-race rally to motivate the troops, he closed with, “There is no excuse for not being there if you are over 50.”

At 90, Jerry was there going over the top to lead the charge. The Des Moines Park Run is mostly uphill going out. Some say you might make up time flying home, but your ankles and thighs have some other ideas on this mad cap scamper. To Jerry and the No Excuse Club, its “Let’s take it on!”.

Jerry now holds the 90-94 age group records at the Renton and Des Moines ParkRuns. Troubles and injuries have tried to side track him, but he is there leading the charge doing damage to these troubles and injuries.

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The Results In Photos by Bruce Fisher

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