January 16 run

Well it looks like New Year’s resolutions kicked into high gear this morning as we had a heart-warming turnout of 25 people on a slightly brisk day made for running. The group included two visitors (Sue from Baltimore and Emily from the Virgin Islands . We also welcomed first timer Kelly.

Thanks to those of you who showed up with sports supplements for visitor Emily. As it turned out she was able to find some.

Cheryl was supposed to join us for her first group run as a married lady, but she failed to show. Hope all is well, Cheryl. We missed you.

We welcomed Dave back after a long absence due to his dealing with health issues. Good to see you out again, Dave!

We also welcomed back Kim, who has been fighting an injury for many weeks. Welcome back, Kim!

Park Avenue looked as if there was a race as our group and the “fasties” group chugged up Park Avenue simultaneously.

From the International Desk:
Due to the recent tragic flooding in Australia and Brazil , I contacted David and Felipe (two of our recent foreign visitors) to inquire how they were faring. I have posted their responses below:

Message from David in Brisbane :
Hi Jack, good to hear from you, and thanks for your concern.

The floods have been truly terrible, but to be honest when you see what just happened in Brazil , it puts things into context.

Having said that, Brisbane has really been ripped apart this time around, around 15 dead, 60+ missing, 10,000 homeless. I live quite close to the river (which burst its banks), but luckily I’m on top of a hill, so wasn’t impacted. Several of my (running) buddies have completely lost their homes, so it is life-changing for them!

It’s amazing how the community has pulled together to help out, this weekend there are over 10,000 volunteers helping out!!

Anyway…thanks again, and glad to hear you are getting more overseas runners.

Message from Felipe in Brazil
It's so nice to hear from you again. Thanks for your message and the kind words.

It was the worst flooding in the history of the country. I was in Chicago at the time of Katrina hurricane and what is happening here is quite similar. So far, 541 people have died and thousands have lost their houses, mostly poor people ($)

However, the heavy rain struck only the mountainous region of the state known as Região Serrana, more than 100 km from where I live. There was a flooding in my city last year (I live by the coast) when more than 200 people died. We're okay this year so far.

We're doing what we can - sending water and food, giving blood and praying, mostly. The sad part is that it happens every summer...

Changing the subject, how are you guys in Orlando ? Still running on Winter Park every Sunday? Man, I loved that run...

Two friends of mine have run the Disney Marathon last Sunday and a fellow countryman won... again!!! LOL

Me and the wife, we're great!

Progress report on Marty Katz
Marty continues to progress after his horrific biking accident. Chris and I had lunch with him recently and he took us next door to the restaurant to look at -------yes,-----------bikes! Chris and I both suggested he return to running with us, where he got in far less trouble. That said, he truly is Marty the Miracle Man!

Have a great week.

Jack