Reid sprints to the Murphy Street finish in his custom Chucks.

“The best most of us can do is to be a poet an hour a day. Take the hour when we run or tennis or golf or garden; take that hour away from being serious adults and become serious beginners.” —George Sheehan, Running & Being: The Total Experience

Eighteen bipeds walked, trotted, and ran a one-mile loop through the streets of Madison today. Our numbers have doubled from our premier event, the MadMayo Shine Run. At this rate, we only need seven more runs to have the entire Madison-Mayodan population taking it to the streets. Resistance is futile.

What do we want?

TO WALK, RUN, AND CHAT WITH PEOPLE!

When do we want it?

NOW!

I’m pleased to report that we have experienced a return on our Canine Outreach Program investment, as there were also four quadrupeds. Good thing I thought to bring a roll of dog, ahem, bags! That’s the kind of attention to detail I pride myself on. Or, would pride myself on, if I hadn’t balanced it out by writing last year’s date on the trophy like it was the first check of the year (see photo).

MMRC is all about the details—as in the devil is in them.

Participants ranged in age from four to 79. People came from as far away as Stokesdale, a distance far enough away to require a vehicle (unless there’s a good running route; let us know if there is). We all had one goal in common: a shot at the coveted MMJOD (MadMayo January One and Done) Trophy.

Deacon (far right) moments before stealing the lead to the finish line, followed by runners-up (left to right) Lori (later crowned the MMJOD Champion), Tim, and Chris.

Since so much focus is put on resolutions and discipline and making life better for you and your loved ones, the MMJOD Trophy is a reminder not to forget about blind luck. The MMJOD Champion isn’t necessarily the runner who crosses the line first—although it should be mentioned that honor goes to Deacon—the trophy goes to the one whose name is drawn in the World Famous MadMayo Running Club Raffle. So who is the 2010 (or 2009, if you go by the documentation) MMJOD Champion?

Lori Ratcliffe! This was Lori’s first OFFICIAL run since breaking her arm last year. She could have run the MMJOD mile in 3:42, breaking the world record, but she promised her daughter she wouldn’t break anything today and finished just a little slower. Congratulations, Lori. You bring honor to the title.

Afterward, Dena and Blair invited the group to their home for coffee, muffins, and fruit. Sorry about the carpet!

Just kidding.

Barefoot Josh welcomes the walk/runners to the inaugural January One and Done. His years of stage training are really paying off!

Thanks to everyone who showed up and for being such great company, in no particular order:

Siri, Cole, Reid, Jackson, Braeden, Melanie, Gerald, Susan, Peggy, Richard, Chris, Lori, Tim, Blair, Dena, Tamara, Harvey, Iris, Barefoot Josh, Jake, Sam, Deacon, and Tito.

Check out this page for official 2010 MMJOD photos. Feel free to use them as you’d like—frame ‘em, make dartboards, it’s up to you!

MMRC Canine Outreach Program ambassador Tito Sutcliffe

Happy New Year
from the MadMayo Running Club
Running for Everyone in Rockingham County (and beyond)