Apollo's First 8k

Busy Saturday.  After cultural Fiesta Asia and working on getting my contractor prepped to install a new concrete floor for my bathroom, I was all pumped up to support DC Capital Striders, Back on My Feet and High Cloud with their annual 8K.  Since Apollo wanted to get some fresh air, I decided to bring him along.  Little did I expect him to be the star of the show.

Apollo loves children

Adriana (High Cloud) with Apollo

Apollo w/ Hudson

I came to volunteer, but after due to the great attendance and plethora of volunteers, I decided to take Apollo out for his first 8K.  I knew he would enjoy it since Apollo loves to go out on a spin on my road bike.

Rick Amernick with Apollo

Autumn w/ Apollo

DC Parking Attendants Need to Have Heart

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My car parked at "A" directly in front of Cosi's.


Always be Vigilant

Ok, so I'm sitting in the Cosi's on 6th St, SW.   My car is parked directly in front of the restaurant.  I am sitting at a table right next to the window and only the sidewalk is between me and my car.  I knew that my parking meter would be expiring any minute, but I was virtually next to my last bite on my sandwich. I can't think of a scenario more safer.  For the most part, I was a happy camper.  What could possibly go wrong?


It was 3:59 PM and I've had a long day, wondering my plans for the evening.  I'm polishing up my Hummus and Fresh Veggies sandwich when I see a DC parking attendant crossing the street scouting out my car like a recon ranger.

Courtesy of NBC-4

Zealous Parking Enforcers
As he's crossing the street, he's already turning on his handheld computer.  I drop my sandwich and ran out of Cosi's like my hair was on fire.


Thankfully, I was able to beat the attendant to my car.


"This is my car. Is there a problem?"


"Yeah, you're parked in a rush hour zone," as he pointed to street sign.

Running with Other Striders

There's something uniquely special about running with a running group.  No, it's not mainly the training, the motivation, the running route.  For me its the camaraderie.  Because with a running group, it's about meeting new people and revisiting with old ones.  No, I don't normally push myself hard when running with the DC Capital Striders.  It's the friendship that gets developed that is actually more precious than anything training can provide.

DC Capital Striders 8K with Back on my Feet

Last week, the Nation's largest running group, the DC Capital Striders held the 2nd annual 8K run in the Capital Crescent Trail.  The race raised $3000 for Haiti Relief efforts.


What was really neat about this race was that there were 18 runners from Back on My Feet.  BOMF gives the homeless a second chance to regain control of their lives. 


Back on My Feet is not a handout; it is about partnerships and seeing ourselves in others. While running and training, the homeless and the trainers support and challenge each other to strive higher.  I am motivated and inspired.  They, the men from BOMF, are helping me further understand, negotiate, innovate so that I can better navigate life: RUNIN DC.


Please read the November 2009 post on BOMF coming to DC.