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Wallython 2010 America’s Greatest Heart Run/Walk Saturday, March 6th, 2010, Utica College
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Wallython '10
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CHECK OUT THE PRIZE PAGE FOR WINNERS!!!! Running Report: America’s Greatest Heart Run & Walk, Utica College 3/6/10 It was a great morning for a run. Temps were in the low 30’s by 9am, and there was a slight overcast with a bit of a wind. I decided to run the 5 mile course, which began in Whitesboro and finished at Utica College. I first warmed up by jogging one mile from my friends’ house to the college. This was the first time I ran more than a few yards in my pajamas and bathrobe, and the ensemble felt okay. I decided to bring a friend along, so I chose a 12” stuffed Cookie Monster. When I reached the college, I looked up a Heart Association staffer whom I met last year. She and her friends were so impressed by my getup that they dragged me to a radiothon that was going on in the gym. I was interviewed for 5 minutes and told my story about the Wallython and how it got started. Afterwards, I was herded onto a bus that drove us to the starting point in Whitesboro. Shortly after we arrived, the cannon went off, signaling the start of the run. Despite the cold there were people all along the route handing out oranges and water and wishing us well. When we passed a VFW, the members formed a gauntlet and passed out mini-flags. Lots of people thought the jammies and bathrobe were a great idea, and Cookie Monster was a big hit, but that 12” blue buddy of mine seemed to get heavier and heavier as time wore on. About half way through the run, the sun broke through the clouds and warmed things up enough to ditch the gloves and cap (bathrobe pockets do come in handy!). At Mile 4 we hit “Heartbreak Hill,” which is a winding upward climb through a residential section of New Hartford. It was quite challenging, especially so early in the running season. Fortunately, the neighbors were out in full force along with several radio DJs, and they provided the boost to get us through. Once we reached Burrstone Road, it was a level mile to the college. Right before the finish, the walkers (about 8,000 of them) were beginning to gather. They were itching to go, so when I passed them, I raised Cookie Monster in the air. A huge cheer went up, and I must have high-fived dozens of people (Cookie did most of the work). It was a just a few hundred yards to the finish line and a bunch of goodies fit for a beggars’ banquet. It was a lot of fun, but more importantly, over $1.1 million was raised to help fight heart disease. Thanks to all who pitched in this year! Mister Wally Prize-O-Rama Drawing! Once again, I will be raffling off several prizes to sweeten the pot. For every $5 you donate, you receive one chance in the drawing, which will be held on Friday, March 12th. So far, the prize list includes: · Custom made fishing rod & reel * Plano Magnum Tackle Box · iPod “Shuffle” MP3 player * $25 Barnes & Noble Gift Certificate · $25 JC Penney Gift Certificate * $25 Bed, Bath, & Beyond Gift · Gift Certificates for Ithaca area * Bottles of Wine Restaurants and Merchants * 3-month Membership to Finger Lakes Fitness Center Early Bird Special—2 chances for every $5 donation if received by Wed. 2/15 To Donate—send your donation to: Wally Powers, 28 Valley View Road, Spencer, NY 14883-9631 (Cash is okay, but checks are better. Please make them out to “American Heart Association.”) Extra Incentive!!! If donations top $1,000, I will run in my pajamas and bathrobe! You can check the donations, updated Prize-O-Rama list, Heart Association news, and more on the official Wallython Website (http://powersteremy.tripod.com), which will be up and running by February 1st. Questions? Email me at mrwally@twcny.rr.com. A heart-felt thanks for your help! |
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