Real David H.

This past weekend at the Blue Ridge races in Roanoke has given me a spark to write more. I need to act on that or I’ll go back into hiding again, and not re-emerge until December or January. 

I wanted to use that spark to give numerous shout-outs to those deserving it not only from this weekend, but from years past. 

ROANOKE SHOWS UP

Let me first start with giving a huge THANK YOU to the race organizers, the city of Roanoke, and the residents who come out and support runners and walkers every year. 

I’ve become good friends with Kait Pedigo and Pete Eshelman of Roanoke Outside behind the scenes. The weekend often kicks off with a quick conversation with both of them about the race, giving quick life updates and also giving them honest feedback about the race. My first email exchange with Pete dates back to July 2009!

For two out of the past three years I’ve been able to see Pete actually out on the course and not too locked up behind the scenes! Pete, thank you for everything that you’re doing for Roanoke.

I didn’t get to grab a pic with Kait this year, but we still caught up for a few minutes. She’s doing some amazing things for this race, and I can’t wait to see how things continue to evolve.

A couple of other highlights from Roanoke: 

FRIENDS AND FAMILY

Adding a bigger family component to this weekend over the past few years has made a huge difference in how special this race has become. Seeing second cousins on my dad’s regularly, having my uncle come down to the finish line, and traveling with my sister have become things that I need every year. 

I also want to give a shout-out to my longtime friend Abbie, who traveled from Florida to win her age group, along with her mother-in-law, who was second in her age bracket. They’re convinced to come back again next year! 

This was a much quieter year from a social media side of things. A decade ago, meeting up with social media friends was THE main reason to do this event, and I hope that can happen again next year.