But now that he's moving, things are pretty good. Larry is having a birthday today, and it's a special one. His plans are to run 60 kilometers (37.2 miles) to celebrate his 60th year of existence on this planet. Danny Boy feels honored to be invited, and he's decided to try to run the entire distance with Larry. Try is a keyword here because it's been quite a few years since he's run so far. Larry, an accomplished ultrarunner, not so much.
The pace is comfortable for Danny Boy. He'd been a little concerned about that, but it's fine. Larry wants to walk the uphills, and Danny Boy is fine with that. It starts to rain, hard at times, and Danny Boy is fine with this as well. In fact, it feels good.
After a couple of seven-plus mile loops, Larry and Danny Boy are joined by mutual running friend Jim O'Connor. Jim will run the remaining 23 miles with Larry and DB. A while later, Larry's wife Christine joins the growing group for a loop. The rain tapers off, and it's a pretty morning. The loop that Larry selected takes the runners on country roads, and through the village of Chagrin Falls.
Finally, at around thirty miles, it's time for the last loop. The rain has stopped. Danny Boy abides. Our runners refuel at Larry's aid station for the final time (he set up a tent with water, gels, and snacks). Danny Boy has done just fine so far, but he's a little tired from all those miles. Larry and Jim abide by not running too super fast (perhaps they are a little bit tuckered out as well).
It works out just peachy: 37.2 miles in 6:36 for a 10:40 pace. The group is joined by Jim Heun (and Christine of course) for a cookout afterward. It has been what Danny Boy would call a good day.
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| After the finish. L to R: Jim Heun, Danny Boy, Larry Orwin, Jim O'Connor |
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