July 4th Freedom Run with Ed

We've done quite a few races this year, but this one was different! It was pretty much awesome! And not because I ran it in record time either.

Lamon has a friend from work named Ed. Ed is so cool and funny, but he is also pretty inspiring. About a year ago Ed had Gastric Bypass surgery. Since his surgery he has lost 180 pounds. Lamon and I have often had conversations in which we talk about how it doesn't matter what kind of procedure someone has done, or special diet that someone goes on . . . if they don't change their lifestyle . . . it will eventually come back. Well Ed has totally changed his lifestyle and he is amazing. Earlier in the year he told people at work that he was going to train for and run the Freedom Run 5k. It didn't take long for a bunch of people from the PACU to jump on board and say that they wanted to run it with him. Everyone loves Ed!!

So co-workers and families met the morning of the race dressed in PACU t-shirts and lined up for the race. One of Lamon's friends from work, Cami, said, "Let's go stand in between the 9 min mile marker and the 10. I was thinking, "I run faster than that." The thought of my paying for the race, and not doing my best was disconcerting for about half a second . . . until I realized how retarded I was for thinking like that. So who cares if on the 2010 Freedom Run stats it doesn't have me as running an 8 minute mile. That wasn't why I was there! So I ran with the PACU pack and it was one of the funnest races I have ever ran. Those guys are awesome. And Ed is the bomb. What a cool guy. He has caught the runner addiction and has done more races since. I have a feeling those 180 pounds are gone for good! We all finished the race together, and that was pretty sweet!