Posted by Agnes Oquendo on September 02, 2001 at 06:28:22:
Started the day out at 9:30 a.m. We were about 10 miles from Jacksonville
and it was already hot and humid. As we entered Jacksonville, the distinct aroma
of fish filled the air. Lou said it reminded him of riding his bike in Harlem on Fridays
as a kid, (it was known as "fish fried Friday"). This weekend is the Catfish Festival in
Jacksonville.
About 12 miles into the run, I received a call from channel 4 News Jacksonville (Eric),
inquiring about our location. Travis from Channel 4 News caught up with us on Route 17 (Main Street and Beaver), where he interviewed us and filmed Lou running up to
and over the Main Street Bridge. Thanks Travis, Eric and especially Gary and Sarah.
As we were being interviewed, a man who was down and out approached us out of
curiosity. He told us that he lost his mother and sister and it may have been
to cancer and that the women he knows do not like to tell people what is wrong
with them. Lou told him that as men, they should tell their women to get
regular checkups and mammographies. The man replied, "Many men don't have the
heart to do that". Then he pointed to the sign on the truck, (Running to Beat
Breast Cancer) and said, "maybe that will wake them up". Most men in his position
would have asked for some money, but he said thank you, chose not to be filmed,
shared his thoughts with us and went on his way."
After the Main Street Bridge, we then took Route One and were accompanied
by a light rain. Around the 23rd mile, we met Gary Corbitt, son of the infamous
Ted Corbitt. He and his wife were out doing errands, how astonishing it was that
fate allowed us to cross paths. We exchanged greetings, chatted for a while and
we were on our way once again.
The humidity increased, and the threat of a downpour was imminent. Lightning
adorned the skies once again. About 20 miles from St. Augustine, the sky
opened up with a torrential downpour, forcing many cars to the shoulder of
the road in pursuit of safety. This forced me to stop Lou, I was concerned
for his safety. No one should run in a blinding rain and lightning storm.
We then drove into St. Augustine to find a place to stay, however rooms were
unavailable or doubled in price for the holiday weekend, so we opted to return
to Jacksonville for a good meal and rest. Joyce welcomed us with open arms and
a room.
Happy holiday people, we forgot. Save us some barbecue.
We ended the day with 36 miles & rain washed sneakers. Hope everyone has
a good holiday.
SEE YA!!!!!!!! Love Lou & Agnes