Posted by Agnes Oquendo on September 08, 2001 at 06:07:45:
The overcast skies and humidity made it clear that rain was in store for us
sometime today. We started out in Micco on Route 1 and crossed over to A1A
in Wabasso. As soon as we crossed the bridge on to A1A the rain arrived.
Once in Vero Beach, we met Bill, Sue and Russell, of the Sunrunners of Vero Beach,
who brought the sun along with them. The Sunrunners couldn't have choreographed the
day any better, a slight rain to cool Lou off, followed by the sun to brighten up the day,
a sidewalk to run on, and one of the most beautiful areas to run in.
What an honor and a privilege to meet and run with such ageless wonders. Bill, age 70, used
his inline skates because he is nursing a softball injury. As a cross trainer and triathlete,
he is in excellent shape. Russell, a 5 1/2 year cancer survivor at age 75 matched Lou step for
step and Sue, Bill's wife, also in great shape, also kept Lou company. The trio provided Lou
a change of scenery off the main road and onto the beach area and the welcomed conversation replaced
Lou's radio. Thanks Bill, Russell and Sue.
Shortly after their departure, Rita pulled up in front of Lou and asked him if
he had a support vehicle -- because she had some cookies for him. She then found
me up ahead to deliver the cookies. She had read the article in the Vero Beach Press
Journal yesterday and wanted to do something for us. We were both touched by her
kindness to make the effort to come out and look for us so that she could hand deliver
these homemade delicious cookies. Rita, they did the trick, Lou wants the recipe.
Then Lou was approached by Joan Ellis Kenney, a former SIAC runner and a
longtime good friend, who once trained with Lou for the London Marathon.
She was responsible for orchestrating the wonderful reception into Vero Beach by
the Sunrunners and for the article in the Vero Beach Press Journal. Not even
the rains to come could put a damper on todays events, thank you Bill, Sue,
Russell, Rita and Joan, who took time from her lunch hour to find us.
The waves and honks from vehicles continued on through A1A, from Vero Beach
into Fort Pierce. then the darkened skies let out a cooling rain which lasted
throughout the rest of the run. At Fort Pierce A1A combined with Route 1
for a short while, then they went their separate ways, but we continued on
Route 1 until we reached 44 miles for the day.
It's days like this one that assure us, that as a nation, we can come together to
eliminate this horrific disease that not only invades the host but also destroys the
family members and friends emotionally.
We hope to be arriving in Miami either Sunday or early Monday. 'Til tomorrow.
It's your e-mails and forum messages that keep us going.
Love Lou & Agnes