Race #8 - York Days 5K - 7.26.09

So we headed down to Maine for this weeks race. Wait, did I just say down to Maine? Yup, that is how the locals always say it. Actually as a New Hampshirite I would say up. Anyway we went. It was actually the "26th Annual Amidon Family Dentistry York Days 5K Road Race" - phew! Ironically enough they were aiming for a more convoluted title for the run, but it was unable to be passed by the town fathers after being ratified 3 times in last Falls triumvirate of conclaves. Those Yorkers, they're busy people! None the less, we ran! In the rain!

It was a nice course with ample police presence and traffic control. An 8 am gun time made for a dismal spectator turnout as we winded through town. There was one great moment as I passed a "gentleman" grabbing his paper from his front walk. He stood in total disbelief that he had just rolled out of bed and 800 people were running passed his house. Punctuated by the butt scratch and belch that he offered as we went by. I let out a fist pump and a hearty "thanks for coming out!" He declined to further the exchange.

Again it was a nice run with a start and finish mat, therefore we had actual net times. Very bumpy at first as some people in the middle of the pack had trouble getting through the narrow start gate. I chose this week to start mid-pack as i find it nicer to run the first leg of the race finding a good spot as the pack begins to thin out. Also for myself as a "newbie" to the sport it is nice to build confidence by passing a lot of others as you pick your spot. All in all I still need to find my kick at the end of the runs. I could have closed faster in my opinion. As I told my wife, I need to treat the last mile as if I just stole something and the authorities are in pursuit. Alas it was a successful day for Team Cameron. The boys toughed out the weather with their Batman toys in the double jogging stroller as they accompanied Gianina at the finish jockeying for photos.

I finished 147th of 785 runners with a time of 22:56 - a new personal record for us! Our next run is Thursday, August 6th in Portsmouth. The 13th Annual (wait for it) Thunder Chicken 5K Road Race & Barbecue! Do you love it or what? Two years ago I know which part of this event I would have been competing in for cash prizes. As always thank you for being involved in our effort to raise awareness and funds for Autism and we appreciate every bit of help anyone can offer us. Please forward to family and friends if you feel compelled. Get involved now - First Giving - Thank you so much!

Timmy & Team Cameron

Race #7 Harbour Trail 5K - 7.11.09

This week the travel was light and the leg was weary. Team Cameron headed off Saturday morning for the Portsmouth Harbour Trail 5K, right in our back yard. After a light week of training due to the injured right wheel that I was sporting, I never felt that I hit a rhythm. This week the goal as usual was an improvement on my personal record (23:02). Unfortunately it wasn't my day and we'll have to focus on getting stronger for the next one. I finished 94th of 375 runners with a time of 23:20.

Our next race is the York Days 5K on Sunday, July 26th. Thank you to all of those who have given us words of encouragement and to those who continue to donate to First Giving. Race #7 marks the halfway point of our 5K challenge for the 2009 running season. We still have a ways to go to reach the halfway point for our financial goal. Please get involved if you can we appreciate it, every last dollar makes a difference.

Thanks again

Timmy & Team Cameron

Race #6 John Carson Memorial - 7.04.09

Our holiday was red, white and bruised. To say that Team Cameron got off on the wrong foot would be an understatement. We loaded the boys into the family truckster and were just about to head south for Chelmsford when we realized we had forgotten something. As I quickly headed back into the house madness ensued. Hurrying up the front porch my left foot never quite caught any traction with the wet lumber. Ugh! So, the left foot falls off the porch and my right shin (in mid air at this point) grates down the front of the stairs. I left quite a bit of myself on those stairs, it was a fine how do you do at 7:25 am.

We stopped the bleeding (for the time being) and headed to Chelmsford. It was a fun 2 mile run, the most populated course I have ever been on. North Road in Chelmsford is packed with people waiting for the parade that quickly follows. I promised Aidan and Cameron that I would stop and pick them up to do the last 1/8th of a mile together. We did. After all this is what it is all about, Cameron being involved in everyday things and being exposed to "typical" experiences.

Team Cameron (daddy and the boys) finished in 16:42 averaging an 8:21 mile. We'll take it considering the physical circumstances we ran under. The next race is another 5K this Saturday in Portsmouth, NH. We have some healing to do in the meantime. Wish us luck and thank you for all your support thus far. To get involved with Team Cameron go to First Giving - we appreciate all your efforts.

Thank you from Team Cameron

Timothy, Gianina, Aidan & Cameron