You've got mail! More 2024 memorabilia.

For those keeping track of my recent running adventures, this shouldn't come at a surprise. I had mentioned in my DoDouble race report that I would receive an award for getting the best age-grade score. Also that, on my way back home after that race, I had stopped to get my age group award for the Turkey Trot, but it wasn't ready. So, upon returning from Panama -- no, retaking the canal isn't my idea! -- I found something in the mail.

Well, not literally in the mail because the first award certainly didn't fit into our mailbox: a huge box which contained a trophy so large I felt I must have won the Super Bowl! So, here is the expression coming to mind...

Race Director, Bob Anderson, had asked I take a picture, so here is a more normal face. Mind you, this isn't the biggest trophy I received but, with the rock solid base, this is the heaviest! And because I'm a keeper, I'm getting into trouble at home with all the space required.

As for the Turkey Trot, this isn't my first medal of the genre --what a special design and craft-- but it feels so good to get back at it while rebuilding with my broken meniscus. Special thanks to RD, Chris Weiler, for his personal touch!

Two more demonstrations of the class of our Race Directors and the care for their runners. So much that I want to keep racing for ever, so much fun! I just need to keep injuries at bay, that's it! And I wish you the same for 2025 and beyond, because running injuries suck!

With that, I have to confess that I do love trophies. This will make a topic for another post as seeing Steve Jaber passing on a finisher medal at the end of our recent No Hands Bridge Half Marathon this month made me realize not everybody is a collector. Like my wife keeps reminding me, you won't leave this planet with them! Ah, when race addiction collides with life philosophy and wisdom... ;-)