Judd Kendall Running / Walking Team
Our team was well represented by the Navy at the NCO Spring Ahead races. Jeff Close (on the left in the picture) ran the 5K and Pablo Araya tackled the 10K trail run. It was a cold and windy day but a successful outing for both Jeff and Pablo. Indeed, Pablo missed 3rd place by just seconds. Our next team event is the Seven Bridges Season Starter, near 75th Street and Route 53. It will be Sunday, May 22 with the starting gun at 8:00 AM. The event includes a 5K run/walk (on paved roads) and a 10K trail run mostly through the Greene Valley Forest Preserve. Jeff Close has already signed up and I intend to do so as my come back program is proceeding. Consider joining us there. You can get more information and register at www.sevenbridgesseasonstarter.org or contact me for a printed registration form. You do get a discount for registering on-line. Here are two other options for next month. Pablo has signed up for the Lemont Quarryman 10 mile challenge on May 7. This is a highly regarded race but if you are considering it, be aware that the course is hilly. The other option is the Jeanine Nicairco Literacy Fund Run for Reading. This 5K run/walk is particularly friendly for children and walkers and starts at Naperville’s River Woods Elementary School. It is a favorite of team member Rebecca Hirst and me (I have a VFW conflict that day and cannot run it this year). It is a very pleasant family type event and benefits a very worthy cause. For more information or to register go to www.signmeup.com/site/online-event-registration/70607. The reasonable price is further discounted for early registration. If you plan to run or walk in any of these events, please let me know. In other exciting news, long time post and team member Pablo Araya has agreed to take on the leadership of our team. He and I will meet within a week to complete the transition and you will be hearing from him about future races, team shirt ordering opportunities and other team events. As I indicated in last note, I fully intend to stay involved in our team events but simply do not have the time to devote to the team that you deserve. I am grateful to all of you for participating with the VFW – American Legion Running and Walking Team and for your support and friendship. I look forward to seeing you around the post and at various running and walking events. Keep moving, Phil
