Salute To You

I'm finishing up the Hal Higdon 15K training plan this week, just in time to head out to Daytona for the Pepsi 400. I've been an avid race fan since the late 80's when Dale Earnhardt dominated, and a young Mark Martin was on the rise. Since that time, I've seen my first racing hero pass before my eyes from my seats in the superstretch, at my first every NASCAR race.

Mark Martin has always been one of my favorites to watch, even when Sr was still around. I always felt that he had the right stuff to win, even though his crew often let him down. I see Mark's commitment and determination and try to emulate. Three months ago, when I decided to get off my duff and go back to my running, I could barely finish a 3 mile run. Today, I ran 5K in 24:18. This isn't fast, but it's my PR. I wasn't even running hard, just trotting along, getting ready for my 15K challenge.

Saturday morning, I'll wake up and head down to Bayshore for a 15K run. I don't have a race, so I'll cover the distance alone, with my audiobook for company. When I'm done, I'm off to Daytona, to watch Mark Martin challenge the track that has never been good to him. I'll have one more opportunity to see Mark race in the Cup series in Homestead. I know Mark Martin's goal is to run this last season for his fans. Well, Mark, here's a salute to you. Thanks for being the dedicated man you are, thanks for racing hard and clean, thanks for the memories. Now lets go racing!