Blast From the Past -- just for Mark.


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By cst (Bourbon St. dreamin') on 08:58:27 08/14/03

I took classes the summer before I joined the football team and in the evenings to supplement my daily training regimen I would often go over to the Stadium and run all the steps before it got dark. At this time I was in perfect physical condition – zero body fat and muscles everywhere. Running the steps allowed me to see the sacred field and visualize some of my goals while I ran. In ’92 the track was still there and I would walk a couple laps afterward to cool down and really enjoy the reality of all that was possible.

One Friday night a thunderstorm was on its way and it was getting dark early and the temperature had dropped a few degrees to perfect running weather. I went over to the Stadium and as I entered I was surprised to see all the lights on and a lot of kids on the track and field. I quickly realized it was the weekend Columbus was hosting the Special Olympics and these kids were out getting some last minute training in before the weekend. I continued with my routine of running the steps and had the opportunity to take in a lot of the activities. It was really inspiring and there was a tremendous amount of positive energy down on the field that night. As I finished my run I took my shirt off to wipe the sweat from eyes as I began my cool down laps. Still watching the kids practice their shot put, long jump, sprints, etc. I passed a group of parents sitting near the 50-yard line. As I walked by, presumably out of earshot, I heard one mother say, “Oh, my God. He’s going to win everything.”


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