Resolution Run/Walk Story

      Resolutions for 2013  BIG DOG #502 (Jan 30, 2012)

Resolutions are a small commitment that a person makes to one or more personal goals in anticipation of the New Year. It is a New Beginning for people who want to commit to it and stick with it. Most resolutions people make have to do with changing their lifestyles for the better. New Year resolutions are made with the hope that people can stick with it for the entire year to enhance their lives.

With that being said the Big Dog went about asking a group of volunteers at his run/walk this past Sunday what their resolutions were for 2013. He also asked a few of the more than 200 people that participated the same question and this is what he got as answers:

Paul Okubo the Big Dog timer had this to say, “You never gave me a chance to say this at the Thanksgiving Day race that
 I am profoundly thankful that all three of my children had the good fortune to have a terrific cross-country/track coach 
named Wayne Joseph. Because of you all three children, now adults themselves continue to jog or run in order to keep fit.”

Steve Pavao was on hand to represent the Big Island Road Runners. Pavao put out the  mile markers for this race. His resolution is to do his part to make the world a better place for everyone.

Keith Aoki from Anheuser-Busch supplied the sports drinks for the runners and he had this to say, “I hope everyone has a safe 2013 and that they remember to drink responsibly when consuming alcoholic beverages.”

David Hammes who volunteered to do the turnaround at the half way mark added: “I am resolving to be more compassionate, caring, and giving to everyone I come in contact with. I am hoping to qualify for the Boston Marathon (very unlikely, but one has to dream!)”

Sylas Wright a volunteer at the sign in table from  Seattle Washington said this “

I resolve to be more generous with myself in 2013; to live in the moment and love and appreciate all the good things in my life.

Joe Wedemann another volunteer who brought the water and Gator Aid had this say “my resolution is to help my brother Bob get back on his feet after a long, painful divorce. I am giving him a place to stay, (room, board, food, etc.) all out of the goodness of my heart.

I would also note that he is overweight, out of shape, and type 2 diabetic and that I am helping him get his health back under control so he can enjoy his new life here in Hawaii.”

My family doctor, Internist Aaron Morita who was on hand for the run had this to say about his resolution. “My 2013 commitment is to be more attentive to my wife Pat and take care of her better as she takes great care of me, our family, our home and business,” Morita said.

During the Resolution 5K run it was Jason Braswell of the Big Island Running Company who would have won the race had he not taken a wrong turn leading him way from the finish line and allowing a pair of high school runners to pass him near the finish.  This allowed Stephen Hunter from Hilo High to win the race in a time of 18 minutes 08 seconds. Second place went to Waiakea’s Ian McQuate in a time of 18:10.

“I ran today to help the Food Basket.” Said Hunter

“I guess my resolution for 2013 is to know where the finish line is prior to the race and not allow this to happen to me again,” said a smiling Braswell who finished the race in a time of 18:15.

The finish had been changed when a Police Officer had told runners they couldn’t run through Bayfront because of an on going investigation and the entire course had to be changed to run in the opposite direction.

Overall

Taking first place for the woman was Noe Waller (21:29) , followed by Leslie Spinelli  (21:40), taking third place was Mehana Sabato-Halphern.

“I haven’t raced in a very long time. I was terrified to come today.” Waller said. “My resolution

for the new year is to not be afraid to run road races and get back into doing what I love.” Waller said.

This event attracted more than 200 participants and raised over three hundred dollars and trunk loads of can goods for the Hawaii Island Food Basket.

It takes lots of volunteers and community support to step up and be flexible. At the last minute the course had to be re routed due to the closure of Bayfront Highway. The Big Island Road Runners stepped up to make this run/walk possible and at 6 am changed to a new course. Despite the constant rain and change in the course the race was a huge success.

Participants ranged in age from 6 years to 80 years young. Lucas Kay-Wong age 6 had this to say, “I ran with my dad today because he said I would be a better soccer player if I did this race. I had a lot of fun today.

And someday should you happen to come upon a slow jogger resolving to love his wife more and taking one day at a time remember to say “woof” and never shy away from “Running with the Big Dog.”

Email the Big Dog @ waiakeabigdog@aol.com.

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