What Do You Call the Guy Who Comes in Last in His Class in Medical School?

Doctor.

By the same token, what do you call the person who comes in last in a 10K race?  Finisher! That’s me!  I finished the Running of the Balls on Roosevelt Island in New York City!  Here’s the proof:

Yes, for the first time in my running life, I finished last in a race.  I could probably list the reasons why and make excuses.  For example, Billy and I *may* have made some poor choices the day before when we arrived in New York, as we drank our way up and down 3rd Avenue on Saturday. It may have been 90 degrees with 150% humidity (I know that may not technically be possible but whatever).  I might have taken a selfie or two. Maybe I stopped to pat a doggie.  It’s definite that the first half of the race was a “run with walk breaks” and the second half was a “walk with run breaks”.  And I may or may not have had a nice conversation with the gentlemen on bikes who were the sweepers who rode me in to the finish.  However – I beat the two people who were behind me that dropped out at Mile 4.  I’d rather come in last than DNF.  But that’s just me.

And here’s the thing – I finished.  Walking or running, tired or well-rested, I completed 6.2 miles on a ridiculously hot and humid day.  The swass was strong that day, my friend.  Apologies to the New Yorkers on the tram and the subway.

The more important issue is that we were able to help raise awareness for a wonderful cause: the Sean Kimerling Testicular Cancer Foundation.  Sean’s death at the young age of 37 from testicular cancer reminded me so much of Patrick’s story that we wanted to run this race.  We were able to meet Sean’s father and show our support for the charity he’s created in his son’s name.  And we were also intrigued by the fun way in which they spread the message. They actually have a mascot!

Yes, all in fun.  But a great race that I would definitely run again if we were in New York City on Fathers’ Day in the future.  Well organized by NYCRuns and everybody was super nice.  Easy to get to by taking the tram from Manhattan.  And, most importantly, got us SUPER excited to run the NYC Marathon in November.  But we still need help with our fundraising!!

As I crossed the finish line, I asked the nice volunteers if I had won.  We all know that answer but they were kind enough to indulge me this:

Winner – Female Division from Peabody, MA – Shannon Downey
Winner – Runner With Red Lipstick On Point – Shannon Downey

And this:

Winner – Male Division from Peabody, MA – Billy Hutchinson
Winner – Runner in a Kilt – Billy Hutchinson

Thank you for your support!!  Below are our donation links.  Since I have a bigger network than Billy, I would ask that if you are going to donate to see which of us needs the money more and donate there.  It’s all the same cause and will help us to keep our minimum.

Shannon:  https://www.crowdrise.com/the-degregorio-family-foundation-nyc-2017/fundraiser/shannondowney3

Billy:  https://www.crowdrise.com/the-degregorio-family-foundation-nyc-2017/fundraiser/billyhutchinson