Still a Runner
A Blog by Mary Lou HarrisArchive for Missouri River
Travel Theme: Arches
Let’s do a Travel Tuesday and join the folks over at Where’s my Backpack? as they explore the shape of the arch in all the forms it appears to us.
Photo Credit: Scott D. Welch/Wikimedia Commons
On this Veterans Day in the U.S., I will begin with the Pacific Arch at the World War II Memorial.
From the East Coast of the U.S., we move in time to the Middle Ages and across the Atlantic to a Baltic port city and this arch in Old Town Riga, Latvia.
Then north on the Baltic and a bit inland to an arched walkway through a building near the Täby Kyrka in Svenskakyrkan, Sweden.
Off to Northern Ireland and Belfast’s City Hall. In addition to the beautifully arched stained glass window, at least three other arch shapes appear in the photo.
Continuing east across Asia and into the Pacific Ocean to one of our westernmost states, we found an arch of holiday lights surrounding one of many homes, vehicles and driveways located in this historic Oahu neighborhood at the foothills of the Waianae Mountains. Decorations are ready for the Makakilo Christmas Light Spectacular.
Back to the U.S. mainland and in Niobrara State Park stand a lovely couple centered in an flowered arch overlooking the Missouri River.
Across the Missouri on the Dakota side, the river forms its own gentle arch.
On to Cleveland Ohio during a downpour prior to the 2013 Senior Games 10K where a runner attempts to stay dry employing an arched plastic bag overhead.
Finally, we have circled the globe and made our way back home to one of the many bridges with arches spanning our beautiful Susquehanna River.
Thank you Where’s my Backpack for this great suggestion.
5Ks and Independence Day – Perfect Together
No shirts in my size, so this gentleman agreed to a photo. Thanks!
Warming up on a side street July 4th morning, I wondered how many 5Ks were being held across the country that very morning. I love that running is incorporated into the celebration activities in so many communities, with a distance that includes runners and walkers and easily accommodates a kid’s run. In thousands of towns and cities across the country, generations of families, local onlookers and groups of friends are out in the early morning summer sunshine.
That festive spirit was evident in Springfield South Dakota where I participated in their Firecracker 5K put together by the Bon Homme Running Club.
Preceded by the Bull-arama and a street dance a day earlier, 
revelers were up early to begin another day of celebratory activities.
The Firecracker course was slighter longer than 5K to capture the most scenic route around town, with shaded streets, overlooks and the boat basin.
Scenic Overlook on Firecracker 5K Route – Lewis and Clark Lake/Missouri River
The oldest AG award was 40 and over, so no chance of medaling for this 60+ runner, but no matter. I had a great time.
The day continued on with hot dogs and other goodies at the town park.
Then, early evening brought a frog jumping contest raising funds for local activities. Finally, the long-awaited fireworks.
How best to spend a July 4th evening? 
Sitting in the back of my Aunt’s red pickup, watching fireworks light the sky over the Missouri River.
Which brings us to how I happened to be spending my 4th of July in this wonderful town. My firecracker of an aunt has a birthday near the 4th, so I joined a chorus of others who came to help her celebrate.
Happy 90th Birthday, Aunt Loraine.
I hope your summer running and celebrations are as fun-filled and meaningful.
