Big House Big Heart

This morning I ran a 5K run - the "Big House Big Heart", an annual event that began in 2007 and which I have run each year. Its name comes from the fact that it ends in the "Big House," or Michigan Stadium, which legendary ABC telecaster Keith Jackson affectionately nicknamed The Big House years ago. The "Big Heart" aspect comes from the fact that it's a fundraiser for local nonprofits ... it raised over $200,000 the first year (with participants soliciting donations), and has grown significantly since then. There are 3 events - a 10K, a 5K, and a one-mile "fun run" for kids. I have always done the 5K; after finishing in 32:59 in 2007, 30:29 in 2008, and 30:42 last year, I figured my time this year would be significantly worse due to all the health issues I've endured (first my legs, in the spring, and then more recently, back problems). But (by my watch) I was able to do this morning's run in a pretty fair time of 31:03, in lovely weather ... sunny and cool (about 50 degrees). It is always pretty crowded ... I don't know how many ran the 5K, but they were saying 10,000 participants for the three events combined. I am far from a front-of-the-pack runner, of course, so it wasn't as though the numbers really slowed me. And I found helpful the fact that I've run the course before, and so knew what to expect. With perfect 100% participation in the BHBH throughout its existence, it is my hope to extend that streak as long as possible.