The Crim 2018

A quiet morning drive into the city of Flint on August 25, 2018 found an abundance of activity just blocks away from where we parked due to numerous law enforcement agencies cordoning off the downtown area.  It allowed me an opportunity to see the very first gym my father took me too when I was younger.  It was my home away from home, spending countless hours within it's walls working out and learning how to improve myself.  Truly,  it was the greatest gift I had ever received in terms of developing self confidence.

The bricks that lined the middle of downtown with so much history behind them were definitely a sight  for sore eyes.  It was nice to be back home again.

Our timing was impeccable getting to the Expo Center to pick up our race packets.  Then we were off for a few photo opportunities.

The color of our running attire (Jumpsuit Orange) made me slightly nervous after seeing this parked not too far away.

This sign is perfectly placed behind the "Capitol".

The starting line.

The irony of where we started the Crim due to our expected finish times was something else.  Although the space had been converted to a Post Office, it once housed a restaurant where I worked.  The one thing I struggled with was having to evict the transients who sat drinking coffee all day until closing time.  Homelessness still plagues our country.

A few miles into the race I happened to go by a place where we jumped the wall on Sunday afternoons to play tackle football on a turf field minus the pads as a kid.  Great memories!

Just a little farther in I had the opportunity to pass by my old middle school (St. John Vianney) or also known as Donovan South back in the day.  A quick shout out to my "Viking" classmates and alumni!

One of the best things about the Crim were the various sources of entertainment in the neighborhoods along the route.  Also the different beverages being offered from water to champagne and even an occasional jello shot made it interesting.

Approaching the finish line was a great feeling of mission accomplished.  Miles 7-9 seemed to consume most of my time for some unknown reason.

Running with my son in the race made for great memories that will last a lifetime.  A tradition I plan on continuing.

Thank you to all of the volunteers and emergency personnel.  It was a spectacular event.  Until next year.