Good company in a journey makes the way seem shorter. — Izaak Walton
I’m David, known as the Cowbell Guy to a number of runners I have met across the country! My wife, Jennifer, is the runner. Already she have completed 50 Half Marathons in 50 States! And so far 140 Half Marathons total. But more about her later!
So, some have said I should start a blog about the journey, the stories and the fun I have accompanying my wife. It has been a great way meeting awesome people and ringing that cowbell, encouraging runners as the run for bling, bananas and maybe some beer!!
We will follow during 2020 Jennifer’s races and my Cowbell!
So, it has been one hell of a year. 2020 – the year everyone wants to forget! Covid-19, Social Injustice, protests and looting and the craziest Presidential Election year ever. But it was Covid that effected the running community more than anything! Races were cancelled, postponed or made virtual. A whole new virtual race cottage industry surfaced with Covid-19 and Toilet Paper themes topping the list! Then some live races started popping up with Covid Protocols and limited sizes. People were starting to go back to racing!
For the third year in a row, Jennifer and I decided to head to Allen TX, just north of Dallas for the New Years Double, 2 days of 5Ks, Half Marathons and Marathons. Jennifer would run a 5K and a Half on New Years Eve and then repeat it the next day on New Years Day. Ushering out the old and bringing in the new!!
A couple of weeks prior, We had been to Ft Worth for the Texas Double. On our way, we passed “Santa Land in Tyler TX. Christmas lights and decorations in a Drive Through setting just off the I-20. This time, we decided to stop and see the lights close up.
It was quite amazing with Cristmas music playing and numerous of themes lighting up the one way drive on both sides. A salute to the Veterans, aliens landing, a Christmas ton and a very well done Nativity scene toward the end. Quite enjoyable and a good start to a Holiday week!
We knew the weather would be an issue. Snow was a certainly west of Dallas and unsure for our area and the race. But, we knew it would be wet and cold. And it was! It started off with a chilly 37 degrees, wind out of the north, light rain and a wind chill of 29! Walking from the motel door to the car was an indication of what was to come. 10 minutes later we were at Celebration Park in Allen for the start of a long day!
The race had a number of Covid Protocols in place, one of which included a “Rolling Start” for both the 5K and the Endurance races (Half and Full Marathon). Since the 5K had a separate starting mat, you could choose which race you wanted to run first if you were doing both! Of course, Jennifer is going for the big medal so she had signed up for a 5K and a Half on both days. She starts with the 5K.
It started with a light rain and just kept on coming! I don’t think it ever stopped raining even for a brief moment. I certainly wasn’t going to get out of the car very much to cheer!! I thought about a new 0.0 shirt “Someone has to keep the car warm!” Since the 5K route was all inside the Park, I was able to keep an eye on her. I met her at the finish line as she grabbed her medal and we headed to a nice warm car!!
The Medal was certainly appropriate… a rain cloud with raindrops and a lightning bolt. The only thing missing in the real race was the lightening bolt… thank goodness!!
With the temperature dropping and he wind picking up, Jennifer changed into some dry socks and dry runing shoes. Adding another jacket, she was ready to get back out and run the Half.
We traveled to Fort Worth, Texas for the Holiday Double December 23 and December 24, put on by Cox Racing. This is the first year they have had marathons and half marathons, though they traditionally have a 5K and a one miler on Christmas Eve.
The races were held on the Trinity Trail. This is a large trail system that goes by the Trinity River, and Jennifer has done several races there with different race companies. The races this weekend started and finished at the Crystelle Waggoner Trailhead, adjacent to the Woodshed Smokehouse. They were on a hike and bike concrete path, though there was a gravel path next to it.
Bib and shirt pickup was at the Woodshed both mornings. Incidentally, Jennifer and I ate at the Woodshed after the first race. We had great barbecue and a good beer. Bully, just had beer! we took a picture by the purple bovine… finally, Bully Bell found a cow!
The course consisted of four out-and-back loops for the half marathon. Having done a number of Mainly Marathon races, Jennifer was familiar with that format. There were two aid stations, one near the start, and one near the turnaround. They both had water and Gatorade, and also chips and bananas near the end of the race. Another plus of a loop based race, is that you get to constant see people you know as you pass each other on the loops! Mrs Santa had help from a couple of elves and David added a young lady cheering for her sister to the CowBell Posse!!
Instead of finisher medals they gave out small personalized acrylic plaques. Since this Double was planned at last minute, there was no time for them to order medals. Since these two days were pretty successful, they will more than likely do it next year with enough planning to order cool medals!! They also had similar plaques for the age group winners, which were in blocks of five years, and also for the overall winners. Jennifer got 3rd in age group on Day 1 and 1st on Day 2!
This is a solid low frills option if you are looking for a race series to round out your race numbers for the year. In spite of the rain the second day, Jennifer and I agree, along with Bully, this goes on our list of races to attend again.
This weekend was the date for the 12th Mississippi River Marathon, Half Marathon, and 5k. This was Jennifer’s sixth year to participate in the half marathon. Which makes it the 6trh year for Bully and me, too!
The marathon and half marathon are point to point, starting at separate locations in Arkansas and finishing at the same location in downtown Greenville. Race directors and 50 States Half Marathon members, Jenn Conner and John Conner, work hard to make sure every detail is covered, from busses to take runners to the start, to the great finish line party.
Unfortunately, this year, I, the 0.0 Cowbell Guy, left Bully Bell at home. I was freaking out! Everyone was in a panic. What are going to do without the cowbell?? What if someone gets a fever? I didn’t have the prescription… no cowbell instead of more cowbell!! But, a trip to the Tractor Supply Store in Greenville yielded a substitute cowbell and I made it back to Mile 3. The day was saved!
The Half starts just across the Mississippi River on the Arkansas side… on the bridge itself. This actually makes this race a bit unique in that you can count it as either Arkansas or Mississippi if you are a Fifty Stater. The bridge is majestic and just over 1 1/2 miles.
Once across, you have 11 miles of flat running from the bridge to downtown Greenville. After running mostly on the highway for the first 7 miles, the course veers off for a three mile jaunt through a nice neighborhood. Then it’s back on the highway with the last few miles running down the older part of this Delta town to the finish.
The weather was overcast but still almost perfect, just cool enough and with a few sprinkles to keep everyone comfortable. However, crowd support, due to the light rain, was dampened. A popular “Rouge” Aid Station with more than just water and Gatorade, if you know what I mean, was absent this year!
It was grab and go food at the finish…a variety of food and drink including beer, pizza, Shipley donuts and Delta tamales from local eatery Doe’s Eat Place. The area is known for Delta Tamales, a variation of the Mexican Tamale with a definite southern twist and the race is known for always having them ready for the runners at the finish.
YUM!
To me, this race is one of the best in Mississippi. Surrounded by the birthplace of the Blues, the Mighty Mississippi, and the home of Jim Henson and his Muppets, it is worth the trip! Hope to see y’all there next year! And next time, I won’t forget Bully Bell. He wasn’t happy that he missed this trip!!
For now, enjoy the pictures of all our friends and their medals…
This is a race worth getting together a group from MS Coffee Runners for next year!! Ask Patrick Weldon!! Groovy… Far out… Psychedelic dude!! A Day of peace, love and running!!
Little Rock Marathon on Sunday. which includes a Half, as well as a 10K and 5K on Saturday is known for being a fun race and for their huge medals. The race today did not disappoint!
Packet pick up on Saturday was at the Statehouse Convention Center. It was very easy to get my packet and I also enjoy browsing through the expo at all the vendor exhibits. This included pictures at all the fun decorations!
This year’s theme was the 70s Love and Peace. and there were lots of balloon decorations. It even had a cardboard cut out of a blue and white VW bus, just like the one David had back in the 70s!
The weather today was perfect for a spring race. The race started at 8:00am with a temperature of 48 degrees and warmed up throughout the day. A lot of the runners dressed as 70s Flower Children in colorful tied dye “Hippy” outfits!
Starting behind the Convention Center, we circled through downtown, then went across the bridge into North Little Rock.  About 6 miles of the race went through residential and industrial areas in this smaller city across the Arkansas River. We then crossed back over the bridge into downtown LR.
The second half of the race went through old residential areas of Little Rock. There were many beautifully restored homes and the local residents set up several rogue aid stations, offering beer, mimosas, and Fireball along with snacks.  Finally, we circled back towards downtown and finished at the start line.
It was so much fun to cross the finish line, go inside the Statehouse, and receive the beautiful and huge metal. A great after party was set up in the convention center where the expo had been the day before. They had quite a selection of drinks, including beer and chocolate milk. Also they provided fruit, chips and a pasta dish which they served in cups to make it easy to carry. 
The Little Rock race has a history of being well organized and today was no exception. Aid Stations were every two miles and were well manned. One official “Unique Aid Station” toward the end was a lipstick giveaway, because every lady who just finished a race wants to look her best for the pictures!! Police support was excellent and crowd support was outstanding! Most important for some… plenty of porta-potties along the course!
They have a new theme each year and I will be interested to see what next years will be. I had a great time at the race today with the added bonus of seeing so many friends from across the country! David enjoyed the race as well… commenting that he has never had so many people stop for selfies! We both look forward to returning for the Little Rock Half Marathon again. 
National Women’s Half Marathon, Washington DC, Sunday, 5/7/2023
This is a review written by Jennifer Clark (mostly because Bully Bell and I didn’t go!):
The DC National Women’s Half Marathon and 8K was this morning. This is the fourth year they’ve had the race (with a couple year break for Covid) and said they had 2000 participants. It’s my third time to run it.
The race started near the tidal basin a few blocks from the Lincoln Memorial. We ran around the tidal basin, then headed toward Rock Creek Parkway where we ran 3 miles, turned around and headed back to the tidal basin. The start and finish line were at the same place. And It is always good to run into a friend!
It’s always fun to me to see the DC sites, including Reagan National Airport and the wharf across the water, and going past some of the monuments. There was one site that was extraordinary… the Washington Monument framed in the early morning sunrise!
The course is mostly flat with a few rolling hills from mile 7 to 9. It’s on city streets, so do you have the usual broken asphalt and potholes in places.
Positives… The streets we ran on were closed to traffic, and there was great police support from the city and the national park service. There were aid stations every 2 miles with water and Gatorade. There is some crowd support on the route include a drum corps group and a man and his dog entertaining us all!
Negatives…This race is basically no-frills. The swag is a t-shirt and medal; after the race you get a bottle of water and a banana. Packet pick-up is difficult. It was at a running store in a suburb Friday, and at another running store in a suburb further away Saturday. They did have limited pickup early before the race.
Getting to the race start is difficult also. The streets around the park are closed early and there is very limited parking in the area. If you use rideshare or taxi you have to be dropped off a half mile away and walk the rest of the way.
There aren’t many half marathons in DC but this is a solid choice if you know what to expect. And yes, I would do it again!
Twin City Marathon and Half Sunday, November 7. Monroe-West Monroe LA
Bullie Bell and I took a trip to the Twin City this weekend. No, it wasn’t Minneapolis-Saint Paul or Dallas-Fort Worth or even Akron-Canton! Those are Twin Cities!It was the Twin City Marathon and Half Marathon in Monroe-West Monroe Louisiana.
A short 1 1/2 hours from our home in Jackson MS, it was the perfect Half for Jennifer to do following her injury from a fall in New Hampshire about 5 weeks ago. This is the 3rd year for the race and Jennifer’s first time to run it. Actually, not wanting to stress the healing injury… I should have said, “she walked it” with a couple of jogs along the way.
Packet Pick Up was in Monroe at the local Fleet Feet, who were very active in this race. Pickup was scheduled for the day before the race but alternate arrangements could be made. We stayed at a Fairfield Inn a few blocks away from the Start. The start and finish were held at the Hamilton Expo Center in West Monroe. But first… dinner!
Overall, the course was enjoyable. It was pretty much a three section race thru neighborhoods in West Monroe, across a bridge into Downtown Monroe, and then a return across the bridge and through an industrial area back to the finish.Herons on the Bayou, an art project of Ouachita Parish, along the Ouachita River and various locations in West Monroe and Monroe.
The intersections throughout were well manned. Aid stations were about every two miles. One of them was manned by Key Club students from West Monroe High School dressed in crazy costumes. Bullie really liked the “Fart” sign! One of the students and I had a “Big Gut” face off. These young people were super enthusiastic with all the runners and were having a great time!
Another one had elementary kids that would tell you a joke as they gave you the water. “What do you call a fish without an eye? “FSH” ( get it?? No “i”) Then there was an “adult” stop with Mimosas and Jello Shots.
From miles 5 to 7, we ran along the river (which you could not see because of the flood wall.) However, the concrete barrier was painted with Childrens Art. Very cool!We ran through a part of downtown West Monroe that had been renovated with cute and unique shops and restaurants.
At this point we crossed the River on a drawbridge that was grated on a portion of it. It is always weird to look down and see water. On the Monroe side, we were still in a downtown section with more Heron statues. It was a mile and a half loop around the office section and back across the bridge. The full marathon splits around mile 7 and continues in Monroe back along the River and thru some more residential areas and downtown. It is about a 10 mile run before rejoining the Half marathon course to the finish.
The final part of the race was through an industrial area where the traffic was a bit busier but the police did a great job of traffic control.A unique feature were bikes traveling on the course with water and fruit. I saw one though there could have been more. Nice touch. There was also about five policeman on bicycles that ran the course. They hung together and I think they were having more fun than the runners! Everyone had fun and we met some awesome people!
At the finish there were volunteers waiting to give you a nice medal in the shape of the state of Louisiana. A number of people were hanging around enjoying the pizza, jambalaya and beer. For recovery, they had water, bananas, and such available. Of course, beer at the finish is the highlight of Bullie’s day… mine too for that matter!
Race Director, Amy Keifenheim, and her team of volunteers did a great job for this three year old event! If you are looking for a smaller hometown feeling event, this one fits the bill! I would definitely recommend it!
Bullie the Cowbell said she was a beautiful with nice curves and eye candy from one end to the other! She was the New Hampshire Marathon and Half Marathon. Bristol New Hampshire is a beautiful small New England town with all the charm that is accented with the turning of the leaves. And Bullie and I were ready to enjoy nature and watch Jennifer tackle Half #202!
This is a point to point race with everyone meeting at a local school in town. Unable do get there in time for packet pick up on Friday, the race people had the packets available race day. Smooth and easy, it was well organized and everyone was so friendly! Then, by 8:00am the runners were on buses for a 13 mile trip to Sculptures Rocks north of town. Bullie and I jumped in the car and followed the last bus.
Jennifer, Que Pham, Laurie Johnson, Candice Caesar and Mike Brown
Manapolooza crew ready to roll!
The course was an open road course that made its way back to town along country roads and a gorgeous stretch by a lake. Home old and new, generational, in family for years, set against mountains with the beginning of fall leave changes and beautiful views of Lake Newfound ( pronounced new – found) The half went on one side of the lake while the Marathon, starting in town went all the way around the lake. It did have a lot of rolling hills but they were not as bad as others Jennifer have run.
Water stations were well manned and one one had fruit and snacks. The people of Bristol are some of the most friendliest we have seen on a race course. Who smiles at an early race day packet pick up? They do! People on the front porches of house waving and cheering, a Boy Scout troop have a shouting competition as to who can say WATER the loudest.
After party had a musician playing and announcing winners. The Finish offered drinks, milk, fruits, cookies and an assortment of other snacks. Feeling a bit sore. Free massage! Bullie even met a few of his smaller relatives!!
One business in town offering free beer with bid and ID while another business offering free lunch with bid… Chinese restaurant with some of the best food I have had! Not a Buffett, a real plate of food!! That was our after race meal with Candice and Pam Provencher. As a side note… Pam drove an hour just to be at mile 10 and the finish with a cool sign and to support Candice!!
Even though the race was small, there were runners from 35 states there! It would surprise me if a third or more were from out of state… as far as CA, CO, TX and, of course, MS! Some of those from out of down that came as a group let me take their picture under Love All The Clubs banner!
Baltimore and Colorado
The gang!
Pennsylvania and Arizona
One negative that Jennifer experienced and heard from others, the open road was an issue in places, especially around the lake. We did have a number of drivers who were definitely not be a cautious with their speed as one would like. Perhaps more police presence would have help on that part of the course. They did a great job with the volunteers how were in charge of traffic and the police did a great job where they were located… I think everyone in blue that Bullie and I saw cheered the runners on!
If you enjoy small town races that are a picturesque example of New England and its natural beauty, this is the race for you. Now… time for some random pictures!!
Candice Bearly has any friends so she has happy to see this guy!
Mainly Marathons has been around for quite a while. Yet of the 178 Halfs my wife has done, not one was a Mainly Marathon. There was not any one particular reason, just never the right opportunity! That ended today!
So why now? Luzviminda Villamil… Luz was a dear friend who passed away recently. A lot of you know who I am talking about. For those who don’t, she was a Legend… a Looney Legend, an official designation by Mainly Marathons for reaching a certain status. Luz was also a Half Fanatics Hall of Famer and held many other titles with 50 State Half Marathon Club and 100 Half Marathon! And while her accomplishments were impressive, it was her spirit that made her special. Always one to encourage everyone else, whether they were a first timer or an old timer, Luz was a giver who touched you and made you feel special.
First, I want to back up a bit to March 6 in Biloxi MS. Luz’s husband, David Hoyt, lost his brother to Covid-19. Daniel lived on the MS Gulf Coast and David and Luz had come to Mississippi to make the arrangements and settle the estate. A local running group, Gulf Coast Running Club, already had a 5K planned, and since Daniel (David’s brother) had been an active member and officer in the group, they decided to make it a memorial run also, honoring Daniel by adding a memorial message to the back of the shirts.
Jennifer, Bullie and I thought it would be a great idea to represent the national clubs David and Luz belonged to by making a quick trip down to the coast from our home in Brandon MS. Jennifer, David and Luz walked the 5K while Bullie and I offered our support! Luz was glad we came down because we were actually the only runners they really knew, though all the people there surrounded them with love and support. Jennifer and Luz came in 1t and 2nd in their age group and David came in 3rd overall in the walker category. Bullie and I won the overall Best Spectator Award, which isn’t a real thing but should be!
It was a great time of fellowship for the three of them on the course and we later joined them and some GCRC members for lunch. Bullie and Luz had a great time sharing laughs and a drink!
6 days later, we got the sad news that Luz had passed away at a rest area in Arizona on their trip back to their home in California! That 5K would be the last race for Luz! Jenifer would be the last fellow national club member to run with her. It was just too hard to believe!
Today, Mainly Marathons honored her with a memorial service and run! It was why we decided to make this our first foray into the Mainly world!
Sunday was the first day of the Riverboat series in Winnsboro LA. But before the running started there was a short but moving memorial service for Luz. Daniel Rueckert who owns and runs Mainly Marathon with his brother Jesse, opened it up with some fine words about Luz and what she meant to Mainly Marathons as well as all the racers that ever came in contact with her. Dee Dee Urquhart read a short memorial with a touching personal message at the end. Then everyone joined in a candle lighting next to the Mainly Marathon trailer right under Luz’s caricature.
The first lap was a time to reflect on her memory, many running with the cellphones displaying a candle on the screen.
Before the race, a deputy sheriff stopped by and talked to Daniel. I assumed he was just checking to see if everything was in order. However, a few hours later, the Sheriff came in with his lights and siren with another unmarked car behind him. Oh no… did Mainly Marathons not acquire the proper permits? Someone complain? And why did a car pull in with him? But it wasn’t a raid, or the mayor stopping by… it was David Hoyt, Luz’s husband making a surprise visit!
David Hoyt had watched the Memorial service from a hotel room in Jackson MS and not from home in California. Then he drove a rental over to Winnsboro to make a surprise visit. Only one person knew about it and she didn’t say a word! Everyone was ecstatic to see him!
I will have more to say and will breakdown the three races we attended following shortly! This is just a nod to our friend, Luz who has wings on her sneakers and is entertaining the angels!
Saturday, March 20 was a nippy day for running in the Viking Half Marathon in Greenwood MS!
Jennifer and I love Greenwood’s small town charm and especially the flat course. Greenwood is the home of the Viking Corp, known for its top line stoves and ranges and cookware.
It is a small race around 150 Half Marathoners and they also had a 5K. The swag bag was loaded with local goodies from businesses in the city! I think Jennifer needed a wheelbarrow! Fannie Pack, Coozies, drink cup, note pad, tissues, Runner’s light for the shoes, hot pad and a nice canvas bag.
The course took in many sites of the old beautiful southern town. Starting downtown, you run past the courthouse and past the old train depot. It certainly was a dark dark morning before the start, especially if you had to pick up your packet on race day! Luckily it lightened up as we got closer to start time!
It was great to see friends like Dale Clark from Mississippi and Teal Clark from Arkansas. Though not related I still claim one as a little brother and the other as my cousin! It was also a pleasure to see 70+ year old Bonnie from Mississippi and Carol Earles also from Arkansas. The surprise was running into an old friend’s son, Tommy Bennett who now is in the Memphis area.
You run along side the Yazoo River and then across a older steel style bridge. In addition to the Yazoo River, you also ran along side the Talahatchie River. Same river that Billie Joe McAlister jumped in but wrong bridge. That bridge is 10 north!
The course took us through a lot of nice residential areas that include homes large and small, old southern homes to new homes with a modern look. Overall, old or new, Greenwood has been able to retain the southern small town charm over the years.
Water stations were well manned with friendly volunteers who were well organized by Start 2 Finish, an event group out of Memphis, TN.
City of Greenwood Police were some of the friendliest law enforcement people we have ever met. While much of the course was open to traffic, the police did their job expertly and the local drivers maneuver with respect towards the runners! Everyone enjoyed the race and the atmosphere. From 1st time Halfers to the most experienced, Greenwood got high marks as a race and town!
We always meet interesting people. David and Shelia from Hernando ran a good part of the final leg with Jennifer. Both are the life of the party. Shelia has been running for a while and has convinced David to run more Half Marathons with her. In Greenwood he had a PR! I am sure we will be welcoming both into Half Fanatics… they fit the mold perfectly (Jennifer is the Half Fanatic/Marathon Maniac Ambassador for MS, LA, AL)
After the race, runners were treated to fried catfish with all the southern fixins, chicken wraps and topped off with Truly and Michelob Ultra beer. And as you may know…Bullie and I are just here to drink the beer!!
This has become one of our favorite Mississippi races. Jennifer, Bullie and I will be back again! Join us??
Saturday, March 26, we were in Tuscaloosa AL for the Tuscaloosa Half Marathon! Tuscaloosa is the home of the University of Alabama, The Crimson Tide. Bullie was a bit apprehensive about making a scene in Roll Tide country. I reminded him on Race Day, we are all brothers and sisters. Plus, saying Roll Tide when a group of runners wearing Alabama shirts came by would decrease the chance of us being chased out of town!
Jennifer and I drove over Friday evening after I got of work. And it was straight to bed for an early morning rise. The race started at 7:00 and Jennifer still needed to pick up my packet race morning. Start line was downtown at Government Plaza, a park area with lots of room and an old southern style Gazebo. After some club pictures it was time to run!
Can you guess?
MS Coffee Runners
50 State Half Marathon Club
As a University town, everything is about the school including the course. First, however, Bullie and I headed down Jack Warner Parkway to meet the runners. The Parkway runs along side the Black Warrior River. This part was fairly flat except for one “nice size” hill. Most of the hills on the course were in the first 6 miles.
Soon everyone was running through the edge of the Alabama campus. University Drive had Fraternities and Sororities on one side and large old homes on the other. The route took us pass the Bryant-Denny football stadium, the old University Presidents Mansion and the Denny Chimes, a tall bell tower.
We were soon on our way back to the downtown section. The course went through “The Strip”, an area near the campus with a lot of neat and recently restored bars and restaurants. After the Strip, runners entered the final leg which included another section of the campus, a beautiful historic residential area and back to the Government Plaza for the finish.
Police presence and traffic control was good, with the officers cheering the runners on as they passed. Aid stations were every couple of miles, complete with water and Powerade. Volunteers were awesome and there was a good turnout of spectators cheering too. A good Covid plan had been implemented for the race.
What is always a pleasure when going to races with Jennifer is that Bullie Bell and I get to meet some really awesome people! Such was the case in meeting Rachel and Melei with Ainsley’s Angels. Ainsley’s Angels is an organization whose mission is to build awareness about America’s Special Needs community through inclusion in all aspects of life! Just one of those aspects is ensuring that everyone can experience endurance events, such as Half Marathons!
Rachel, an Angel Rider, is a vivacious young 9 year old with a smile that makes you smile just as big! Her companion for the race was Melei Renicks, a first time Angel Runner. A runner in her own right, she had always wanted to participate in Ainsley’s Angels. A bucket list item, as she puts it. Family met them all along the route, some even helping when the hills came! Running for Rachel was a special treat because Rachel never meets a stranger and everyone who meets her is a friend immediately! Melei, an awesome bubbling personality in her own right remarked that she would never forget that day and running for Rachel. Melei and Rachel were a perfect match! Bullie and I will never forget both of them as well!! www.ainsleysangels.org.
Bullie and I have seen a lot of crazy things and a lot of dogs. Tuscaloosa was no different! Meet the Puppet Runner aka Dr. R Andrew Strickland. A theater director and educator, he is also an avid runner for over 20 years. He began running with his puppet Remy in 2019. He was amazed at the smiles and words of appreciation he would get as Remy waved at other runners and spectators along the course. The rest is Puppet Runner History! Remy and Bullie hit it off and Remy is now a member of the Cowbell Brigade! https://www.puppetrunner.com/
If you ran the race in the past, like Jennifer did in 2018, the course was a good bit different this time. But it was still a fun race to do if you enjoy college towns and campuses. Being the SEC (Southeastern Conference) geek that we are, we both really enjoyed it.
