Just a spectacular day today for many reasons. For the first time in 47 days, Paddy and I were able to see our puppies and sleep in our own bed. It was glorious and we are home again tonight before we set out on the final two legs of this journey.
We started the day at PCC-Sylvania. President Adrien Bennings gave us a warm introduction and many of our friends and family showed up to wish us well. Then President Bennings, her Chief of Staff Sage Learn, and two of my friends going back to grade school, Linda Oakes and Todd O’Neil, joined me for the run to Clackamas Community College. Dr. Bennings ran a 5k and Sage ran 5 miles leaving Linda, Todd and me to run the remaining 8 or so miles to Oregon City. Today was the shortest leg of this entire venture at 13.4 miles and I enjoyed a lighter running day.
I can’t quite describe how great it felt to run through my hometown and end at the CC where I have been president for the past 7 years. We paused for pictures on the historic Oregon City/West Linn Bridge and the iconic OC Elevator before running the stairs up to the top. We had a great time telling stories and remembering our high school days.
After a lunch break I ran into Clackamas CC with the volleyball team and an escort from the Molalla Fire Dept and OC Police Dept. I was met by more than 100 family and friends who came out to welcome me home. I admit I teared up as I saw family members, board members, CCC Staff, OC Rotary, high school friends, local leaders, and so many others. They had made little paper figures of me running and were yelling “Run Tim Run”. It was quite emotional and since I didn’t have to run anymore today I enjoyed taking pictures and catching up with everyone. Truly stellar day.
Tomorrow we run to Mt. Hood CC in Gresham and will finish this Thursday in Hood River. We are in the home stretch and it feels great.
