The Circle of Life

When I was in my teens, I was a cyclist... I attended many cycling events like RAGBRAI and many unknown rides as well. I remember when I was 14 that I struggled to keep up with my dad; when I turned sixteen, it wasn't so. What became the hallmark of my change was a time that I had a flat and my dad stopped to fix it with me... or rather for me. When he finished, I repaid him by smokin' ahead of him to catch up with my friends. While I cringe at that memory, it's just the way things are when a young man starts his physical growth and his dad begins to lose his.

I'm reminded of this now as my son turns 13. At last year's Coca Cola Classic in Sioux City, my son easily beat me to the finish line. I'd like to blame it on the 5K race I rarely take part in (I like longer, endurance-based races), but the fact is that I'm the dad watching my son disappear into the distance now. It's just the way things are meant to be.

And, when it comes down to it, I wouldn't have it any other way; he's healthy... he's full of energy, and this is the basis for much of my joy as I enter my older years. May you see the wisdom in this when it happens to you, parents.

Happy running to old and young alike!

ALL Royal Run Race Times Posted

Race times have been posted at www.igroyalrun.com for the 5K walk, 5K run, 10K run, and 1K kids' run.

As we do not use chip timing (we will look at this as we continue to grow), we cannot verify exact timing.

Look for the new "2009 Race Results" navigation button to the left on the home page.