The Devil's Chase

Ran the Devil's Chase in Salem on Saturday. I attempted to run this a couple of years ago, but got lost in Salem then was late for the race so I bagged it. This year I got there early and enjoyed the pre and post race festivities. Really fun race and good time...both fun wise and time wise. Salem is always good for a good running time. As is Plymouth.

This is a blog article on the race...
The Devil's Chase in Salem 6.66

Unlike the author, I love Halloween and running, so it was a great time. I just can't imagine running in a costume. It was interesting dodging the swinging pitchforks. Great course and beautiful weather.

Finishing at the Devil's Chase in Salem 10.26.13

I spent the summer training for a marathon, but life got in the way of achieving that goal. After my Dad died I just couldn't get back into the training mode. For a while I was depressed. A friend of mine suggested I look for another marathon to run. But being late in the year already I didn't see that happening. One I thought of running I only heard bad things about so I decided against that. I don't want my first marathon to be a bad experience.

So I opted for running some shorter distance races. I ran the Run to the Rock with my niece in September, that got me into the race mode. I say race and not racing because I don't race. I run to run nothing else but to enjoy the experience and run with other runners. Last weekend I ran a 5K in Salem the Witch City 5k that I ran a couple of years ago and loved. Salem is a great place to run. I always have a great time and I love the feel of the city, especially this time of year.

The Devil's Chase was the third race that allowed me to see my training wasn't a waste. I can see how it's made me stronger even if I'm not using it in the way I wanted. But that's what life is about right. Switching gears when you need to....

Happy Birthday Jesse!!!

Happy Birthday to my little boy....who is 32 today!!! 

Jesse 10.15.81

Day in the life...

My totally awesome Jeep. 

Memories of Scott

I was having a dream last night about off-roading in my Jeep. I was driving through this area in Maine that is not a place you could four wheel. I came to this clearing and my nephew Scott was standing in front of the Jeep looking at me. I leaned into the steering wheel and gazed at him, wondering if he was real. I got out of the Jeep and walked over to him. I asked him what he was doing there. He said "I came to see you--this is our place." I looked around and suddenly I woke up. I hate when I wake up in a dream before I figured it out, before it feels finished.

While the dream was still fresh I realized it was where we went riding on our mountain bikes the last time I saw him. I still remember that day like it was yesterday. It was such a perfect time. He was so special to me. I remember when he was born. He was the most gorgeous baby and turned into the most handsome man. He had the most amazing smile. He loved nature and adventure and life.

It's been 10 years since he left his physical body. I still miss him. It doesn't feel like it's been 10 years. Whenever I'm with my son I think about him. Jesse was born the day after Scott's 2nd birthday. I wanted to have him on his birthday, but it didn't work out that way. I wonder what Scott would be like today. He'd be coming up on his 34th birthday.

I miss you Scott. Rest in Peace...

 

Robert Scott

October 14, 1979 ~ October 8, 2003

October 10, 2003

Boonsboro man, 24, dies in I-695 motorcycle crash

A 24-year-old Boonsboro man was killed when he lost control of his motorcycle and crashed into a guardrail on a Baltimore Beltway off-ramp in Glen Burnie late Wednesday night, Maryland State Police said.

Robert Dabbondanza's motorcycle slipped through the guardrail and slid about 130 feet on the off-ramp from Interstate 695 to Route 2, police said. It was unclear yesterday whether he had been wearing a helmet.

Dabbondanza was taken to Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, where he was pronounced dead shortly after the 11:50 p.m. accident, police said.

Speed and alcohol consumption appear to have contributed to the crash, police said.