Agreements I'd Like to See

As you may have read elsewhere, The Sporting Life recently reached an agreement with the Minnesota Leprechaun Association to allow leprechauns to participate in the St. Patrick's Day Human Race. That process took over a year but common sense finally kicked in. Running should be inclusive, so make it happen! It made me think about other barriers to running, and other agreements that we need.

Let's make an agreement with homeowners that they will all do their duty and shovel their sidewalks next year. Every snowfall, not just the ones of a foot or more. Sure the 'solar method' is easier, but what about pride of ownership? Do you really want that slip and fall lawsuit? Runners can commit to spit only on sidewalks that haven't been properly cleared.

Another agreement that I'd like to reach is with cell phone companies. Let's install a kill switch that kicks in when your car engine starts. Sure you can handle the U turn with a cup of coffee in one hand and a cell phone in the other, but I'm worried about the people who aren't so talented. Let's not put any more pedestrians at risk. Runners and walkers will gladly agree to not tell stories about the idiot driver that almost killed them in exchange for safer streets.

We already have an agreement with smokers, but there are some new wrinkles. I understand the natural connection between smoking and 'theatre,' but maybe smokers can redirect their love of the arts to something that doesn't include the heaters. Or at least make it an at-home performance. We'll agree to turn away when we see smokers fling another lit cigarette from a moving automobile. Hey, Smokey the Bear has to earn a living!

I'd like to open negotiations with Apple and other makers of portable music devices. I think you've gotten a bad rap in the running scene and probably don't deserve to be banned from races. Let's create a system that allows race directors to broadcast on a frequency that automatically cuts into what you are listening to when we talk on our PAs. That should take care of the 'distracted runner' issue. For my part, I promise not to sing my rap song.

Finally, I'd like to speak to the 'makers' of bottled water. Stop charging a dollar a bottle for tap water. We're not that stupid. We're just really, really thirsty.


I have one agreement still to work out. This one is closer to home. After the leprechaun agreement, I've been getting pressure to open the field even more. Should I let Sammy (pictured at left) participate? I tell him he's not an Irish Setter, but he just stares at me. Help me decide. What's your vote?

Click Here to vote

Make It Happen

Jenny Crain, an elite American distance runner from Milwaukee, was hit by a car while on a run last August. She suffered a brain injury and has recently emerged from a coma. She had a favorite slogan: Make It Happen!

It seems like a simple instruction: make it happen. I doubt if Jenny anticipated that `make it happen` would mean `learn how to eat again.` Brain injuries have a way of changing everything. The Make It Happen Fund has been established to benefit Jenny in her recovery.

As Jenny fights to regain some of what she has lost, many people have rallied to help, including this year`s Human Race Heroes. Jason Lehmkuhle and Kristen Nicolini Lehmkuhle. They chose to designate the Make It Happen Fund as the official non-profit for the St Patrick`s Day Human Race, drawing more attention to and raising funds for Jenny`s cause.

`Make it happen` is a great reminder to all of us. It reminds us to be intentional, not just `let it happen.` Should I get out the door for a run today? Make it happen. Is there someone I care about that I`ve lost track of? Reconnect-make it happen. Is there something I`ve been putting off but really need to do? Stop procrastinating. Make it happen!

To support the Make It Happen Fund, I`ve tapped into a network of Jenny`s friends willing to help. The people with the Lakefront Marathon in her native Milwaukee directed me to her brother in Edina, Minn. to obtain `Make It Happen` wristbands. Another friend of hers, elite American runner Marla Runyan, has come up with a poster to sell to help benefit the fund. She arranged to have some printed for us to sell at our event. Attendees at our recent pre-event a party all signed a large poster that we are sending back to Jenny. I didn`t know about any of this only a few weeks ago, and now it`s an everyday part of my life. Make it happen!

As you go throughout your busy day, take some time to think. What are you really trying to do with your life? What are your intentions? Then put Jenny`s advice to work. Make it happen. It`s not a miracle. With all the love and support, Jenny still has tough days ahead. But by channeling your energy into the things that matter, your world becomes a little better place.

Make it happen. It`s a good way to live.

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For more updates on Jenny Crain, go to www.JennyCrain.net.

Wristbands ($5) and posters ($15) will be available at the St Patrick`s Day Human Race on Sunday, March 16 at the University of St Thomas Field House in St Paul, Minn. Attendees will also be asked to sign the large poster we are sending back to Jenny.