Enough already 2020. You win.
In 2004 I ‘ran’ the Boston Marathon.
I was one of the last few to cross the finish line…perhaps even the last person. Embarrassing but hey, I finished on a day when the temperature hit 86 degrees and many others dropped out. I was too stubborn and probably a little delirious from the heat to make that decision.
Plus, I had trained too hard for too long to just give up so come hell or highwater, I was going to finish, even if I had to crawl down Boylston Street.
At some point during my training I had some knee pain and had to forego one of the weekend ‘long’ runs.
I ran with a charity team, the American Liver Foundation. The team trainer was Jake Kennedy of Kennedy Brothers Physical Therapy. I started making weekly visits to their Boston location. He and his crew were phenomenal. I only missed that one long run throughout my training.
Jake’s manner was easy, relaxed, warm, disciplined and no bullshit. I learned about his and his wife Sparky‘s annual Christmas In The City event. I volunteered one year and was blown away by the organization and massiveness of the event.
Jake and Sparky would come by the ‘ROR studio around the holidays and talk about Christmas in the City.
I’m so sad to hear of his passing. Jake Kennedy left this city, this planet, a better place for his being here. My deepest condolences to the Kennedy family and thank you for sharing him with the rest of us.