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JRG'S OWN EDITOR
EXTRAORDINAIRE FREDDI
CARLIP WAS ON HAND TO COMPETE IN
THE RACE, WINNING THE 60 AND OVER
FEMALE DIVISION IN 32:05.
BRENT BACON PHOTO |
Freebird, Fun, and Fast Times at the
Big House…with ‘Probable Cause’
BY FREDDI CARLIP
Play “Freebird”…a cover-band request that’s
heard at least once each gig. And this gig was no exception.
And it was topped with irony as the name of the bands was “Probable
Cause.” The venue of the gig, held May 14, was The United
States Federal Penitentiary at Lewisburg (aka The Big House)
home to more than a few famous or infamous “guests”
over the years. The occasion was the postrace party for the Susquehanna
Law Enforcement 5K, to benefit Camp Cadet. The Camp is for kids
from 12-15 who are interested in law enforcement. Proceeds from
the 5K will be used to provide funds for up to 50 campers.
The event was staged by the PA State Police, Milton Barracks.
Trooper Matt Burrows, the race director, and his dedicated troop
of volunteers did a stellar job with this inaugural event. Contrary
to what many people believe, State Troopers have a sense of humor.
The T-shirt race logo featured a police car, light flashing,
on the tail of a “speeding” runner. Volunteers, including
Big House employees, State Troopers, and members of the Mid-Penn
Trail Blazers, couldn’t do enough for the runners. Questions
were answered with a smile and no one was too busy to give assistance.
The course was challenging—character-building, as the State
Police might say. At least 2½ miles of the 5K were uphill,
on gravel roads. The finish was a smoker: downhill and paved.
Runners were treated to close-up views of the actual prison facility,
with K-9 dogs at the ready, and the beautiful grounds and the
creek, complete with fishermen and ducks. The start and finish
were at the Pen’s training facility, by the creek
The weather gods smiled on the race as the sun and warm temperatures
were a wonderful contrast to the cool and cloudy conditions of
the past week. Trooper Burrows knew exactly how to please the
runners. From the Big Country radio remote pre-race to the massages
and band afterwards; from using Insta-Results to water at just
the right place on the well-marked course…all a runner’s
delight. The start was enhanced by a beautiful rendition of “The
Star Spangled Banner.”
And the food…a feast for all! There was pizza from Papa
John’s, subs from Subway, wings from Applebee’s, Italian
ice from Rita’s, fruit, drinks, cereal bars, and more. The
door prizes were great, the awards were wonderful, and the goody
bags were overstuffed. After conquering the tough course, runners
were mingling and talking with smiles on their faces. Not only
was this the largest race in Lewisburg in recent years, but also
a race that keyed on exactly what runners want in a race. And
this was the first year!
The race had an “Old Home Week” feel to it. When
Bloomsburg's stellar 50-year-old Carmella Di Pippa was called
up to accept her award, Shelly Heasley, fresh from a great run
at Boston, yelled, “Carmella hosts a terrific New Year’s
Eve party!” (Your editor can attest to that.). Race Director
Matt Burrows answered with, “Sounds great! Okay, everybody,
we’re all invited to Carmella’s for New Year’s
Eve.” A loud cheer followed.
The race was a personal step forward for me. I’ve been
plagued with nagging injuries since the Run for Shelter on New
Year’s Eve. This was my third race since then, and, as I
“flew” down the last hill to the finish, I felt as
if I was finally coming back.
After enjoying the postrace smorgasbord and the awards ceremony,
I opted for a massage. Picture this:
There I was, lying on the massage table, being warmed by the
sun, listening to Probable Cause rockin’ away, and having
all of the aches and pains of my race effort being soothed. I
knew that this race gave the runners more than they could have
ever expected, and it gave me something more: reclaiming my running
soul and remembering why I run. |
