A Montana native, Steve understands the importance of getting out on the road and communicating with his fellow Montanans. The Justice Tour of Montana will serve as a journey for Steve to come together with all Montanans, regardless of their community size or background.

Run with Steve in your town!

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Kicking off at the 2007 Governor’s Cup, Bullock’s Justice Tour of Montana will consist of running at least a 5 kilometer race in each of Montana’s 56 counties, culminating at the 2008 Governor’s Cup next June.

Entry 21: Montana County Attorney’s Association Summer Convention (4.5 mi; 52:15)

One of the jewels of our state is the town of Red Lodge in Carbon County.  I was there this past week for the Montana County Attorney’s Association Summer Convention.  Just as the Attorney General is the chief lawyer and law enforcement officer for the state, the County Attorney serves the role of chief lawyer at the local level.  Working together, the Attorney General and County Attorneys can take great strides to protect, preserve and improve this place we call home.

Having served in the Attorney General’s office I gained a first-hand understanding of the importance of a close working relationship with the County Attorneys and their Association.  As the campaign progresses I will share some of ideas on how the AG can better serve the local prosecutors and civil lawyers to make sure they have the tools to effectively perform their jobs.  

While at the convention I snuck away for an hour in the afternoon and took a run up a great trail, across from the Rock Creek Resort.  It was a challenging run, but would make for a beautiful hike.  The trailhead is directly across the creek from the hotel and I would recommend it to anyone fortunate enough to find themselves in the town of Red Lodge with a bit of extra time to spare.

Entry 20: Colstrip Days (3.5 mi; 28:15)
June 28, 2008; Rosebud County

Colstrip Days is celebrated each year the weekend prior to the 4th of July, and is the community’s largest celebration. There was a parade through town, then the community gathered in Rye Park, enjoying the sunshine, live music, food vendors and booths. I have had several trips to Forsyth, but had not been to Colstrip in years.

The best part of the day was watching Sharon Dinstel and Ken Nelson with well-rehearsed acrobatics during the parade while carrying the Bullock Banner; I am considering taking them on the road for the remainder of the parade circuit. The worst was hearing about a 5k that morning, but not finding out until later in the day. In lieu of the organized run, I had a hot and sweaty jog starting at Rye Park and looping around town.

Entry 19: Crow Native Days (4mi; 31:10)
June 27, 2008; Big Horn County

The best campaign stops are those where I gain more than I give, leaving a community with a better understanding of the identity and the needs of an area than when I arrived. This trip was no exception. At the invitation of Crow Tribal Chair Carl Venne, I spent the day at Crow Agency during Crow Native Days.

Understanding our Indian nations requires more than just lip service about government-to-government relationships. I have been fortunate to have made several visits to the Apsáalooke Nation during the campaign, and to have represented Big Horn County in a federal court action brought by the self-named “Citizen Equal Rights Alliance.” On one of my trips to Crow Agency, I made a commitment to the Tribal Chair to visit his governmental office as often as he visits mine. That is a commitment I intend to uphold as Attorney General.

I am glad I did not sign on to run across this County, as Big Horn County is 5,023 square miles, larger than the State of Connecticut. After the festivities at Crow Agency, I took my afternoon run through the town of Hardin, going downtown, by the Courthouse, around the high school, past the hospital and along the railroad tracks by the grain elevators. It was a nice little loop.

Entry 18: 112th Boston Marathon (26.2 miles - 3:21:58)

Juggling campaigning, fundraising, and practicing law, while endeavoring to maintain a meaningful family life, is challenging to say the least. While one might imagine that a marathon is the last thing that should be piled onto that schedule, the longer training runs help maintain some sense of balance and sanity.

Jerome Drayton, a former Boston winner, offered that “To describe the agony of a marathon to someone who’s never run it is like trying to explain color to someone who was born blind.” One’s mind typically goes through the range of emotions during a marathon, from sheer delight to awe to despair. No matter the race or time, I am always humbled by the experience, crossing the finish line a little better person than when I commenced the journey.

This was my third year at Boston, and ninth marathon in total. While each race is memorable and meaningful, Boston is unlike all others. Over a century old and held each year on Patriot’s Day, the race is steeped in tradition. And because it requires time-qualification, runners have to earn their way to participate. Its traditions, the other runners, and an amazing and supportive crowd make it an amazing experience.

Throughout the campaign, I have closed my thank you letters with the reference that “this campaign is a marathon, not a sprint.” I still believe that to be true. We have been working hard for well over a year now, and I am proud of – yet humbled by – our effort and its successes.

Entry 18: Friends of Arlee School Buttercup Run (10K - 40:58)
March 29, 2008; Lake County

Among many other responsibilities, the Attorney General is in charge of consumer protection — safeguarding the public against deceptive practices and scams. And, while it is a great run and is for a wonderful cause, the 250 runners showing up on a cold morning in Arlee for the Buttercup Run were snookered! About 20 degrees, max, and not a buttercup to be seen along the entire route. Next year, maybe a name change to the Snowflake Run would be more appropriate.

The run starts and ends at Arlee High School. An amazing setting and a great course: it is nestled up against the mountains, and the run is largely on dirt roads and trails. In Arlee and elsewhere, it unfortunate that educational funding has to be supplemented by fun runs and bake sales. Nonetheless, it is a great run and the Friends of Arlee Schools do wonderful things with the money they raise. More information is available about the organization and the run by clicking here.

My wife Lisa and I both ran. One of the treasures of our state is that, no matter where you go, you are bound to run into people you know. Not only did we see several runners from Helena, but we also bumped into Missoulian Jami Fitzgerald and her “Running Club.” Jami is a friend of almost 25 years. Rumor has it that the “Running Club” is considering making an endorsement in the Attorney General’s race.

Entry 16: Whitefish & Seeley Lake (Half Marathon - 1:37:48)
February 22nd, 2008 (Flathead & Missoula Counties)

The campaign trail offers amazing moments, reinforcing and that no matter the sacrifice in running for office, I continue to receive more through this process than I give.

This past weekend I had the opportunity to participate in the annual kickoff conference for the Montana Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics. The Whitefish event brought together 100+ peace officers from across the state, gathering for no other reason than to make the lives of others a little better.

The Montana Torch Run begins at 10 points around the state to run the “Flame of Hope” to the State Summer Games Opening Ceremonies. Special Olympics Montana Athlete of the Year, accompanied by law enforcement, ignites the cauldron signaling the beginning of the Games. The “Circle of Honor”, representatives from Montana’s varied law enforcement agencies, salute the Torchbearers as they carry the Torch through Opening Ceremonies.

This year over 700 peace officers will participate in the Torch Runs. Between the runs, the polar plunges, and various other events, $300,000 will be raised for Special Olympics. The people I met—officers and athletes – provided one of the most inspirational and meaningful moments throughout the campaign. I encourage you to visit their website. It is an organization that you will hear about much more from me, once elected.

It would be outrageous to show up at Torch Run conference without first taking a run, so on the way to Whitefish I participated in the 29th Annual Snow Joke Half-Marathon in Seeley Lake.

This was a record year for the Cheetah Herders, with over 350 runners joining in the 13-mile loop around the lake. Notwithstanding the painful length, it is hard not to be happy when running the Snow Joke. The race is well-organized, the runners are great, and the course is beautiful (although a little icy).

I didn’t have time to participate in the post-race celebration at the Filling Station, but did stop into Deer Country Quilts on my way out of town. My parents spent well over a decade living in Seeley, and my mother opened then owned the store until selling it to Pam and Lauren Rose. Seeley remains one of the jewels of the Treasure State.

Entry 15: To Hall and Back (15 mi - 1:58:33)
February 12, 2008; Granite County

This was a crazy campaign week, with a candidate forum in Bozeman on Sunday, a central committee meeting on Monday, a fundraiser on Tuesday, meetings and a Central Labor Counsel appearance on Thursday.

On one of my trips between Helena and Missoula, I took a little side trip to get a run into the schedule.

Old Highway 1 spans about 60 miles from Drummond to Anaconda. Not many places you can take a nice country run along a major highway, but this is one of them. Approaching cars typically cross over the median, allowing plenty of room while frequently offering a wave or tip of the hat.

An unpaved trail lies off of the median. At first blush one might think it was made for running, but a guy cannot take many steps before figuring out that cattle are much more frequent on the path than people.

The community of Hall is on Highway 1, about seven miles out of Drummond. Don’t let the cow skull-covered tree at the entry of town deter you. It has everything a small town should have: a church, a bar, an elementary school, a grain elevator, a hardware store and a general store. The diversion off the interstate is well worth the trip.

The road offers so many facets that are uniquely Montana, cutting across ranch land, while separating the Beaverhead and Deer Lodge National Forests. It also offers signposts of our challenges, like the main street painting that warns of the dangers of Meth. It serves as a public reminder that, even in our most idyllic small towns, we must be vigilant to protect our kids and families.

Entry 14: Sanders County Democratic Dinner, Thompson Falls (3.5 mi - 27:48)
October 27, 2007; Sanders County

Highway 200 between Missoula and Thompson Falls twists and turns, following along the Clark Fork River. It is visually stunning. A herd of big horn sheep wandered to the road’s edge, the only kind of traffic jam one might expect in the area.

And a run in Thompson Falls is no less spectacular than the drive to get there. You can literally taste the air as you breathe in the pine trees that surround you. A distant ring of a hunter’s gunshot fills the air, while several deer lazily rest in a tree-filled yard. The few cars that have passengers are certain to smile and wave as they pass.

I finished my run right in time for the Sanders County Democratic Central Committee Dinner. My guess is that close to 200 people turned out for the event. Sen. Jon Tester gave the keynote, the food and conversation was great, and the attendees were engaged and excited. Judy Reall, the County Chair, did a heck of a job putting it together.

Trips like this remind me of why I run — on the roads and for the office of Attorney General. The people showing up at a dinner in Thompson Falls do so because they believe that their participation matters and can make a difference, and that government can play a meaningful and constructive role in our lives. I believe this to be true as well.

Entry 13: Montana Cup (8k - 34:43)
October 27, 2007; Missoula County

More often than not, I run alone. I use the solitary time to unwind, to think through things, or just let my mind drift. All runs are meaningful, even if every run isn’t memorable.

Notwithstanding the sport’s individual nature, Montana boasts a remarkable running community. Helena offers group runs three times a week, welcoming everyone without regard to skill or level or participation. There are also Tuesday track workouts coordinated by Pat Judge, drawing 30+ regular participants. While a nagging Achilles injury kept me away from the track most of this season, the motivation and support the Tuesday “nooners” provide one another epitomizes the ideal of community. (More information is available from the Helena Running Club).

The state running community was out in force in Missoula for the Montana Cup. Fifteen years strong, the Montana Cup is a cross-country meet for runners of all ages. The event was held on the University of Montana Golf Course, immediately following the Big Sky Conference College Cross-Country Championship.

There is friendly competition among the cities – this year, the Missoula hosts changed the location the morning of the event. It was an 8k, or a little over 5 miles. It was a beautiful day, a mostly flat course, and over 200 runners supporting one another to achieve their best.

Entry 12: Park County Democrats Dinner (5K - 25:15)
October 4, 2007; Park County

Running doesn’t take much concentration, so your mind can travel as freely as your feet. It is also low maintenance, inviting a person to run almost anywhere and anytime. My run this week was after the annual Park County Democratic dinner at the Elks Club, in downtown Livingston.

100+ people showed up for the local dinner in Livingston. You could sense a real connection to Montana – both in terms of our natural treasures like the Yellowstone River and in terms of making sure that, as the town evolves and grows, the sense of community and engagement is maintained. It is amazing how I can leave an evening like that with even more enthusiasm for and commitment to public service than when I arrive.

The combined effects of the energy of the dinner and the need to work off a full plate of Andy Scott’s lasagna made a run a necessity before leaving Livingston. Some of my most enjoyable runs are at the crack of dawn or during the stillness of an evening, and this was no exception. My run took me down Main Street out past the high school and back, then down Lewis and back on Clark. Even Main was quiet, with the exception of a high school student playing the guitar to a circle of his friends.

No matter which main street of which Montana town, we can only hope for the same: a main street full of businesses, offering a safe place for kids to gather, and that are as inviting to the newcomer as they are to the life-long resident.

Entry 11: Combating Predatory Lending in Montana Conference (10.75 mi - 1:28:44)
September 23, 2007; Lewis & Clark and Jefferson Counties

The campaign stayed close to home this weekend, as I attended a conference in Helena regarding predatory lending. On a cold and rainy Sunday, I took a run starting in Lewis and Clark County and also covering quite a few miles in neighboring Jefferson County. Long runs always provide room and space to think, and much of my run was spent mulling over the problems facing our friends and neighbors caught up in the payday lending trap.

Given the recent crisis in subprime lending, media attention has been focused on the interest rates people must pay to receive and maintain housing loans, with Congress calling some of the practices in the lending process “unconscionable and deceptive.”

All the while, here in Montana it is perfectly legal to charge hard-working Montanans an interest rate of up to 650% APR for short-term loans. The process sounds simple: a borrower goes into a payday lender with a post-dated check and proof of employment or income. The borrower gets up to $300 cash, but must then write the check for $400. The lender cashes the check a couple of weeks later, pocketing a “finance charge” of up to 25%.

All sounds like a great service, right? This is not necessarily a quick fix to a short-term financial crisis; it often leads to a cycle where the borrower can only cover the first loan by visiting another payday lender, and incurring yet another 25% haircut. Continue this cycle for a year, and a borrower could end up paying a whopping $1,500 in interest for a $250 loan.

During the conference we heard from a state employee, a small business owner, a divorcee, and a gentleman on SSI/disability: they turned to these lenders of last resort when a crisis kept them from making ends meet in a month, they weren’t necessarily told what they were getting into, and they ultimately faced months, and in some cases years, of financial ruin.

Almost one-fourth of the states ban these types of loans entirely. Earlier this year, Congress recognized the impact that payday loans were having on our servicemen and women and their families, and capped the rates that could be charged to military personnel at 36% APR (compared to our 650%). Of those states allowing them, Montana holds the distinction of leading the country as to the amount lenders can charge.

The word “justice” means different things to different people. Some might argue that justice can be best attained when government is least involved. If true, there would be no child-labor laws, no overtime laws, no worker-safety laws and no minimum wage. Montana should strive to treat our friends and neighbors better than Alabama has chosen to treat theirs. Justice requires more of us all.

The debate over payday lending — and the practices that are employed — is only beginning. Be it through consumer protection litigation or by requesting legislation, I intend to be a part of shaping that dialogue as our next Attorney General.

Entry 10: Havre Festival Days (5K - 20:45)
September 15, 2007; Hill County

Almost each of the organized runs brings with it a “first.” This was not only the first time I have ran in Havre, it was also the first time a race director has told me about his experience running into rattlesnakes along the race course. That discussion provided the incentive to move a little faster!

The run was held in conjunction with Havre Festival Days, so it was a fun-filled day. I started with the parade, followed by a Kiwanis pancake breakfast where over 1,000 were served. Upon finishing the run I attended a nail-biting football game between MSU-Northern and UM-Western, wrapping up the evening with a wonderful banquet hosted by the Hill County Democratic Central Committee.

My good friends Paul Tuss and Pam Hillery, and their kids Dolan and Caroline, served as hosts and guides during my visit. Dolan added to the firsts, by joining me and participating in his first 5k run.

I left that night with a better appreciation of the town and its people. There is a genuine sense of community in Havre. The people are friendly and neighborly. They are engaged in state and local policy and politics. And they, like me, see challenges on the horizon, but also see opportunity to make this place we call home even better for all of us now, as well as the next generation that will follow.

You can read more about my visit to Havre by clicking here

Entry 9: Kalispell Candidate Forum
September 13, 2007; Flathead County

Not every run along the way can be part of an organized race, and when I was in Kalispell as part of a candidate forum for the Montana Tavern Association , I took the opportunity to sneak in a little run. In running down the backstreets behind the Outlaw Inn, I stumbled upon Woodland Park. It is a beautiful park with a large pond, rose garden, and a walking trail that is almost a mile in length. I would highly recommend visiting it if you find yourself with a little free time while in Kalispell.

The candidate forum highlighted yet another aspect of the job that is not well known by many. For the past 20 years, certain forms of gambling have been regulated at the state level. In addition to being the state’s top elected lawyer, the Attorney General also oversees the Gambling Control Division. This is not an insignificant responsibility – on the one hand the Department serves as the investigatory and regulatory body, yet on the other the Division is tasked with doing what it can to make the interface between business and government as reasonable as possible.

The Attorney General’s duties encompass much more than fighting crime. The officeholder wears many hats, including needing to be a seasoned lawyer – experienced in many different facets of the law – and a seasoned manager. I am running because I believe I have the experience, background, education and vision to effectively serve the public wearing all of the hats.

Entry 8: Big Sky Mountain Festival
September 3, 2007; Madison County

This is the third year in a row that we have spent all or part of Labor Day weekend at Big Sky. On Saturday they always hold their Mountain Fest, an outdoor gathering with food, live music, and huge inflatable slides for the kids. It is generally pretty quiet that time of year at Big Sky, and my family uses the weekend to recharge — hiking, relaxing, and letting the kids enjoy a weekend at a swimming pool.

As part of this year’s festival, they hosted a 5k run. I am convinced that few other counties would design a course that runs up a mountain, but I guess that’s what one should expect at a ski hill! We started at an elevation of just under 7600’, and by the end of the first mile we were a little over 8000’. The nice thing is that it is (almost) all down hill from there. As the attached newspaper article shows , it wasn’t the most crowded race, but my cheering section was solid.

The next day after attending the local pancake breakfast and taking a family hike to Ouzel Falls, my good friend Meg O’Leary hosted a chili feed, giving us the opportunity to spend some time with some of the local residents discussing the campaign. One thing that strikes me is that no matter where we live, we largely share the same values: we want to make sure our children are safe and have good schools, we don’t expect to get rich but we want to be able to make a living, and we want to preserve the natural treasures that Montana holds so that our children can enjoy the places and paths that we have walked.

Entry 7: An Ri Ra Irish Festival (10k - 45:21)
August 10, 2007; Silver Bow County

The history of much of Montana was written — and still resides — in Butte. It is captured by the monuments of our past, its buildings and mining headframes. And it remains alive through the icons of today – the Harp Cote’s, Bob McCarthy’s and so many others that hold in their heads more stories than all those recorded in books.

On the one hand, you are not “from” Butte, unless you can trace several generations back. Yet, on the other, wherever you are from, its people accept you as one of their own. The town embraced my brother, Bill, and his entire family. And, notwithstanding never living there, it is where my father chose to be buried. Butte will always be a special place to me and my family.

As part of the annual Montana Irish Festival, the Gaelic Cultural Society sponsors a 5 and 10k run through uptown Butte. Starting at Emma Park, it winds across town, climbs to Montana Tech, and crosses back along a trail to where it started. It is a great run — or at least as great as you might imagine trudging up the hills in uptown might be.

To make sure to offset any of the positive health effects from my morning run, afterward I joined Bill O’Leary for breakfast at Gamer’s. From sharing the counter seats with County Attorney Bob McCarthy, to seeing the State Economic Development Director Evan Barrett, to chatting with Sen. Steve Gallus and his wife Jen Hensley, a couple hours in Gamer’s gives you a better sense of what is going on in Butte (and much of Montana) than any news program or public opinion poll could ever provide.

Entry 6: Black Nation’s North American Indian Days (3.35 miles - 26:56)
July 14, 2007; Glacier County

I have been to Browning several times, but never been a part of the community. This past weekend provided that opportunity. Once a year, there is a four day celebration of dance, drumming and socializing in Glacier County, on the Blackfeet Indian reservation. http://www.blackfeetcountry.com/naid.html

For the parade, I was adopted by the area Vietnam veterans’ association. There are about 130 Vietnam vets in the Browning area, as well as over 100 Blackfeet currently active in the military. Along with Vietnam, our float also included veterans from the Korean war. It was heartening to see the crowd along the parade give these men the recognition they deserve.

The concerns of people I spoke to before and after the parade involved sovereignty, safety and economic opportunity. The Blackfeet are one of seven tribal reservations in Montana (http://indiannations.visitmt.com/ ), and the Attorney General plays a central working with these tribes as sovereigns.

Providing support to local law enforcement takes on real meaning in Indian country. The AG must stand willing to provide whatever assistance – be it leadership on issues of public safety or resources such as through cross deputization agreements – that will be beneficial to the tribes, while respecting that ultimately it is the tribal government’s decision.

Economic opportunity is also critical, in that unemployment and low wages are a constant on the reservation. My discussions reinforced the importance of our effort last year that increased the minimum wage (http://www.raisemontana.org/ ). It also reminded me of the importance of continuing to fight for legislation that would allow paraprofessionals to apply for unemployment insurance during school closures, a measure I worked with MEA-MFT and Rep. Juneau on during the 2005 session.

As to the run, my “real job” got in the way of me attending the Mayor’s Race in Browning on Friday, so I took my own run – starting at the War Bonnet hotel, by the schools, and out to the hospital. If it had not been 99 degrees, it would have been a real pleasant run!

Click here to see more pictures from the North American Indian Days

Entry 5: Choteau Run (3.15 miles - 25:30)
July 14, 2007; Teton County

Anyone that has stopped at the rest stop and ice cream store in Choteau will recognize the dinosaur!

We realized early on that it is impossible to run a race in every county. First, only 35 of the 56 counties hold a race (or at least as far as we know). Also, travel, run, and life schedules will make it impossible to hit every one of those races. So, sometimes a guy just has to make his own race, and I did that on my way home from Browning this weekend.

Runners know Choteau because of the Grizzly Marathon, http://www.grizzlymarathon.com/, a marathon held in mid-August along the Rocky Mountain front. Although I have never run it, I have been in town on race day. It is a real destination event, with runners from all across the country descending on Choteau to participate. Hopefully next year I will be one of them!

Someone once said that Montana is a small town with a long main street. Everyone I passed by during my run in Choteau said “hello,” and many in cars waved. My run in Choteau represents the ideal that the Attorney General, and all Montanans, should strive to attain: a community that is safe, inviting and friendly. Making all of Montana feel a little more like Choteau is one of the reasons I am running for Attorney General — to do all I can to preserve the Montana in which I was raised for my children’s (and all of our) future.

Entry 4: Smoking Boomer Fun Run (5k - 21:00)
June 16, 2007; Wheatland County

The Festival of the Wind celebrates the 90 tower turbine farm located between Harlowton and Judith Gap. This was the first of what is sure to be an annual festival – the friendly folks pulling the festival together are reason enough to return.

The 5k race was a beautiful course winding through Harlowton, finishing and ending at the elementary school. Helena’s own Pat Judge won the race, taking home the heavy hardware. I finished a couple of minutes behind Pat.

The people of the community make runs like this memorable. The race volunteers came primarily from Wheatland Memorial Hospital. Scot Mitchell, the CEO/Administrator of the hospital, explained that the 25-bed facility in Harlowton is the only medical facility within 45 minutes, serving an essential need for the region.

One of the people that particularly sticks in my mind is Adrie Min, the race director (with the colorful wind turbine hat!). Adrie is quick with a smile, and rumor has it that, if he chose to participate, he was sure to win the Festival of the Wind windbag contest! He is a native of Holland, and became a US citizen about two weeks ago. I am hoping that the first vote Adrie will cast as a US citizen will include a vote for Bullock!

Click here to see more pictures from the Smoking Boomer Fun Run

Entry 3: 2nd Annual Hamilton PTA Fun Run and Walk (10K - 46:25)
June 9, 2007; Ravalli County

It was a beautiful morning in the Bitterroot for the 2nd annual Hamilton PTA run.

As I introduced myself to Cheryl at the registration table, and told her I was a candidate for Attorney General, immediately I heard behind me “Make sure Bill has his gun!” Fortunately, though, PTA President Autumn was just checking to make sure the starter was ready, not expressing her view of candidates for public office.

Autumn may have stacked the field of runners, just to make sure my first run outside of Helena was a challenge. The field included Deano and Matt Roberts, former Helenans and sons of the Director of the Motor Vehicle Division at the Department of Justice. Throughout the course the Roberts’ boys, the cross country coach at Darby, and a couple other runners all made sure that I knew my place (which was behind them).

The course goes through beautiful country, which helps because it climbs about 300 vertical feet during the second and third miles. Great people along the way, as well. The first water station was staffed by some boy scouts and their father. Just to keep a smile on my face, the Dad told me he had to give up road races because his beer kept getting too foamy!

After a hard run, it is only appropriate that the last half mile of the course ran along aside the local cemetery.

They had about 100 participants that morning – 16 of us running the 10k, and the rest involved in the 5k and 1 mile fun run. The ideal of community really shines through in Hamilton, and it great to see parents and others actively supporting their schools. I left with an agreement promise that, in return for a campaign contribution, I am joining the Hamilton PTA!

Click here to see more pictures from the Hamilton Fun Run & Walk

Entry 2: 2007 Governor’s Cup (Half Marathon - 1:35:54)
June 2, 2007; Lewis & Clark County

The Governor’s Cup always serves as a reminder of some of the reasons I love running. 4,000-plus people, all ages, shapes and sizes, all entering the races with different expectations. Some are out to accomplish specific time or distance goals, some just to have fun, but all should finish the morning with a sense of accomplishment. In my book, everyone that crosses the finish line on Governor’s Cup morning wins.

As the kick off to the “Justice Tour,” the Governor’s Cup half-marathon also provided me the personal reminder that the wheels of justice do not always move quite as quickly as one might like! I started the run strong, but those last five miles uphill from the valley were a killer. Altogether, though, I was pleased with the run, and had a great morning afterwards with friends at our open house.

Click here to see more pictures from the Governor’s Cup

Entry 1: Race for the Cure
May 19, 2007

My oldest daughter Caroline (5 years old) wanted to run (and walk) the race together. We started at a mad dash, and were playing “I Spy” by the second mile. Not exactly a personal best time, but one of my best races. I can’t expect that she will always think running with her Dad is cool, so I need to enjoy these times while I can…besides, another ten years and she’ll be beating me into the ground!

My wife Lisa joined a good friend and they pushed my younger daughter Alexandria and son Cameron in strollers. Alex got out to run across the finish line, and was pretty darn pleased with herself by the end.

Click here to see more pictures from the Race for the Cure