Running with Friends For Sandy Hook

I had a wonderful experience this morning. Some of the Red Felt Running crew got together in DC to run the Sandy Hook Elementary School Memorial Half Marathon and 5K. The virtual race was put together by Mena Shaw Races (co-owned by Red Felter Ben Mena); you register for it, then do the race any time before the end of January. All the proceeds go to the Sandy Hook School Support Fund, which was set up by the United Way of Western Connecticut.

It was for a great cause, and it turned out to be a lovely event. Larry organized all of us, and Larraine completely outdid herself by making signs and truly keeping the purpose for our run at the top of mind. The morning was crisp and clear, and it was excellent getting to meet and talk to some of the people from the Red Felt Running Club.

Here's who was there:

This pic includes Will, Mynor, Liz, Larraine, Amy, and Larry. Plus some pacers.

We got to start out at this beautiful spot, right under the Key Bridge in the District:

Jack's Boathouse. And yes, there were kayakers out in the 30 degree weather.

This is one of Larraine's signs (along with a prayer from Red Felter Joe B.):

Mynor brought a video of the National Anthem, sung by Whitney Houston.

For my own contribution, I brought a snack to get everyone started (because even a somber occasion needs a snack). I told Mynor I would share the recipe, so here you go:

Power Balls

1/2 cup nut butter (we used peanut butter)

1/3 cup honey

1 cup oats (old fashioned)

1 tsp vanilla

1/2 cup other dry ingredients (we like dried cranberries, chocolate chips, chopped pistachios for pretty color, and chopped almonds for salty goodness)**

1 Tbs flaxseed (for crazy crunch)

• Mix the nut butter, honey, and vanilla
• Mix the dry ingredients
• Add the dry ingredients to the wet ones and mix well
• Let refrigerate for at least an hour. Roll into balls (smallish, like Hershey Kiss size) and store in the fridge in an airtight container

**You could also add coconut. No one in our family really likes coconut all that much so we didn't.

These are really good. They taste like raw cookie dough. I really appreciated having a chance to do this great event today -- feeling very, very lucky!