I was delighted that Eric Martinez — who is only 10 years old and is in the third grade at Rufino Mendoza Elementary School — won his division and placed fourth in the 17 and Under competition at Cowtown Marathon’s CALF 5K race.
I had Eric’s finish line photo framed and presented it to him in front of his fellow students, coach, and teachers at the after-school running club.
The coach announced that I was running a marathon on Sunday. How many times is that around our school, they wanted to know? (110)?) Where? (Maine — my 40th state!)
I have thoroughly enjoyed being the school sponsor of Mendoza School for the past nine years. More information about my wonderful experience working with these children can be found here.