The Cowtown Marathon, the dreaded pandemic, and politics

Jordan and Marge cheering for runners

especially Marge's husband Colman

If I did the math right in my head, the forty-second Cowtown Marathon was run today, a beautiful, sunny clear day—with a high temperature of 77 predicted. Way too hot for runners, though most seasoned marathoners probably finished before the temperature hit seventy.

I well remember sitting in our office area at home late the night before the first marathon. My then-husband suddenly came out with, “*&%$! Sleet! I don’t want to hear sleet.” He was one among several men instrumental in planning and putting together the early marathons in this city. To his dismay, the next day revealed ice-covered, sleet-slick streets—hazardous for runners. With a courage I lack today, I packed four young children into a big old Cadillac sedan and headed cautiously for the race, although I don’t remember much about the rest of the day. Just that scary drive.

The late February date makes weather always unpredictable, and I don’t know which is worse—heat or precipitation. I am guessing that in 1978 there were already so many marathons scheduled across the country, that Cowtown planners took whatever open date they could—and crossed their fingers.

On another front, primary elections now share the spotlight with the corona virus 19 or COVID19. The government is cracking down on information and distorting statistics, but wise, sensible advice is out there if you can find it. I read an article today by a Dr. James Robb, with practical suggestions for protecting  yourself and your family, from frequent handwashing to latex gloves for the grocery store. According to Dr. Robb, the virus is lung specific—it only attacks the lungs and is carried in the air and on objects by droplets from sneezes and coughs. The virus can stay active on a surface for up to ten days—so that means protection when you pump gas, push an elevator button, grasp a railing. Read his suggestions here: https://www.lotterypost.com/blogentry/151944 Instead of blocking information and downplaying the threat, the government would do well to go on a massive education campaign.

A bit of irony: the governor of the state of Washington has declared an emergency because of the virus, while the national government in Washington, D.C. says the threat to most Americans is minimal. Dr. Robb would support the Washington governor.

Just my opinion: I’m pretty happy about the results of the South Carolina Democratic primary. Several people claim it is now a race between Biden and Sanders and the rest should drop out. Maybe it’s just my personal wish, but I want Elizabeth Warren to hang in there, though I’ll be really happy with Joe Biden as the next president of the United States.

I do get frustrated with campaigns that play the panic button as part of their fundraising efforts. The campaigns (though not necessarily the candidates) of Mark Kelly in Arizona and Jaimie Harrison in South Carolina are the worst about it. This morning, I saw advice to pack it up and go home because Harrison is losing; five minutes later another post crowed that he’s surging.

Reacting to election news is like reacting to the corona virus news—take it all with a grain of  salt and look for the sensible middle ground.

Colman giving his fans the high sign