I have a slew
of cow suits in my guest room closet. Things as funny and vibrant with so much
to give should not stay in the closet. They should come out, inspire and
entertain.
My cow suit
cheering routine began at an American Cancer Society Relay for Life seven years
ago. I had a couple cow suits, so our team became “Cows for a Cure.” The overnight relay begins with a Survivor
Lap. Cancer survivors ranging from
decades into remission to currently undergoing cancer treatment walk a single
lap often accompanied by their caregivers. Teams are encouraged to surround the
track to cheer with reckless abandon for the sea of purple shirts before
beginning their own night’s trek.
I can
distinctly remember a Relay when my herd’s campsite was located near the end of
the lap. Some of the survivors were tired and weary. They were likely in the
middle of their treatments and were giving all that they could to keep
walking. Their bodies were limp. Smiles
were absent. Their shoulders heaved trying to catch elusive breaths. That single
lap was their own marathon.
When they
saw the cows as they rounded the final turn, the floppy ears, black and white
flannel and slightly irreverent rubber udders were like magic. It was breath-taking to see how our energy
and enthusiasm can give a bovine boost.
The cow
suits made their Pocatello Marathon debut in 2011. A friend and I suited up to
cheer for her husband in his first attempt at the daunting distance. We carried
a sign that says, “Keep Mooooving!” I’ve
managed to make that sign last through a couple marathons and numerous city fun
runs. It’s ready for this year.
Some people
shy from the cheers. Some roll their eyes. Some smirk at the ridiculous udders,
and some garner the breath to merrily moo at us.
I didn’t
play sports until junior high, but I can recall people cheering for me long
before then. There were three-legged races during Girl Scouts, the softball
throw on elementary school field days, and while I gained my nerve on the BMX
bike track behind the Pineridge Mall.
The applause of crowds has been a mainstay in my life as an athlete and
coach. Although while coaching, it feels
more like people are cheering at me rather than for me.
Many
marathoners aren’t used to cheering along a course like ours. They expect
solitude and scenery. Some revel in that while others can be overcome by the mind
games of a marathon. I can see it on
their faces, and I love to offer a little Holstein help to keep people moving.
Pocatello’s marathon starts
on Crestview Rd. at the top of the Buckskin Saddle at 6am. The route continues
on Buckskin away from Pocatello along Hoot Owl and Rapid Creek roads. The
course links to the half marathon starting line at the corner of Inkom Road and
Green Canyon Road. The 10K start is on Old Highway 91 in the Gap at a pull-out
for a Historical Marker, and the 5k start is at the Bannock County Jail, and
all of the races finish through Ross Park just past the pool. There are 26.2 beautiful
miles for cows and people to cheer.
Our marathon organizers also put on a 1.5 mile race
for ages 18 and younger and a 0.2 mile mini course through Ross Park for kids
10 and under. It’s an event of fitness and fun for the entire family.
Details
can be found online at www.pocatellomarathon.com.
I know the perils of
saying “never”, but I will never run a marathon. This heifer’s mind, body, social
life, and career could not handle the training regimen. That’s ok. It’s my turn
to cheer. I am delighted to be a marathon supporter and Pocatello’s is one of
the best.
