Great Grain Relay Race Report

Team Malicious... Dez, Mike, David, Mimi, Sara, Shelby

Oh my, what a glorious day to be alive!

Dez was our ringer, Mimi gave it her all, David kept the spirit light, Sara added sparkle, and Shelby kept us honest. Me? I danced like no one was watching.

We were in it to win it, but sadly we missed third place by a sliver to a team called Your Pace or Mine. We ran 147.75 laps while YPOM bested us by a few lousy meters.

Team Malicious had a scrum meeting in the final minutes... how to beat YPOM?...Desperado David pulled a bag of marbles from his kit suggesting we trip them up..."YES" we yelled...but honest Shelby kept us honest and spoke of ethics and fair play and other boring stuff. We finally agreed the only option was to run like hell, to dance hard and furious, to give it our all all... 

...and we did, we ran like hell, it hurt us, it elevated us, it sucked, it elated, it deflated, it left us heaping on the track gasping for oxygen.  We gave it our best.

We danced a good dance, but we came up shy.

We lost to a team called Your Pace or Mine.   Our friend Joanne Schiewe was a founding member of YPOM and I wanted to kick her butt. To honour her by dancing hard and giving it all. Joanne was on my mind in those final laps. She cheered track side... go Mike go, dance Mike dance... and then she laughed.

She left me in a pukey, sweaty mess on the track.  Like many of you, dear Jo lives in my heart, my legs, my blood, my bones. She whispers. She encourages. She chats incessantly. She laughs as I heave in the corner.

See Mike Run like hell.
Photo credit Junel Malapad.

The 35th annual Great Grain Relay was a uge success, a grandocious affair, no one was fired, all were welcome.  Fun was in the air and the tunes were loud and poppy.  A couple of youngsters handed out 'speeding tickets' entitling runners to an instant prize. Sandwiches, chips, fruit, vegetables, and beer were plentiful. The vibe was positive and uplifting throughout the event and the groove was contagious.

The proceeds to this year's Great Grain Relay are directed towards Kidsports, So All Children Can Play, an organization whose prime purpose is to remove financial barriers that prevent kids from playing organized sports. Kidsport believe no kid should be left on the sideline and all should experience the positive effect of organized sport.

I love my community.  I believe Winnipeg is the finest city in Canada. The Great Grain Relay is just one more validation, one more reason to love our peg City.

It's a good day to be alive, all sweaty and out of breath.

Mike

Mimi wins FIRST Prize! David is there to record the event. 

Junal and Mike.. a selfless selfie.