Watch Video Of Our Gasparilla 5K Experience

Groan! Moan! Ouch! Ooph! These among others were some of the phrases coming out of my mouth today. I haven’t run since I think 1998. Exept to the dinner table! What was I thinking? Well here we are at the starting gate for the Gasparilla 5k. I had it in my mind that It would be a nice leisurely walk along bayshore with my i-pod blaring with Dan at my side. Well the race starts and much to my chagrin Dan is running and making me keep up with him.Others are wizzing by like lazer beams with sneakers on. At this point I’m beginning to wonder what the heck I’ve gotten myself into! When all of a sudden this cute little older couple walk by me saying c’mon, you can do it! Something very strange happened after that...A feeling I had’nt felt in a long time. Determination, a little burst of energy and It was on! I was jogging! It hurt like nobodys business at first but then it felt good! My West Tampa trash talk reared it’s ugly head as I passed some of those laser beams saying things like, I was where you were once, keep trying, you’ll be here soon! etc.etc
Well the race finishes and Dan(the man), Bucified Bert and myself crossed the finish line tied for 12,000th place. I think I won by a nose personally.
So today is Sunday and we had a beautiful service that started with a baptism at Anclote Park. Lots of visitors and Lots of soreness in my legs. As A deacon,it was my duty to seat people today. It seemed as though the church isle was 10 times longer than usual though. Our ministry sits on a platform

that has 2 steps. Unfortunately for me I had to ask Scott Griffith(Elder and dentist extrordinare) and Ron Morley several questions leading up to the service. I think those stairs grew several inches taller since last week! Those guys thought It was funny watching me come up and down those stairs and openly giggled as I grunted and groaned all the while. I love them and forgive them and invite them both to try to keep up with me at next years 5k!
I thank God that He lit a fire under me yesterday, but ultimately lit a fire in me 16 years ago. I wouldnt be here today sore or not without Him and I praise Him!
Dad I hope I made you proud on your birthday as I dedicated that race to your memory yesterday.

Peace be with you all, support one another, respect one another and love each other as God has loved you.
God Bless....Marty G.  P.S. GET MOVING!