Detroit Summer 16
I refuse to be in the doldrums over Kevin’s passing. There is no way he would want me to be all depressed anyway. My longtime friend from Southfield High School and beyond sent me an invite to her 40th birthday celebration a couple of hours before Kevin passed away. She wasn’t expecting me to attend because of everything going on, but she wanted to keep me informed.
The weekend of Tajuana’s birthday, I made my way to Detroit with an unannounced stop at my Brother Phil’s house. We went to Coney Island where I introduced Crissa to Coney’s, chili cheese fries and Greek salads.
On Saturday, my friend Maxie took us downtown to Pizza Papalis. Their deep dish is good, but lacked the thickness of Chicago’s Giordano’s. We rode the People Mover and got off at Woodward so I could check out the new Nike Community Store. I loved the store layout and friendly service.
Kelsie and Crissa outside Pizza Papalis in Greektown, Detroit.
We walked to Campus Martius, and it was refreshing to see young adults playing basketball on the four Nike courts and engaged in sand volleyball.
I haven’t been on the Detroit Riverwalk since the 2013 Auto Show Shuffle. It’s impressive to see all the progress being made downtown. I didn’t see the new Hockey Town construction, but I did see the cranes from the People Mover.
It was time to switch gears and roll up on Tajuana at her party. It felt so good to see my friend and be amongst all her family and friends. True friends are hard to find.
Friends 25 years Strong!
On Sunday, Crissa and I drove to the Mt. Olivet Cemetery for a Sunrise Race I found on Running in the USA. They had a 1.5 mile walk, a 5K and a 10K. Crissa forgot her running shoes (again) and changed from the 5K to the walk. I chose the 10K because it is my weakest distance.
It was ironic for the only race in the area that weekend to be at a cemetery. I didn’t let it get to me as I recalled running through Cave Hill and Frankfort Cemetery’s. I ran with a goal to place in my age group. The weather was in the low 70s, clear skies and low humidity. The Mt. Olivet Cemetery Sunrise Run benefited the Make-A-Wish Foundation
At mile 2 I linked up with a running partner. We held a good pace and he really pushed me through. He tried to get me to leave him when he took longer stops at the water stations. I refused to bail on him because we ran in perfect cadence. I warned him that I do kick at every finish. It was close to the finish when I sprinted to the line and finished around 30 seconds ahead of him.
I found this beautiful photo of Noah and I online. Photo Credit: Brandy Baker, The Detroit News.
I introduced myself to my running buddy and his name was Noah. His wife’s name is Kelsey. I thanked him for running beside me.
After the race an outreach group called “We Care About 7 Mile” served a nice breakfast.
Results of the 9th Annual Sunrise Run:
1st in my age group with a time of 48:41/ 7:51 pace.
4th place Women’s division.
12th place overall.
I’m glad I got to be around family and friends for the weekend. I was able to link up with my other Brother Jason who hates taking photos, so next time I will have to sneak one. At least I have my most competitive Words With Friends player back. I saw my Aunt Mary and visited Corey’s children who were getting ready to take family photos.
Corey Jr, Kelsie, Trinity, and Chloe.
Last stop before hoping on 75 South was a Bread Basket corned beef with some onion rings.
Bread Basket Special
Eat. Run. Repeat.
KelsieLou
Kelsie Lou's Blog 
I’m still upset that you didn’t bring me a corn beef sandwich. Remember when I shipped Kevin a couple packed in dry ice from Det. The sandwiches were free, the shipping was about forty dollars. Kevin was always nice to me so it was a pleasure to do something nice for him.
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I don’t know why I didn’t think to bring you and Dad sandwiches. My bad!
Kevin tore those sandwiches up! After we separated he would still go up to Detroit and get them. Kevin was always looking out. I didn’t have to worry about nothing. Remember Jason told you I was living like a princess…he wasn’t lying. Only difference today is I stand on my own two as a QUEEN!!!
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You are amazing!! Seriously. Strong both in spirit and body. How inspiring you are to me. I struggled through a marathon training run yesterday and it really messed with my mind. Seeing you so confident that you’re going to place first and kill a course…every time you race…and then seeing that you do it…just is so awesome. You are a beast and force to be reckoned with. I am so fortunate to call you my friend!! Keep on kicking some ass, lady!
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I can’t take credit for my triumphs. God is good and He is having mercy on me 4 sho!! These shorter races are a great way for me live happy and as stress free as possible.
I know you are going to slay that 26.2 in September my friend!!
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You put in a lot of work, time, and effort…so you can and should take credit. Although, I know God does step in and help at times too. ((HUGS)) Thank you for the encouragement for me about September. I’m starting to get so many doubts that it is making me feel mentally unprepared…yet again.
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Wow!! Great pictures. I live in Detroit and I’m so happy we’re improving our city. It looks like everyone had a great time. And good friends are hard to find. It’s a blessing when you have some. My condolences for your loss, and it’s great to see you having the strength to move forward!! Great post
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Thank you. I thought about the D on my run this morning…back to school. We started in Louisville almost 4 weeka
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…weeks ago. I like getting out in May vs. Teaching in June.
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