St. Michael's Day Dash

This morning I ran the St. Michael's Day Dash, which was 5K through the community in which I live. At the downtown starting area, the pre-race memorial included a Police Honor Guard and a Pipes and Drum bagpipe band. A fire truck was on hand and had lifted a large US flag with the badge numbers of the two police officers who were killed in the February shooting.

Even though I was registered I almost backed out. I really don't enjoy racing, though I do like the race atmosphere. I just put too much pressure on myself to finish well. However, I did decide to go and am thankful for having done so. If nothing else it was a reminder that this "race" was really not a "race" at all but rather a way for our community to continue to offer thanks to the five people who were killed in February for all they did for us.

In my race packet was this note:

St. Michael, the Arachangel - Feast Day - September 29....St. Michael is the patron of police officers.

"Saint Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle. Be our protection against the wickedness and snares of the devil. May God rebuke him, we humbly pray; and do Thou, O Prince of the Heavenly Host, by the Divine Power of God, cast into hell Satan and all the evil spirits, who roam throughout the world seeking the ruin of souls. Amen."