Next Rant

If you praise your abilities, and not the color of your skin, for your accomplishments, do the same for your failures.

Just something short and to the point.

Muckas

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Rant of the Day

I'm really getting sick and tired of some of the folks around here, and their driving habits. I have no problem when drivers can't move over to far due to oncoming traffic but, when they refuse to slow down, that just pisses me off. My wife and I run throughout Wynne. Sidewalks are not readily available on most of the streets we run on. However, we make every attempt possible to stay as close to the side of the road as possible. The speed limit on the majority of the roads is 30 MPH. We had several vehicles exceeding that by at least 10 MPH and refusing to get over. I understand, we're pedestrians out on the road but, I promise you, hit one of us and you'll be at fault. Until they decide to put sidewalks throughout, learn to share the road. Quit being selfish idiots. In fact, join us for a run and maybe you'll learn what it's like to share the road. Ok, I'm done for now. Have a great day everyone. And for those of you who slow down, move over and do share the road, I thank you.

Heating Up

Wow!! The heat and humidity are starting to rise here in Arkansas. The Muckas met for our weekly group run. We ran at Village Creek State Park today. Eight of us all together. Only seven runners, as Mrs Weyant brought her killer Chiuahua to walk with her. Temps were in the mid 70s with 60% humidity. The wind started picking up as we were on the back part of our run. That wasn't all that of an unwelcome sight because it helped cool things down, even just a slight bit.

As we were running towards Lake Austel, Brandon was in front of Deb and I. We saw a squirrel try to take him down. One of the funniest dang things I've ever seen. The, a little further down the road, two deer ran across the road in front of us. That is one of the really cool things to see while running out there.

While reviewing the elevation chart for the Jonesboro Marathon, the park may be a great place to train. Less likely to deal with traffic out there as well. Happy running everyone.

Jonesboro

Just signed up for the inaugural Jonesboro Marathon in May. Really hoping this race does well as it will provide another race within driving distance, as well as allow more Muckas to run together. We have 53 days until race day. Guess I need to get serious about my training again. :) I've been off the last three days. Sunday was a rest day but, I went out and cut the grass. Unfortunately, during that time, something bit me. Looking like it was a brown recluse from what the doctors are saying. Even so, they aren't completely sure. So, I'm on some meds now in hopes to catch it before it gets out of control. So, I will most likely be treadmill bound for about a week until the medication is all consumed and this clears up. Don't want to be out on the road by myself and fall out. That wouldn't be good.

Oh well, still really excited about Jonesboro. Got one of our Muckas looking to make this his first full marathon as well. At least I'll have a running partner. :) Hope everyone's day is going well.

The Fallen

They say you never forget where you were, or what you were doing, when something tramatic happens in your life. April 3, 1997, I remember exactly where I was. I was in Lompoc, CA, at the ball field in staff housing for the prison I worked at. We were practicing for a Law Enforcement tournament coming up in a couple weeks. The sirens at the Penitentiary went off. I look right at Dave Brunk and asked what day it was. He responded, "Thursday." This is not good. See, they test the siren at certain times on Fridays. It wasn't long before we had ambulnaces rolling up to the institution. Staff were responding from the reservation to the USP. That is a day I will never forget. We lost a fellow officer, SORT Brother, husband and father to a senseless act. This is the excerpt from the Officer Down Memorial Page regarding Scott.



Senior Officer Specialist Scott James Williams
United States Department of Justice - Federal Bureau of Prisons
U.S. Government
End of Watch: Thursday, April 3, 1997

Biographical Info
Age: 30
Tour of Duty: 4 years
Badge Number: Not available

Incident Details
Cause of Death: Stabbed
Date of Incident: Thursday, April 3, 1997
Incident Location: California
Weapon Used: Edged weapon; Shank
Suspect Info: Awaiting trial

Senior Officer Scott Williams was killed after being stabbed by an inmate with a make shift knife. Four other officers who came to Officer Williams' assistance were also stabbed by the same inmate. Officer Williams was pronounced dead at 1855 hours. The incident took place in the US Penitentiary in Lompoc, California.

The suspect was charged with Officer Williams' murder and was awaiting trial as of June 2008.

Senior Officer Williams had served with the Federal Bureau of Prisons for 4 years. He was survived by his wife and two daughters."

Poem
The Officer's stood and faced God,
Which must always come to pass.
They hoped their shoes were shining.
Just as brightly as their brass.

"Step forward now, Officers.
How shall I deal with you?
Have you always turned the other cheek?
To My church have you been true?"

The men squared their shoulders and
The Policeman spoke first
"No, Lord, I guess We ain't,
Because those of us who carry badges
can't always be a saint.

We've had to work most Sundays,
and at times our talk was rough,
and sometimes we've been violent,
Because the streets are tough.

The Corrections Officer then added,
But we never took a penny,
That wasn't ours to keep...
Though we worked a lot of overtime
When the bills got just too steep.

And we never passed a cry for help,
Though at times we shook with fear.
And sometimes, God forgive us,
We've wept unmanly tears.

Together they say,
We know We don't deserve a place
Among the people here.
They never wanted us around
Except to calm their fear.

If you've a place for us here, Lord,
It needn't be so grand.
We never expected or had too much,
But if you don't...We'll understand.

There was silence around the throne
Where the saints had often trod.
As the Officers waited quietly,
For the judgment of their God.

"Step forward now, Officers,
You've borne your burdens well.
Come walk a beat on Heaven's streets,
You've done your time in hell."


Anonymous

You are not forgotten Scott.

The Sun Is Out

Great weather today. The Muckas met up for an early morning run. There were 9 of us out there, enjoying this beautiful weather. WE took off for our 3.5 mile flat course. Holly and Brandon led the way. Tim and James followed behind them. I hung with Deb and Sherry. Then we had a new member, Miss Kitty, joining us today. Her and John brought up the rear. Everyone did well.

After we finished our group run, I set out for the rest of what was supposed to be my 14 mile long run. The first 3.5 miles were at a 9:30 pace (roughly). Instead of running a flat course, I took on some hills throughout the Airpark road area. Those hills will definitely work one's legs. After coming out of the hill area, I ran throughout the local neighborhood. While heading East, it was uphill on a slight incline. West, of course, was downhill. THe temps kept rising so, I was feeling pretty zapped by the time I breached double digit mileage. I called it quits at 12.1 miles, since that was right at the turn for our road.

Great run, great weather, some great company for the first part of it. I finished with an overall 8:45 pace. I'll take that. No need to try and break any land speed records right now. Hope everyone else is having great weather like us.