By WAYNE JOSEPH
By WAYNE JOSEPH
Tribune-Herald columnist
Resolutions are a small commitment that a person makes to one or more personal goals in anticipation of the New Year. It is a “New Beginning” for people who want to commit to something and stick with it.
Most resolutions people make have to do with changing their lifestyles for the better. New Year resolutions are made with the hope that people can stick with it for the entire year to enhance their lives.
With that being said, the Big Dog went about asking a group of volunteers at his New Year’s Resolution run/walk on Sunday what their resolutions were for 2013. He also asked a few of the more than 200 people that participated the same question and this is some responses:
• Paul Okubo, the Big Dog timer: “You never gave me a chance to say this at the Thanksgiving Day race that I am profoundly thankful that all three of my children had the good fortune to have a terrific cross country/track coach named Wayne Joseph. Because of you all three children, now adults themselves, continue to jog or run in order to keep fit.”
• Steve Pavao, who was on hand to represent the Big Island Road Runners. Pavao put out the mile markers for this race. His resolution is to do his part to make the world a better place for everyone.
• Keith Aoki, from Anheuser-Busch, the company that supplied the sports drinks for the runners: “I hope everyone has a safe 2013 and that they remember to drink responsibly when consuming alcoholic beverages.”
• David Hammes, who volunteered to do the turnaround at the halfway: “I am resolving to be more compassionate, caring, and giving to everyone I come in contact with. I am hoping to qualify for the Boston Marathon (very unlikely, but one has to dream!).”
• Sylas Wright, a volunteer at the sign-in table from Seattle: “I resolve to be more generous with myself in 2013; to live in the moment and love and appreciate all the good things in my life.”
• Joe Wedemann, another volunteer who brought the water and Gatorade on Sunday: “My resolution is to help my brother Bob get back on his feet after a long, painful divorce. I am giving him a place to stay, (room, board, food, etc.) all out of the goodness of my heart.
“I would also note that he is overweight, out of shape, and type 2 diabetic and that I am helping him get his health back under control so he can enjoy his new life here in Hawaii.”
• Internist Aaron Morita, the Big Dog’s family doctor who was on hand for the run: “My 2013 commitment is to be more attentive to my wife Pat and take care of her better as she takes great care of me, our family, our home and business.”
During the Resolution 5K run, it was the Big Island Running Company’s Jason Braswell who would have won the race had he not taken a wrong turn leading him away from the finish line and allowing a pair of high school runners to pass him near the finish. This allowed Hilo High’s Stephen Hunter to win the race in a time of 18 minutes, 8 seconds. Second place went to Waiakea’s Ian McQuate in 18:10.
“I ran today to help the Food Basket.” Hunter said.
“I guess my resolution for 2013 is to know where the finish line is prior to the race and not allow this to happen to me again,” said a smiling Braswell, who finished the race in 18:15.
The run’s finish had been changed after a police officer told runners they couldn’t run through Hilo Bayfront because of an ongoing investigation and the entire course had to be changed to run in the opposite direction.
Taking first place for the women was Noe Waller (21:29), followed by Leslie Spinelli (21:40) and Mehana Sabato-Halphern in third.
“I haven’t raced in a very long time,” Waller said. “I was terrified to come today.
“My resolution for the new year is to not be afraid to run road races and get back into doing what I love.”
This event attracted more than 200 participants and raised over $300 and trunk loads of can goods for the Hawaii Island Food Basket.
It takes lots of volunteers and community support to step up and be flexible. At the last minute the course had to be re-routed due to the closure of Hilo Bayfront Highway. The Big Island Road Runners stepped up to make this run/walk possible and at 6 a.m. changed to a new course. Despite the constant rain and change in the course the race was a huge success.
Participants ranged in age from 6 to 80. Lucas Kay-Wong, 6, said: “I ran with my dad today because he said I would be a better soccer player if I did this race. I had a lot of fun today.”
And someday should you happen to come upon a slow jogger resolving to love his wife more and taking one day at a time, remember to say “woof” and never shy away from “Running with the Big Dog.”
Email the Big Dog @ waiakeabigdog@aol.com.