Initiation Rites

On the eve of the Lake Tahoe Relay the East Bay Flyers gathered for a celebration of running and bonding. My sister Valerie opened the festivities with two readings of inspiration.

I always loved running... it was something you could do by yourself, and under your own power. You could go in any direction, fast or slow as you wanted, fighting the wind if you felt like it, seeking out new sights just on the strength of your feet and the courage of your lungs. -- Jesse Owens

There are as many reasons for running as there are days in the year, years in my life. But mostly I run because I am an animal and a child, an artist and a saint. So, too, are you. Find your own play, your own self-renewing compulsion, and you will become the person you are meant to be. -- George Sheehan

Following a brief interlude, the Great Wittoni entered the great room of the cabin in South Lake Tahoe. Bearing a great physical resemblance to me, the Great Wittoni explained that pressing a Cliff Bar to his temple would give him visions of wisdom.

He began his presentation with his eyes closed. "This person has the best body in the Bay Area running circuit," said Wittoni. "I would know this because I have hugged this person more than anyone else at races. This person is strong and solid. This person is like a rock. It is John "Rock" Pettinichio.”

John approached the Great Wittoni to receive his inscribed medal. Next, Wittoni bestowed a medal to Holly "Super" Starr, imparting to those gathered that she was also lucky and shooting.

Following those words of wisdom a great wind rushed through the room, knocking the Great Wittoni off balance. "I feel an irresistible force," said Wittoni. "A strong wind, so hard to fight. It's Hurricane Jane Watson!"

Next Wittoni honored Diane "Wings" Dove for her great last name and speed. Tony "Ambassador" Fong was named for his many roles promoting running.

Finally, the Great Wittoni said, "I have saved the best for last. I am watching this person run with thousands of runners. She's running the Boston Marathon...and she's on Heartbreak Hill. In front of her is Bill Rogers, four time Boston Marathon winner. Then she gains on him...and then she passes him. She's passing Bill Rogers on Heartbreak Hill! This medal is for Suzette Smith: "Heartbreaker".

The Great Wittoni announced he was appearing at the Reno Holiday Inn all next week, and then departed. Inspired and bedazzled, the East Bay Flyers retired to bed and rested for the next day's long competition.