Sharon's Tribute

I

-----Original Message-----

From: ten30pace@yahoogroups.com [mailto:ten30pace@yahoogroups.com]

To: ten30pace@yahoogroups.com

Subject: Re: [ten30pace] The Death of Al Vargas

 

Hello ten30pacers from Sharon McNary -- Bronze Tribute Streak Day 245!

 I've been away from my computer since Thursday -- I flew that evening to Salt Lake City to pace the 5-hour group in Saturday's marathon (I'll send a race report later)-- and was stunned and saddened to learn this morning while catching up on my e-mail that Al Vargas had died.

It's not unusual in the ten30pace group to get to know a person from their posted messages here before we realize who they are in person, and that was my experience with Al. His comments were always cheerful and full of appreciation for the community we have built around the simple, healthful sport of running.

Al was friendly, helpful and fun. He embraced the challenge of distance running and beat my P.R. on his first marathon try!  There may be those who might try to link his running and the circumstances of his death, but let's leave that to the medical professionals. To me, he was exactly the sort of person we Leggers are here for -- the mid-life, health-seeking, fun-loving person who is looking for an open athletic community to join for a better life.

I hope someone will post where-and-when details on any memorial services for him. And Sharon McNary thanks to Charles for collecting these tributes in a single locale where his family may appreciate them.

I will remember Al Vargas with great fondness,

Sharon