We always seem to be fortunate enough to catch the tail end of the heat waves that pass through area where we are about to run. Today was no exception. Yesterday we caught the last bad day of a heat wave which was intensified by high humidity. But this morning the clouds rolled in and there was no direct sun to heat up the humid air like yesterday. We still had some humidity to make it a little uncomfortable running, but it was not unbearable.

In the morning, before leaving Buffalo, we ran to the Masten Boys and Girls Club where Izeal, the Director, and David, one of the staff members, greeted us outside as the children were getting ready for us indoors. Izeal had experience with track and field competitions and now coaches. He showed us some pointers on how to throw the shot-put and javelin which I had tried in a number of Master’s Games in the past. Before we knew it, Izeal was carrying the Torch as he led us into the gym where the children were. I was hoping he would not throw it too far.

The kids were great during our presentation as we explained our trip and the aspects of harmony that we are trying to share as we carry the Torch. The children took part in the ‘Harmony Train’ as they ran together around the gym and then made wishes with the Torch for a better world. We are grateful to all the children and the staff that really took our message seriously, offering us much enthusiasm and energy with their participation.

Further down the road in the city of Rochester we made our way to another Boys and Girls Club where over 100 children and staff members were eagerly waiting for us in the playground. Cora Lee and other staff members organized the children to greet us with signs of welcome and a big cheer for the runners. A local NBC TV station was there to cover the story which is always encouraging to us as it allows us to share these inspiring events with many other people who could not be here.

One team was able to make it up to the Atria Greece Retirement Home in Greece, New York, that is. Sandy, the Director, was all enthusiasm for us sharing our message and the opportunity for the members there to hold the Torch. It was a short and sweet ceremony where many of the senior citizens had a chance to offer their wishes and prayers for a better world.

In the evening we had the opportunity to eat a great meal at Hogan’s Hideaway, a stylish restaurant in the heart of the city. Joe, one of the owners, offered us complimentary meals there. He himself is a marathon runner who has run at least one marathon in 49 of the 50 United States. He understood our message clearly as it related to running a relay for harmony. We also met a number of interested folks who were dining at the restaurant including Gary Wilkinson from Scotland and his good friend Maria Vetri.

We enjoyed three large rooms at the Strathallan Hotel in Rochester due to the kindness and generosity of Eric and Nichole of the management there. This hotel offered first class service with beautiful décor and a friendly environment. We always appreciate greatly this kind of offering to our team for a much needed rest at the end of a long day.

Arpan and Team Harmony

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