Racing for Beef.

“I’ve signed you up for a marathon, Mom,” was the message I received from Emilie early this spring.  It took a few seconds for her words to sink in, and I caught my breath as I contemplated how I would be gasping for breath if I agreed.  I doubted that I could even cross the finish line in a marathon race.  Fortunately, Emilie quickly pointed out that I would not be running the 15 kilometer event.  Thankful I would not have to train in order to survive 9.3 miles of agony, I began to look forward to some quality time with Emilie in the 3 mile walk she entered both of us to compete in.  Power walking is not something I practice, but I figured I could keep up with the majority of the crowd if all I had to do was walk.  I get lots of practice on our farms’ hills as I move cattle from pasture to pasture.

All too quickly, July 12th arrived.  Emilie and I drove to New York where the state’s beef industry was sponsoring for the first time the annual Boilermaker.  They were joined by other cattle producers and industry representatives from nine states.  We gathered with all the other marathoners in a manicured park filled with colorful tents, and equally colorful people.  Beef was on the menu for thousands of people who lined up to sample a roast beef and broccoli salad roll up.  It was the perfect recipe for successfully attracting athletes and spectators back to putting more beef into their diets. Some who were reluctant to try the tasty treat soon came back for seconds and a copy of the recipe after their taste buds woke up to the unique taste of  this beef combo.  Athletes understood the importance of eating beef to build muscles and to supply zinc, iron, and protein in one great package.  They gave the Beef Council volunteers the thumbs up for serving the nutritious snack.

Emilie and I donned our special Team ZIP (Zinc, Iron, Protein) race shirts.  We posed for a photo close to the start of the race, and high-fived our fellow Beef Teammates, many from Pennsylvania.  Armed with a bottle of water and wearing a brand new pair of special sneakers made for walking, we waited for the start gun to signal our three-mile journey throughout the beautiful park.  It was a special time to enjoy the setting and spending the day with Emilie.

As we reached the half way mark, we passed serious walkers striding determinedly toward the finish line.  They had already completed the first half of the circuit and were intent on winning the event.  In contrast, Emilie and I were enjoying visiting with other walkers, learning more about their lives, and promoting the beef industry as people noticed our colorful shirts reminding them that beef is what’s for dinner.  We met a 71 year old woman who had walked in the Boilermaker every year since it started up.  Her daughter was walking with her, while her husband was waiting up ahead.

Families were plentiful at Saturday’s walk.  Parents were pushing babies in strollers.  Youngsters were racing ahead and back again as they completed the race.  Everyone who finished received a pin to wear with pride.  As Team ZIP headed back to the tent where our display and beef samples were still drawing hoards of visitors, I looked forward to the opportunity to continue telling the story about beef producers and our product to folks who probably never saw a cow “in person.” 

It was a long and tiring day, but it left both Emilie and me invigorated and enthused about the next day’s 5K and 15K races.  More Team ZIP members would be racing.  These were the heartier representatives for the beef industry.  Some were regular marathon runners.  Others hadn’t run seriously since high school.  Former Pennsylvania Beef Ambassador Chris Molinara and her twin sister Kim, were signed up to race in these long distance events.  Emilie and I took on the role of Beef Backers and cheered all the Team ZIP members along the course.  We strategically located in the “last-mile” section of the race, at the point where the route was all down hill.  Our message was well received by the runners who were fueled by beef as they turned on the speed to finish the race, even if they were only beating their last race’s time.

It was exciting to hear folks cheering for the runners, and cheering for beef that has become part of this event.  It was a great way to promote an important part of the agricultural economy, and it was a lot of fun.

Before the Boilermaker, the only race I had run since high school gym class was for a seat in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives.  This three-mile walk as part of Team ZIP was a lot more fun.  Even though Emilie and I weren’t first to cross the finish line, we felt like winners for being part of this effort.  Who knows, maybe we’ll start practicing now and sign up for the 5K in 2009.  Want to join us?  Team ZIP is still looking for a few good beef promoters who like to run (or walk) --- whether you enter the Boilermaker or a race closer to home.  It’s a great way to spend the day.
 
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